When the 2026 World Baseball Classic begins this March, the international spotlight will shine brightly on a group of elite athletes with deep roots in New Jersey’s high school baseball tradition. From standout pitchers and rising professional stars to influential coaches shaping the next generation, the Garden State’s imprint on this year’s global tournament reflects the strength of its player development pipeline and the enduring impact of its local programs.

The following table summarizes the key players with strong New Jersey ties competing in the 2026 tournament: 

Across Team Italy and Team Israel, several athletes who first honed their skills on New Jersey diamonds will represent their heritage on one of baseball’s biggest international stages. Their presence highlights not only individual achievement but also the exceptional quality of the state’s high school and amateur baseball systems, which continue to produce talent capable of competing at the highest levels of the sport.

Among the most prominent New Jersey representatives is catcher Kyle Teel, whose journey began at Mahwah High School, where he earned recognition as New Jersey’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2020. Known for his defensive command behind the plate and disciplined offensive approach, Teel has since advanced to professional baseball with the Chicago White Sox organization. His inclusion on Team Italy’s roster reflects both his Italian heritage and the elite foundation established during his formative years in the Garden State.

Joining Teel on the Italian roster is infielder Andrew Fischer, a product of Wall Township High School and one of the most highly regarded young players to emerge from New Jersey in recent years. An All-State performer during his high school career, Fischer’s rapid ascent culminated in his selection as a first-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025. His versatility in the infield and advanced hitting profile position him as a key contributor for Italy as the tournament unfolds.

On the pitching side, Team Italy features Gordon Graceffo, a Cranford High School graduate who anchored his team’s rotation during a standout amateur career. Now a member of the St. Louis Cardinals organization, Graceffo brings a combination of power pitching and strategic command that has earned attention throughout professional baseball. His development reflects the strong pitching culture cultivated within New Jersey’s competitive high school programs.

Another Garden State arm representing Italy is Ron Marinaccio, a Toms River North High School alumnus whose journey through the Shore Conference helped shape his professional career. After competing at the major league level, including recent time with the San Diego Padres, Marinaccio brings experience and composure to the international stage, reinforcing the depth of New Jersey’s pitching legacy.

Team Israel’s roster also features significant New Jersey influence, led by left-handed pitcher Rob Kaminsky, who rose to prominence at St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale. A dominant presence during his prep career, Kaminsky earned statewide recognition as a two-time Player of the Year and has continued to showcase his talent at the professional level. His participation underscores the lasting impact of New Jersey’s top-tier baseball programs.

Pitcher Harrison Cohen represents another strong local connection for Team Israel, bringing ties to the Somerset Patriots organization based in Bridgewater. His experience within the region’s professional development system reflects the interconnected nature of New Jersey’s baseball landscape, where amateur and professional pathways often intersect.

The Garden State’s influence extends beyond the playing field, with Jason Marquis serving as Team Israel’s pitching coach. Currently an assistant coach at Middletown South High School, Marquis previously starred as a major league pitcher and played a central role in Israel’s 2017 World Baseball Classic campaign. His transition from international competitor to mentor highlights the state’s ongoing contribution to the sport’s leadership ranks.

While these six figures represent the most direct ties to New Jersey’s high school baseball tradition, the state’s influence on the 2026 World Baseball Classic reaches even further. Several additional players with regional connections are expected to make an impact throughout the tournament.

Among them is Sam Aldegheri, a pitcher competing for Team Italy who has become an important figure in the nation’s baseball development. Infielder Zack Dezenzo of the Houston Astros organization also brings New Jersey family connections to the Italian roster, joining fellow Garden State standouts in representing the country on the global stage.

Team Israel’s lineup includes outfielder Harrison Bader, a player with strong regional ties through his professional tenure with New York’s major league clubs. His experience and leadership provide a cornerstone presence for Israel’s roster as it competes against international competition.

The global tournament itself will feature games across multiple host cities, including Houston, Miami, Tokyo, and San Juan, bringing together elite players from around the world in a celebration of baseball’s international growth. Team Italy will compete in Pool B in Houston, facing formidable competition that includes the United States and Mexico, while Team Israel will take the field in Pool D in Miami.

For New Jersey, the widespread representation in the World Baseball Classic serves as a powerful testament to the state’s rich baseball tradition. From youth leagues and high school programs to collegiate and professional pathways, the Garden State has long fostered a culture that emphasizes skill development, competitive excellence, and a deep passion for the game.

The state’s influence on the sport extends far beyond individual players, shaping coaching philosophies, training methods, and community engagement initiatives that strengthen baseball’s presence throughout the region. Those interested in exploring the broader impact of the sport across the Garden State can follow ongoing coverage of New Jersey baseball, which highlights the athletes, programs, and milestones defining the state’s evolving baseball legacy.

As the World Baseball Classic approaches, the achievements of these New Jersey athletes reflect more than personal success—they represent the collective strength of a statewide baseball community that continues to produce world-class talent. Their participation underscores the global reach of the Garden State’s sports culture and reaffirms New Jersey’s reputation as a powerful force in the development of elite baseball players.

When the first pitch is thrown in March, fans across New Jersey will be watching closely, united in support of the homegrown athletes carrying the state’s proud baseball tradition onto the international stage.