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In the modern era of global baseball, the path to international competition increasingly runs through the American high school system. And a recent feature from On3 highlights a fascinating trend: dozens of players representing countries other than the United States developed their early baseball careers at American high schools. These athletes—now eligible for national teams across the Americas, Europe, and Asia—spent formative years competing in some of the most competitive prep programs in the United States before pursuing college or professional baseball opportunities. The list spans a wide range of nations, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Italy, Great Britain, the Dominican Republic, and others, reflecting how deeply interconnected the global baseball pipeline has become.
RELATED: Top 10 players in the World Baseball Classic
American high school baseball offers structured competition, advanced coaching, and year-round exposure to scouts, making it a major development hub for young players worldwide. According to the On3 report, many internationally eligible players attended well-known baseball programs in states such as California, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, and Texas—regions widely recognized for producing elite amateur talent. Their experiences in these programs helped refine their skills while providing visibility to college recruiters and professional organizations. In many cases, the combination of international heritage and American development pathways has created a unique group of players capable of strengthening national teams outside the United States.
Coverage like this also illustrates the broader mission of On3, a sports media network launched in 2021 that provides news, recruiting analysis, and athlete databases across college and high school sports. By spotlighting players with cross-national baseball backgrounds, the platform demonstrates how high school sports in the United States influence the international baseball landscape, shaping athletes who ultimately represent countries around the world.
New York Yankees infielder Dante Bichette Jr. (22) plays for the Scottsdale Scorpions against the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League game at Cubs Park. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Brazil’s connection to American high school baseball is reflected in players like Dante Bichette Jr., Tomas Lopez, Lucas Ramirez, and Joseph Contreras. Each developed their skills at competitive U.S. programs—from Florida’s Orangewood Christian and American Heritage to California’s Redondo Union and Georgia’s Blessed Trinity Catholic. Their experiences highlight how international prospects often sharpen their game in the U.S. prep system before pursuing professional careers. The path illustrates baseball’s global reach and the role American high school competition plays in shaping international talent.
Dante Bichette Jr. – Orangewood Christian (FL)
Tomas Lopez – Redondo Union (CA)
Lucas Ramirez – American Heritage (FL)
Joseph Contreras – Blessed Trinity Catholic (GA)
Canada starting pitcher Logan Allen (22) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Several Canadian players spent their teenage years in American high schools, blending international identity with U.S. player development. Pitchers and position players such as Jameson Taillon, Logan Allen, Rob Zastryzny, Micah Ashman, and Matt Davidson all competed in strong prep programs across Texas, North Carolina, Utah, and California. Their experiences show how cross-border movement in amateur baseball can provide Canadian athletes access to elite facilities and competition. In many cases, those years helped lay the groundwork for professional and international careers.
Logan Allen – T.C. Roberson (NC)
Jameson Taillon – The Woodlands (TX)
Micah Ashman – Jordan (UT)
Rob Zastryzny – Callalen (TX)
Matt Davidson – Yucaipa (CA)
Atlanta Braves right fielder Stuart Fairchild (17) slides in safely with a double against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth inning at Truist Park. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Although representing Chinese Taipei internationally, Stuart Fairchild’s baseball roots include time at Seattle Preparatory in Washington. Competing in the Pacific Northwest prep circuit gave him exposure to high-level coaching and competition during his formative years. That experience helped refine the athleticism and versatility that later defined his playing style. His journey reflects the increasingly global pathways that lead through American high school baseball.
Stuart Fairchild – Seattle Preparatory (WA)
Detroit Tigers reliever Austin Bergner pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during Grapefruit League action at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida, on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. Credit: © Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Colombia’s presence in U.S. high school baseball is represented by players like Rio Gomez and Austin Bergner. Gomez developed at Arizona’s Desert Vista High School, while Bergner pitched at West Orange High School in Florida, a state known for producing elite baseball talent. Their time in the American prep system offered exposure to advanced training environments and competitive schedules. Those opportunities helped bridge the gap between international amateur baseball and professional development.
Rio Gomez – Desert Vista (AZ)
Austin Bergner – West Orange (FL)
RELATED: Every champion in World Baseball Classic
Baltimore Orioles left fielder Terrin Vavra (23) runs towards the dugout during batting practice against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
For Czechia, players such as Jeff Barto, William Escala, and Terrin Vavra illustrate the connection between European baseball and the American prep system. Barto played in Idaho, Escala in South Florida’s talent-rich South Dade program, and Vavra in Wisconsin at Menomonie High School. These environments exposed them to a level of competition not always available in emerging baseball nations. Their experiences highlight how U.S. high schools can serve as developmental gateways for players representing smaller baseball countries.
Jeff Barto – Boise (ID)
William Escala – South Dade (FL)
Terrin Vavra – Menomonie (WI)
New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) celebrates his go ahead RBI single against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning of game two of the Wildcard round of the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Even players tied to the Dominican Republic sometimes pass through American high school programs. Manny Machado starred at Brito Miami Private School in Florida, while catcher Austin Wells played at Bishop Gorman in Nevada. Both schools compete in highly competitive baseball circuits that frequently produce professional prospects. Their prep careers demonstrate how the Dominican Republic’s baseball influence intersects with the U.S. development pipeline.
Austin Wells – Bishop Gorman (NV)
Manny Machado – Brito Miami Private (FL)
Great Britain pitcher Donovan Benoit against Mexico during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Great Britain’s roster of players with American high school experience is extensive, spanning programs across the country. From California standouts like Tristan Beck and Dylan Covey to East Coast players such as Andre Scrubb and Nick Wells, these athletes developed within the U.S. prep baseball landscape. Others—including Jazz Chisholm Jr., Harry Ford, and Lucius Fox—played at powerhouse schools that routinely produce professional prospects. Together, they show how British baseball increasingly draws from players who honed their skills in American high school competition.
Jack Anderson – Evanston Township (IL)
Brendan Beck – Corona (CA)
Tristan Beck – Corona (CA)
Donovan Benoit – Pensacola Catholic (FL)
Dylan Covey – Maranatha (CA)
Gary Gill Hill – Kennedy Catholic (NY)
Miles Langhorne – Greenwich (CT)
Andre Scrubb – C.D. Hylton (VA)
Jack Seppings – Landmark Christian (OH)
Graham Spraker – Mountain View (AZ)
Najer Victor – East Ridge (FL)
Tyler Viza – Desert Vista (AZ)
Nick Wells – Battlefield (VA)
Owen Wild – Gig Harbor (WA)
Vance Worley – C.K. McClatchy (CA)
Will Cresswell – Auburn Mountainview and Puyallup (WA)
Harry Ford – North Cobb (GA)
Jazz Chisholm Jr. – Life Prep Academy (WA)
Chaver Fernandez – Faith Baptist Academy (FL) and Georgia Premier Academy (GA)
Nate Eaton – Thomas Dale (VA)
Ivan Johnson – Kennesaw Mountain (GA)
Nick Ward – Unionville (PA)
Lucius Fox – American Heritage (FL)
Trayce Thompson – Santa Margarita Catholic (CA)
Justin Wylie – Hamilton (AZ)
RELATED: World Baseball Classic team power rankings
Duke Blue Devils pitcher Charlie Beilenson (47) pitches in the ninth inning against the Florida State Seminoles during the ACC Baseball Tournament at Truist Field. Credit: Scott Kinser-USA TODAY Sports
Israel’s representation includes Charlie Beilenson, who played at Chaminade Prep in California before continuing his baseball career. Competing in Southern California’s competitive prep leagues provided valuable exposure to high-level pitching and scouting attention. That environment helped shape his development as a player with international eligibility. His path reflects how the American prep system often feeds talent into emerging national teams.
Charlie Beilenson – Chaminade Prep (CA)
Matt Bowman – St. Albans (DC)
Harrison Cohen – Cold Spring Harbor (NY)
Daniel Federman – Archbishop Edward McCarthy (FL)
Jake Fishman – Sharon (MA)
Jordan Geber – Archbishop Spalding (MD)
Tommy Kahnle – Shaker (NY)
Rob Kaminsky – St. Joseph Regional (NJ)
Dean Kremer – Lincoln (CA)
Max Lazar – Coral Springs (FL)
Zack Leban – Sammamish (WA)
Carlos Lequerica – Terra Environmental Research Institute (FL)
Josh Mallitz – Jesuit (FL)
Ryan Prager – Hillcrest (TX)
Ben Simon – Hightstown (NJ)
Robert Stock – Agoura (CA)
C.J. Stubbs – Torrey Pines (CA)
Garrett Stubbs – Torrey Pines (CA)
Cole Carrigg – Turlock (CA)
Jake Gelof – Cape Henlopen (DE) and IMG Academy (FL)
Colby Halter – Bishop Kenny (FL)
Spencer Horwitz – St. Paul’s School (MD)
Noah Mendlinger – Alpharetta (GA)
Matt Mervis – Georgetown Prep (MD)
Benjamin Rosengard – Northside Prep (IL)
Harrison Bader – Horace Mann (NY)
Zach Levenson – Lake Howell (FL)
RJ Shreck – Harvard-Westlake (CA)
Seattle Mariners pitcher Dane Dunning (27) throws in the first inning against the San Diego Padres during a Spring Training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Pitcher Dane Dunning represents another example of international eligibility intersecting with American high school baseball. He attended Clay High School in Florida, a state long known for producing elite pitching prospects. The competitive environment there helped him refine his mechanics and command before advancing to higher levels of the sport. His development underscores how American prep programs often serve as launching pads for globally connected players.
Dane Dunning – Clay (FL)
Riley O’Brien – Shorewood (WA)
Shay Whitcomb – Newbury Park (CA)
Jahmai Jones – Wesleyan (GA)
Team Mexico pitcher Brennan Bernardino against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mexico has one of the largest groups of players with American high school baseball backgrounds. Players like Taijuan Walker, Rowdy Tellez, Jarren Duran, Alek Thomas, and Joey Ortiz developed at schools across California, Arizona, Illinois, and Georgia. These programs provided year-round competition and strong scouting exposure, key factors in their progression toward professional careers. The trend highlights the deep baseball ties between Mexico and the United States at the amateur level.
Brennan Bernardino – Valencia (CA)
Alex Carrillo – West Covina (CA)
Robert Garcia – Modesto Christian (CA)
Roel Ramirez – United South (TX)
Victor Vodnik – Rialto (CA)
Taijuan Walker – Yucaipa (CA)
Nacho Alvarez Jr. – Kaiser (CA)
Nick Gonzales – Cienega (AZ)
Joey Ortiz – Pacifica (CA)
Rowdy Tellez – Elk Grove (CA)
Jarren Duran – Cypress (CA)
Alek Thomas – Mount Carmel (IL)
Visalia Rawhide’s Druw Jones rounds third Tuesday, April 11, 2023 against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Credit: © Ron Holman / Visalia Times-Delta / USA TODAY NETWORK
Alek Thomas represents the Netherlands through family heritage while having developed in American high school baseball. He attended Mount Carmel High School in Illinois, a program known for producing collegiate and professional talent. Playing in that environment helped him refine his hitting approach and defensive instincts. His path illustrates how dual-national players often blend international identity with American development systems.
Derek West – University (FL)
Druw Jones – Wesleyan (GA)
Nicaragua third baseman Mark Vientos (13) runs toward first base after hitting a single against the New York Mets during the second inning at Clover Park. Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Nicaragua’s connection to U.S. prep baseball includes players like Mark Vientos and Chase Dawson. Vientos attended both Charles W. Flanagan and American Heritage High School in Florida, two programs recognized for strong baseball development. Dawson, meanwhile, played at Andrean High School in Indiana, gaining experience in a competitive Midwest circuit. Their journeys show how American high school programs can nurture players with ties to Central American baseball nations.
Mark Vientos – Charles W. Flanagan and American Heritage (FL)
Chase Dawson – Andrean (IN)
RELATED: Top 10 World Baseball Classic MVP odds
Panama center fielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. (2) breaks his bat against the New York Yankees in the eighth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Panama’s representation includes Enrique Bradfield Jr., who played at the nationally respected American Heritage School in Florida. The program is known for producing elite collegiate and professional prospects, providing a rigorous competitive environment. Bradfield’s speed and defensive ability stood out during his prep career, helping him earn national recognition. His development underscores Panama’s long-standing baseball connection with South Florida.
Enrique Bradfield Jr. – American Heritage (FL)
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Many players eligible for Puerto Rico sharpened their skills in U.S. high schools before advancing to college or professional baseball. Stars such as Nolan Arenado, MJ Melendez, and Seth Lugo are part of a larger group that includes dozens of players from programs across Florida, California, New York, and Maryland. These schools offered exposure to elite competition and professional scouting. Collectively, their experiences reflect the strong baseball pipeline linking Puerto Rico and the United States.
Rico Garcia – Saint Louis (HI)
Seth Lugo – Parkway (LA)
Nolan Arenado – El Toro (CA)
Carlos Cortes – Oviedo (FL)
MJ Melendez – Westminster Christian (FL)
Minnesota Twins pitcher Dan Altavilla (53) reacts after catching a aline drive against the New York Yankees in the third inning during spring training at Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Italy’s group is another example of international eligibility paired with American prep development. Players like Aaron Nola, Adam Ottavino, Michael Lorenzen, and Kyle Teel played high school baseball in states ranging from Louisiana and California to New Jersey and New York. Many attended programs with deep baseball traditions and strong competition. Their backgrounds illustrate how Italian national teams often draw from players who developed within the U.S. baseball system.
Dan Altavilla – Elizabeth Forward (PA)
Dylan DeLucia – New Smyrna Beach (FL)
Matt Festa – St. Joseph by the Sea (NY)
Gordon Graceffo – Cranford (NJ)
Alek Jacob – North Central (WA)
Joe La Sorsa – Iona Prep (NY)
Michael Lorenzen – Fullerton Union (CA)
Ron Marinaccio – Toms River North (NJ)
Kyle Nicolas – Jackson (OH)
Aaron Nola – Catholic (LA)
Adam Ottavino – Berkeley Carroll (NY)
Greg Weissert – Bay Shore (NY)
Kyle Teel – Mahwah (NJ)
Sam Antonacci – Sacred Heart-Griffin (IL)
Jon Berti – Troy (MI)
Zach Dezenzo – Marlington (OH)
Andrew Fischer – Wall (NJ)
Miles Mastrobuoni – Granada (CA)
Vinnie Pasquantino – James River (VA)
Thomas Saggese – Carlsbad (CA)
Jac Caglianone – Henry B. Plant (FL)
Dominic Canzone – Walsh Jesuit (OH)
Jakob Marsee – Allen Park (MI)
Nick Morabito – Gonzaga (DC)
Dante Nori – Northville (MI)
Chicago Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) reacts after throwing against the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth inning during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Ultimately, the presence of non-Team USA players with American high school baseball experience underscores how global the sport has become. While these athletes may represent different national teams, many share a common developmental foundation in U.S. prep baseball. Their journeys reveal how American high schools serve as a crucial stepping stone for international talent. As the international game continues to expand, this connection between American amateur baseball and global competition will likely remain a defining feature of the sport’s evolving talent pipeline.
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The post Non-Team USA players with American high school baseball experience in 2026 WBC appeared first on The Big Lead.
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RELATED: Top 10 players in the World Baseball Classic
American high school baseball offers structured competition, advanced coaching, and year-round exposure to scouts, making it a major development hub for young players worldwide. According to the On3 report, many internationally eligible players attended well-known baseball programs in states such as California, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, and Texas—regions widely recognized for producing elite amateur talent. Their experiences in these programs helped refine their skills while providing visibility to college recruiters and professional organizations. In many cases, the combination of international heritage and American development pathways has created a unique group of players capable of strengthening national teams outside the United States.
Coverage like this also illustrates the broader mission of On3, a sports media network launched in 2021 that provides news, recruiting analysis, and athlete databases across college and high school sports. By spotlighting players with cross-national baseball backgrounds, the platform demonstrates how high school sports in the United States influence the international baseball landscape, shaping athletes who ultimately represent countries around the world.
Brazil
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New York Yankees infielder Dante Bichette Jr. (22) plays for the Scottsdale Scorpions against the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League game at Cubs Park. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Brazil’s connection to American high school baseball is reflected in players like Dante Bichette Jr., Tomas Lopez, Lucas Ramirez, and Joseph Contreras. Each developed their skills at competitive U.S. programs—from Florida’s Orangewood Christian and American Heritage to California’s Redondo Union and Georgia’s Blessed Trinity Catholic. Their experiences highlight how international prospects often sharpen their game in the U.S. prep system before pursuing professional careers. The path illustrates baseball’s global reach and the role American high school competition plays in shaping international talent.
Dante Bichette Jr. – Orangewood Christian (FL)
Tomas Lopez – Redondo Union (CA)
Lucas Ramirez – American Heritage (FL)
Joseph Contreras – Blessed Trinity Catholic (GA)
Canada
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Canada starting pitcher Logan Allen (22) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Several Canadian players spent their teenage years in American high schools, blending international identity with U.S. player development. Pitchers and position players such as Jameson Taillon, Logan Allen, Rob Zastryzny, Micah Ashman, and Matt Davidson all competed in strong prep programs across Texas, North Carolina, Utah, and California. Their experiences show how cross-border movement in amateur baseball can provide Canadian athletes access to elite facilities and competition. In many cases, those years helped lay the groundwork for professional and international careers.
Logan Allen – T.C. Roberson (NC)
Jameson Taillon – The Woodlands (TX)
Micah Ashman – Jordan (UT)
Rob Zastryzny – Callalen (TX)
Matt Davidson – Yucaipa (CA)
Chinese Taipei
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Atlanta Braves right fielder Stuart Fairchild (17) slides in safely with a double against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth inning at Truist Park. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Although representing Chinese Taipei internationally, Stuart Fairchild’s baseball roots include time at Seattle Preparatory in Washington. Competing in the Pacific Northwest prep circuit gave him exposure to high-level coaching and competition during his formative years. That experience helped refine the athleticism and versatility that later defined his playing style. His journey reflects the increasingly global pathways that lead through American high school baseball.
Stuart Fairchild – Seattle Preparatory (WA)
Colombia
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Detroit Tigers reliever Austin Bergner pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during Grapefruit League action at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida, on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. Credit: © Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Colombia’s presence in U.S. high school baseball is represented by players like Rio Gomez and Austin Bergner. Gomez developed at Arizona’s Desert Vista High School, while Bergner pitched at West Orange High School in Florida, a state known for producing elite baseball talent. Their time in the American prep system offered exposure to advanced training environments and competitive schedules. Those opportunities helped bridge the gap between international amateur baseball and professional development.
Rio Gomez – Desert Vista (AZ)
Austin Bergner – West Orange (FL)
RELATED: Every champion in World Baseball Classic
Czechia
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Baltimore Orioles left fielder Terrin Vavra (23) runs towards the dugout during batting practice against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
For Czechia, players such as Jeff Barto, William Escala, and Terrin Vavra illustrate the connection between European baseball and the American prep system. Barto played in Idaho, Escala in South Florida’s talent-rich South Dade program, and Vavra in Wisconsin at Menomonie High School. These environments exposed them to a level of competition not always available in emerging baseball nations. Their experiences highlight how U.S. high schools can serve as developmental gateways for players representing smaller baseball countries.
Jeff Barto – Boise (ID)
William Escala – South Dade (FL)
Terrin Vavra – Menomonie (WI)
Dominican Republic
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New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) celebrates his go ahead RBI single against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning of game two of the Wildcard round of the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Even players tied to the Dominican Republic sometimes pass through American high school programs. Manny Machado starred at Brito Miami Private School in Florida, while catcher Austin Wells played at Bishop Gorman in Nevada. Both schools compete in highly competitive baseball circuits that frequently produce professional prospects. Their prep careers demonstrate how the Dominican Republic’s baseball influence intersects with the U.S. development pipeline.
Austin Wells – Bishop Gorman (NV)
Manny Machado – Brito Miami Private (FL)
Great Britain
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Great Britain pitcher Donovan Benoit against Mexico during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Great Britain’s roster of players with American high school experience is extensive, spanning programs across the country. From California standouts like Tristan Beck and Dylan Covey to East Coast players such as Andre Scrubb and Nick Wells, these athletes developed within the U.S. prep baseball landscape. Others—including Jazz Chisholm Jr., Harry Ford, and Lucius Fox—played at powerhouse schools that routinely produce professional prospects. Together, they show how British baseball increasingly draws from players who honed their skills in American high school competition.
Jack Anderson – Evanston Township (IL)
Brendan Beck – Corona (CA)
Tristan Beck – Corona (CA)
Donovan Benoit – Pensacola Catholic (FL)
Dylan Covey – Maranatha (CA)
Gary Gill Hill – Kennedy Catholic (NY)
Miles Langhorne – Greenwich (CT)
Andre Scrubb – C.D. Hylton (VA)
Jack Seppings – Landmark Christian (OH)
Graham Spraker – Mountain View (AZ)
Najer Victor – East Ridge (FL)
Tyler Viza – Desert Vista (AZ)
Nick Wells – Battlefield (VA)
Owen Wild – Gig Harbor (WA)
Vance Worley – C.K. McClatchy (CA)
Will Cresswell – Auburn Mountainview and Puyallup (WA)
Harry Ford – North Cobb (GA)
Jazz Chisholm Jr. – Life Prep Academy (WA)
Chaver Fernandez – Faith Baptist Academy (FL) and Georgia Premier Academy (GA)
Nate Eaton – Thomas Dale (VA)
Ivan Johnson – Kennesaw Mountain (GA)
Nick Ward – Unionville (PA)
Lucius Fox – American Heritage (FL)
Trayce Thompson – Santa Margarita Catholic (CA)
Justin Wylie – Hamilton (AZ)
RELATED: World Baseball Classic team power rankings
Israel
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Duke Blue Devils pitcher Charlie Beilenson (47) pitches in the ninth inning against the Florida State Seminoles during the ACC Baseball Tournament at Truist Field. Credit: Scott Kinser-USA TODAY Sports
Israel’s representation includes Charlie Beilenson, who played at Chaminade Prep in California before continuing his baseball career. Competing in Southern California’s competitive prep leagues provided valuable exposure to high-level pitching and scouting attention. That environment helped shape his development as a player with international eligibility. His path reflects how the American prep system often feeds talent into emerging national teams.
Charlie Beilenson – Chaminade Prep (CA)
Matt Bowman – St. Albans (DC)
Harrison Cohen – Cold Spring Harbor (NY)
Daniel Federman – Archbishop Edward McCarthy (FL)
Jake Fishman – Sharon (MA)
Jordan Geber – Archbishop Spalding (MD)
Tommy Kahnle – Shaker (NY)
Rob Kaminsky – St. Joseph Regional (NJ)
Dean Kremer – Lincoln (CA)
Max Lazar – Coral Springs (FL)
Zack Leban – Sammamish (WA)
Carlos Lequerica – Terra Environmental Research Institute (FL)
Josh Mallitz – Jesuit (FL)
Ryan Prager – Hillcrest (TX)
Ben Simon – Hightstown (NJ)
Robert Stock – Agoura (CA)
C.J. Stubbs – Torrey Pines (CA)
Garrett Stubbs – Torrey Pines (CA)
Cole Carrigg – Turlock (CA)
Jake Gelof – Cape Henlopen (DE) and IMG Academy (FL)
Colby Halter – Bishop Kenny (FL)
Spencer Horwitz – St. Paul’s School (MD)
Noah Mendlinger – Alpharetta (GA)
Matt Mervis – Georgetown Prep (MD)
Benjamin Rosengard – Northside Prep (IL)
Harrison Bader – Horace Mann (NY)
Zach Levenson – Lake Howell (FL)
RJ Shreck – Harvard-Westlake (CA)
South Korea
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Seattle Mariners pitcher Dane Dunning (27) throws in the first inning against the San Diego Padres during a Spring Training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Pitcher Dane Dunning represents another example of international eligibility intersecting with American high school baseball. He attended Clay High School in Florida, a state long known for producing elite pitching prospects. The competitive environment there helped him refine his mechanics and command before advancing to higher levels of the sport. His development underscores how American prep programs often serve as launching pads for globally connected players.
Dane Dunning – Clay (FL)
Riley O’Brien – Shorewood (WA)
Shay Whitcomb – Newbury Park (CA)
Jahmai Jones – Wesleyan (GA)
Mexico
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Team Mexico pitcher Brennan Bernardino against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mexico has one of the largest groups of players with American high school baseball backgrounds. Players like Taijuan Walker, Rowdy Tellez, Jarren Duran, Alek Thomas, and Joey Ortiz developed at schools across California, Arizona, Illinois, and Georgia. These programs provided year-round competition and strong scouting exposure, key factors in their progression toward professional careers. The trend highlights the deep baseball ties between Mexico and the United States at the amateur level.
Brennan Bernardino – Valencia (CA)
Alex Carrillo – West Covina (CA)
Robert Garcia – Modesto Christian (CA)
Roel Ramirez – United South (TX)
Victor Vodnik – Rialto (CA)
Taijuan Walker – Yucaipa (CA)
Nacho Alvarez Jr. – Kaiser (CA)
Nick Gonzales – Cienega (AZ)
Joey Ortiz – Pacifica (CA)
Rowdy Tellez – Elk Grove (CA)
Jarren Duran – Cypress (CA)
Alek Thomas – Mount Carmel (IL)
Netherlands
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Visalia Rawhide’s Druw Jones rounds third Tuesday, April 11, 2023 against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Credit: © Ron Holman / Visalia Times-Delta / USA TODAY NETWORK
Alek Thomas represents the Netherlands through family heritage while having developed in American high school baseball. He attended Mount Carmel High School in Illinois, a program known for producing collegiate and professional talent. Playing in that environment helped him refine his hitting approach and defensive instincts. His path illustrates how dual-national players often blend international identity with American development systems.
Derek West – University (FL)
Druw Jones – Wesleyan (GA)
Nicaragua
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Nicaragua third baseman Mark Vientos (13) runs toward first base after hitting a single against the New York Mets during the second inning at Clover Park. Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Nicaragua’s connection to U.S. prep baseball includes players like Mark Vientos and Chase Dawson. Vientos attended both Charles W. Flanagan and American Heritage High School in Florida, two programs recognized for strong baseball development. Dawson, meanwhile, played at Andrean High School in Indiana, gaining experience in a competitive Midwest circuit. Their journeys show how American high school programs can nurture players with ties to Central American baseball nations.
Mark Vientos – Charles W. Flanagan and American Heritage (FL)
Chase Dawson – Andrean (IN)
RELATED: Top 10 World Baseball Classic MVP odds
Panama
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Panama center fielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. (2) breaks his bat against the New York Yankees in the eighth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Panama’s representation includes Enrique Bradfield Jr., who played at the nationally respected American Heritage School in Florida. The program is known for producing elite collegiate and professional prospects, providing a rigorous competitive environment. Bradfield’s speed and defensive ability stood out during his prep career, helping him earn national recognition. His development underscores Panama’s long-standing baseball connection with South Florida.
Enrique Bradfield Jr. – American Heritage (FL)
Puerto Rico
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Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Many players eligible for Puerto Rico sharpened their skills in U.S. high schools before advancing to college or professional baseball. Stars such as Nolan Arenado, MJ Melendez, and Seth Lugo are part of a larger group that includes dozens of players from programs across Florida, California, New York, and Maryland. These schools offered exposure to elite competition and professional scouting. Collectively, their experiences reflect the strong baseball pipeline linking Puerto Rico and the United States.
Rico Garcia – Saint Louis (HI)
Seth Lugo – Parkway (LA)
Nolan Arenado – El Toro (CA)
Carlos Cortes – Oviedo (FL)
MJ Melendez – Westminster Christian (FL)
Italy
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Minnesota Twins pitcher Dan Altavilla (53) reacts after catching a aline drive against the New York Yankees in the third inning during spring training at Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Italy’s group is another example of international eligibility paired with American prep development. Players like Aaron Nola, Adam Ottavino, Michael Lorenzen, and Kyle Teel played high school baseball in states ranging from Louisiana and California to New Jersey and New York. Many attended programs with deep baseball traditions and strong competition. Their backgrounds illustrate how Italian national teams often draw from players who developed within the U.S. baseball system.
Dan Altavilla – Elizabeth Forward (PA)
Dylan DeLucia – New Smyrna Beach (FL)
Matt Festa – St. Joseph by the Sea (NY)
Gordon Graceffo – Cranford (NJ)
Alek Jacob – North Central (WA)
Joe La Sorsa – Iona Prep (NY)
Michael Lorenzen – Fullerton Union (CA)
Ron Marinaccio – Toms River North (NJ)
Kyle Nicolas – Jackson (OH)
Aaron Nola – Catholic (LA)
Adam Ottavino – Berkeley Carroll (NY)
Greg Weissert – Bay Shore (NY)
Kyle Teel – Mahwah (NJ)
Sam Antonacci – Sacred Heart-Griffin (IL)
Jon Berti – Troy (MI)
Zach Dezenzo – Marlington (OH)
Andrew Fischer – Wall (NJ)
Miles Mastrobuoni – Granada (CA)
Vinnie Pasquantino – James River (VA)
Thomas Saggese – Carlsbad (CA)
Jac Caglianone – Henry B. Plant (FL)
Dominic Canzone – Walsh Jesuit (OH)
Jakob Marsee – Allen Park (MI)
Nick Morabito – Gonzaga (DC)
Dante Nori – Northville (MI)
Conclusion
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Chicago Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) reacts after throwing against the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth inning during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Ultimately, the presence of non-Team USA players with American high school baseball experience underscores how global the sport has become. While these athletes may represent different national teams, many share a common developmental foundation in U.S. prep baseball. Their journeys reveal how American high schools serve as a crucial stepping stone for international talent. As the international game continues to expand, this connection between American amateur baseball and global competition will likely remain a defining feature of the sport’s evolving talent pipeline.
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