Former New Jersey High School Baseball Stars Make Their Mark on the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is set to begin on March 5, and the excitement is building as rosters for all 20 teams have been unveiled. New Jersey is proud to be represented by several former high school stars who have earned their spots on the tournament's teams.
Let's take a closer look at some of these talented athletes and their impressive journeys.
Team Israel: Rob Kaminsky
Rob Kaminsky, a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Mont., is a free agent in the MLB. In 2025, he showed his resilience by bouncing around different teams. He appeared in one game with the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, two games for the Florida Complex League Cardinals, and six games for the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League. Kaminsky's impressive performance in his senior season at St. Joseph in 2013 caught the eye of the Cardinals, who drafted him in the first round, 28th overall. That year, he tossed 64 innings, fanned 128 batters, and allowed just one earned run, earning a 9-0 record. A two-time NJ.com Player of the Year, Kaminsky is a force to be reckoned with on the mound.
Team Israel: Jason Marquis (Coach)
Jason Marquis, a Staten Island native, brings a wealth of experience to the team as an assistant coach at Middletown South. He helped the Eagles achieve a 15-11 record last spring. Marquis played in the MLB for 15 seasons with nine different franchises, boasting a career 4.61 ERA and a 124-118 record, along with 1,174 strikeouts. His expertise and leadership will undoubtedly be invaluable to Team Israel's success at the WBC.
Team Italy: Kyle Teel
Kyle Teel, a graduate of Mahwah High School, made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2025. His impressive performance in the previous year included a .273 average, 8 home runs, 35 RBIs, 11 doubles, and an outstanding .786 OPS. Teel's talent was recognized early on, as he was named Second-Team All-State as a shortstop in 2019 and New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year in 2020, earning First-Team All-State honors. The Boston Red Sox drafted him 14th overall in the MLB Draft in 2023, and his potential is undeniable.
Team Italy: Gordon Graceffo
Gordon Graceffo, a former Cranford High School standout, made his MLB debut during the 2024 season and appeared in 26 games in 2025. With the St. Louis Cardinals, he pitched just under 175 innings in his career before graduating in 2018, amassing 128 strikeouts. The Cardinals drafted him in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Villanova, showcasing their faith in his talent.
Team Italy: Ron Marinaccio
Ron Marinaccio, a graduate of Toms River North High School, began his MLB journey at 26 years old in the Bronx. He was DFA'd by the Yankees in September 2024 after nearly three seasons with the club. Despite this setback, he was claimed by the White Sox but never played for them. Marinaccio spent 2025 with the San Diego Padres, appearing in seven games and showcasing his potential.
Team Italy: Andrew Fischer
Andrew Fischer, a former Wall High School standout, had a stellar 2025 season. He played for both the University of Tennessee and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (A+). Fischer hit an impressive .341 average with 74 hits, 70 runs, 25 home runs, 65 RBIs, and a remarkable 1.227 OPS for Tennessee. The Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the first round, 20th overall, in the 2025 draft, and he wrapped up his season with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Midwest League. Fischer's talent and potential are undoubtedly a bright spot for Team Italy.
These former New Jersey high school baseball stars are making their mark on the 2026 World Baseball Classic, showcasing the talent and depth of the state's baseball scene.
