Miami Marlins infielder Eddy Alvarez has been chosen as a U.S flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Friday night. Sue Bird, a four-time gold medalist, will also serve as a U.S flag bearer.
Eddy Alvarez
Alvarez, 31, is in Miami’s minor league system and will represent Team USA in the Olympics. The 31-year-old will become the first baseball player to serve as a flag bearer for the U.S.
Alvarez: “It means everything to me. To be able to lead Team USA is an absolute honor.”
If the U.S baseball team medals, Alvarez would become only the third American to medal in both the Winter and Summer olympics. Alvarez participated at the 2014 Sochi Olympics (winter) when he won a silver medal in short track speed skating.
The Opening Ceremony for the Tokyo Olympics will begin at 7:00 AM EST on Friday, July 23.