The fifth edition of the World Baseball Classic begins today with 20 teams facing off for the chance to be crowned the greatest baseball country in the world. In the previous World Baseball Classic back in 2017, the United States defeated Puerto Rico in the championship 8-0 and look to defend their title once again.
But what makes a summer collegiate baseball league so relevant in a battle of the best countries? Simple. The Northwoods League has 22 former players competing for 10 different teams in this year’s World Baseball Classic.
Below are all of the former Northwoods League players on rosters for the 2023 World Baseball Classic:
Netherlands
- Richie Palacios, Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, 2016
Italy
- Ben DeLuzio, St. Cloud Rox, 2016
- Miles Mastrobuoni, Rochester Honkers, 2015
- Dominic Miroglio, Duluth, 2014-15
- Glenn Albanese, Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, 2020
- Matteo Bocchi, Rochester Honkers, 2018
Japan
- Lars Nootbaar, La Crosse Loggers, 2016
Australia
- Drew Campbell, Madison Mallards, 2018
Mexico
- Austin Barnes, St. Cloud Rox, 2010
Canada
- Denzel Clarke, Kokomo Jackrabbits, 2019
Great Britain
- Jamie Ritchie, Alexandria Blue Anchors, 2013, Green Bay Rockers, 2014
- Jacob Esch, Madison Mallards, 2009-2010
- Graham Spraker, La Crosse Loggers, 2015-16
Colombia
- Pedro Garcia, St. Cloud Rox, 2019
USA
- Pete Alonso, Madison Mallards, 2014
Israel
- Zack Gelof, Kalamazoo Growlers, 2019
- Matt Mervis, Kalamazoo Growlers, 2018
- Richard Bleier, Alexandria Blue Anchors, 2007
- Colton Gordon, Kenosha Kingfish, 2018
- Andrew Gross, Thunder Bay Border Cats, 2018
- Joey Wagman, Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, 2011
See all of these former Northwoods League players contend for the World Baseball Classic title beginning on March 7 and culminating on March 21 in Miami, Florida. The best way to watch the future best players in the world now is with a Family Flock Membership, powered by Scheels.
They start at $25 per game for (4) games and include 3 innings of all-you-can-eat food and drink, a free jersey, a hat, and the most comfortable seats in the ballpark. Get your tickets today by clicking here.
