It was a tournament that took the baseball world by storm, creating new fans and building into a cultural phenomenon. Weeks of colour, passion and baseball on a level that is hard to match.
From an Australian perspective, the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) also highlighted why the Australian Baseball League (ABL) is so important.
There were 44 former or current ABL players that suited up in the WBC, making it one of the world’s strongest baseball pathways.
Over 1.6 million fans attended the 2026 tournament, a 23 percent increase on 2023 as Venezuela beat the USA to be crowned champions.
It was also the most watched WBC in history, with over 10.7 million viewers tuning into any network to watch the tournament.
In the light of recording breaking numbers, why was the WBC so important when it comes to the ABL?
A few things standout for me.
ABL providing WBC pathway
Leading off the WBC and what makes the ABL so important for baseball globally, is the talent it produces and garners.
Not only did the 30 players on Team Australia have ties to the ABL, other competing teams had players that also called the ABL home previously.
Furthermore, the biggest name that walked onto an ABL field who played at the WBC is Ronald Acuña Jr.
The Atlanta Braves superstar finished with two home runs and a OBP of .424 – previously playing for the Melbourne Aces being named an all-star in 2016.
Cristopher Sánchez (Phillies) and Junior Caminero (Rays) of the Dominican Republic both played for the Perth Heat and are established MLB players.
Jon Berti – last playing for the Chicago Cubs in 2025, dressed for Team Italy and spent time with the Canberra Cavalry.
Outside of Australia there were 16 players that had represented the ABL and appeared on WBC rosters.
Highlighting the ABL as a legitimate pathway for baseball players and the regard in which the league is held in.
Team Australia showcased what baseball down under looks like when it pushed Korea in the final pool game trying to advance into the quarterfinals.
However, Australia eventually fell short of advancing but were able to once again show the world they are a baseball nation.
Making moves
Following the WBC tournament, it was announced that Australia had moved back into the top 10 world baseball rankings.
Australia moved up two spots in the recently released rankings, moving past the Netherlands into ninth position.
For a nation that doesn’t have the government funding, facilities and media visibility of the major baseball countries it can’t be understated what this means.
To highlight how unique these rankings are for Australia, they sit above Dominican Republic (11th) and Cuba (12th). Both of which are strong baseball performing countries.
Once again Australia was batting above their weight when it comes to the WBC, pushing powerhouse nations throughout the pool stage.
Tying into this is the ABL, where its stands in baseball and the pathway it provides to produce high level talent.
When we see Australia become a top 10 country in world baseball, the ABL is the biggest reason for this move up the rankings.
Without a strong ABL, there wouldn’t be the progression we are seeing both on and off the field.
The talent is here to see
Whenever there are tournaments like the WBC one of the biggest things that can be harnessed is eyeballs on the sport.
Recently, young Australian and Brisbane native Patrick Crotty signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Clearly showing that world baseball sees Australia as a place where talent can be found.
As a result, even though Crotty might not have suited up in the ABL, it continues the positive impact that Australia has on the world.
There are 23 Australians on contracts affiliated with MLB teams, with #1 Draft Pick Travis Bazzana headlining the list.
With many of those players on contracts having links to the ABL in some form.
More eyes on the sport increases the possibility of more investment, from both government and private sectors.
Investment means more money into player development, the ABL is producing the talent, what now needs to happen is continuing to give them the tools and facilities on their baseball journey.
When we talk about the WBC taking the world by storm, maybe the biggest storm is the one brewing in Australia.
Where the ABL is continuing to emerge as a league that is a legitimate stepping stone to becoming an MLB player.
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