Gunnar Henderson, the Baltimore Orioles' standout infielder, is setting his sights beyond the diamond and dreaming of Olympic glory. After witnessing Team USA hockey clinch gold at the 2026 Winter Games, Henderson's aspirations now include donning the red, white, and blue at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This ambition only adds to his already impressive profile as a cornerstone for the Orioles.
During spring training, Henderson opened up about his Olympic dreams, inspired by the recent success of Team USA hockey. He expressed how watching that victory ignited a new passion for representing his country on one of the world's biggest stages.
“That would be super special, being able to get into the Olympics and compete for the gold medal at that point. After watching that hockey game, that’s definitely something that’s a top priority,” Henderson shared.
With baseball set to return to the Olympics at Dodger Stadium in 2028, there's a tangible goal for players like Henderson. While MLB and the MLBPA navigate the logistics of allowing active players to participate, Henderson has already thrown his support behind the idea. For him, the dream of Olympic competition now stands alongside his aspirations for success in the American League.
For Orioles fans, Henderson's words highlight his growing stature and the potential for him to become a key figure for Team USA baseball. If MLB can pave the way for its stars to compete, Henderson's mix of talent and international ambition could make him a leading face of the team by 2028.