Luke Gregerson was the genius of Team USA’s eagle mascot

Team Dominican Republic had plantains. Team Israel had a giant mensch. And Team Untied States had a giant 45-pound eagle sculpture as a team mascot in the dugout.

But did you know who the source of the mascot? It was Houston Astros relief pitcher and Team USA closer, Luke Gregerson. Gregerson got the statue from his father-in-law, Chuck, who's a big fan of Eagles — reports Houston Chronicle's Jake Kaplan. 

Gregerson returned to Astros camp this week with the Eagle and it found a home in the Astros clubhouse.

The eagle clearly had some level of mojo on Gregerson, who was lights out on the mound for Team USA. Gregerson appeared in four games, picking up three saves — including the save that sent the stars and stripe to the WBC Final. He allowed no hits, struck out three and walked one over four innings.

The Astros may need to hang onto that eagle.