The 2026 World Baseball Classic put an international spotlight on major league goliaths, top prospects, former minor leaguers now with traditional 9-to-5 jobs, and a Sagehen.
Three years after striking out future Hall of Famer Mike Trout in his World Baseball Classic debut for Great Britain, Ryan Long ’21 returned to the international stage last month and threw two scoreless innings of relief across a pair of appearances.
While Great Britain finished behind Italy, Team USA and Mexico in pool play, the 26-year-old helped The Union Jack earn a spot in the next World Baseball Classic—a triennial international baseball tournament featuring 20 national teams.
“It was an unbelievable experience,” says Long, whose mother, Liz, was born in England. “I felt more confident this time and had more trust in myself and in my pitches. Over four years, I’ve pitched against a lot of high-level hitters, and I know I can get any hitter out.”
“That confidence definitely helped me this time around.”
As he did at the 2023 WBC, Long donned United Kingdom colors with teammates united in heritage.
Great Britain’s 30-man roster in Houston consisted of ballplayers with familial ties to England and Wales, the Bahamas, Scotland and the British Virgin Islands.
“You try and get to know these guys as fast as possible, find ways to connect, and then go play four really meaningful games with them,” Long says. “It’s a unique experience, but it’s amazing. I love it.”
“The World Baseball Classic is such a special tournament and one that really showcases the best of baseball,” he adds. “It was an honor to be a part of it again.”
Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2021, Long began his sixth minor league season Thursday, April 2.
After brief stints with Triple-A Norfolk in 2024 and 2025, the 6-foot-6 right hander started the 2026 campaign with the Orioles’ Double-A affiliate, the Chesapeake Baysox, in Bowie, Maryland.
A starting pitcher for most of his career, Long spent spring training transitioning to the bullpen and cutting his teeth as a reliever.
“It’s been a good change,” he says. “I’ve seen my velocity go up, and I can concentrate on throwing my best pitches as often as possible rather than trying to mix them and get through a lineup multiple times.”
“I feel confident and encouraged going into the year,” he adds, “and I’m hoping this change gives me a streamlined and efficient route to the major leagues.”