World Baseball Classic Begins With Heavy Missions Presence

The crack of the bat. A perfectly manicured outfield. Kettle corn popping. The first bite of a hot dog on a hot summer day.

Baseball is a game in which all of one’s senses come together to tell a vivid story. There are certain things, like those described above, that you can’t miss when stepping into a ballpark. This week, however, more comes to life.

Trumpets blaring. Arepas baking. Flags waving. Drums beating.

It’s time for the World Baseball Classic (WBC), where America’s Pastime takes the global stage.

As the Olympics and World Cup have proven for decades upon decades, representing one’s country takes on a deeper meaning than anything else could. A relevant reminder always comes from Herb Brooks, coach of the 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team, who told his “Miracle on Ice” team that the name on the front of their sweaters meant way more than the names on the back.

Since 2006, the WBC has sought to replicate that passion on the diamond. As the WBC enters its sixth edition, the success of this worldwide baseball tournament continues to grow. A sport born in the United States is now essentially religion in the Caribbean in places like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. And how about the love of the game in Japan and South Korea, countries who continue to not only send their best to the majors but also host their own high-level pro leagues.

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably wondering where the Missions connection is. Well, don’t forget, there’s always a local angle.

There are 33—yes 33—current or former San Antonio Missions playing or coaching in this year’s WBC. Many may think of the biggest names off the bat, like Fernando Tatis Jr. representing the Dominican Republic. But many may also miss a name like Josh Mallitz, playing for Team Israel, who got called up to San Antonio at the end of 2025 and will likely start the 2026 season as a Mission.

As you get ready to wake up in the middle of the night to watch games in Tokyo, or even drive to catch games in Houston, don’t miss all these San Antonio Missions.

Australia

Michael Collins (2009)

Jarryd Dale (2024)

Sam Holland (2015)

Canada

Logan Allen (2018)

Carter Loewen (2024-25)

Josh Naylor (2017-18)

Cal Quantrill (2017-18)

Colombia

Tayron Guerrero (2015-16)

Luis Patiño (2025)

Czechia

John Hussey (2014)

Dominican Republic

Michael De La Cruz (2023-24)

Wandy Peralta (2024)

Fernando Tatis Jr. (2017-18, 22)

Great Britain

Barry Enright (2017)

Tyler Viza (2021)

Israel

Josh Mallitz (2025)

Jason Marquis (2012)

Robert Stock (2018)

Italy

Alek Jacob (2022-23)

Jakob Marsee (2023-24)

Korea

Woo-Suk Go (2024)

Mexico

Andres Muñoz (2018)

Gerardo Reyes (2018)

Luis Urias (2017)

Netherlands

Ray Patrick-Didder (2024)

Nicaragua

Jacque Jones (2013 - hitting coach)

Panama

Miguel Cienfuegos (2024-25)

Allen Cordoba (2021)

Javy Guerra (2021)

Puerto Rico

Jose Espada (2023, 25)

USA

David Bednar (2018)

Dino Ebel (1996 - coach)

David Ross (2000)