Greg Weissert of the Boston Red Sox and Harrison Cohen of the New York Yankees, both right-handed pitchers from Long Island, are set to make their World Baseball Classic debuts in 2026. Cohen, 26, a Syosset native, will represent Team Israel, while Weissert, 31, from Bay Shore, will play for Team Italy in this international tournament.
Both players’ journeys to the WBC come from distinct backgrounds, but their shared roots on Long Island and dedication to baseball have brought them to this global stage, where they will showcase their talents representing their heritages.
Individual Paths to the World Baseball Classic
Harrison Cohen, now in his first major league season, reflects on his unlikely rise. He admits that if his high school self could see where he is now, it would be a surprising moment. A former stand-out at Cold Spring Harbor High School and George Washington University, Cohen went undrafted in 2022 before signing with the Yankees. He quickly made an impact in the minors, posting impressive stats last season across Double-A and Triple-A levels with a 1.76 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 51 innings.
Greg Weissert’s trajectory has been steady and marked by perseverance. Drafted in the 18th round by the Yankees in 2016, Weissert spent his first two MLB seasons in the Bronx. In December 2023, he was traded to Boston in a deal involving Alex Verdugo. Weissert delivered his best season in 2025, recording a 2.82 ERA, six wins, and four saves in 72 games. His connection to Team Italy was sparked through former Yankees teammate Ron Marinaccio, who encouraged him to join after Marinaccio’s own WBC plans were derailed by injury.
Embracing Heritage Through Baseball
Cohen expressed a deep sense of pride about representing Israel. He spoke candidly about his Jewish identity and the honor of displaying it on the international baseball field.
“I’ve heard so many great things about the experience,”
Cohen said.
“The opportunity to represent, not only how I was raised and my family, but just to be able to represent Team Israel – I’m very proud of that. I’m very proud of my Judaism and my heritage and how I was brought up and how I was raised.”
He added,
“So having the opportunity to put that jersey on and compete in the World Baseball Classic is obviously a very exciting thing for me and my family.”
Weissert also voiced enthusiasm for the tournament’s atmosphere and importance.
“I’m so pumped. I hear all the guys that have played in it before. They say it’s the most incredible baseball. It’s so fun. People are on their feet. It’s loud the whole game. I’m super pumped and super pumped to rep Italy,”
he said.
Paths to Eligibility on the International Stage
Representing their countries required navigating heritage rules. Cohen’s bar mitzvah at age 13 confirmed his eligibility for Team Israel. Weissert’s connection to Italy came through his grandmother, who was fully Italian. His parents gathered extensive family documentation, including birth and marriage certificates, to support his qualification for Team Italy.
These personal connections highlight how cultural identity and family history play a vital role in international sports competition beyond just athletic ability.
Bridging Baseball and Community Initiatives
Away from the diamond, Cohen has demonstrated commitment to social causes. In response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, he co-founded Together 18 with fellow Yankees pitching prospect Eric Reyzelman. This initiative sold apparel such as shirts and hats to combat antisemitism and raise funds for humanitarian support in Israel.
“We were really, really proud of the ability to do that, especially during a really, really stressful time for everybody over there,”
Cohen shared.
“Just being able to kind of give back as much as we could was something that we really wanted to do.”
Long Island Connection and Mutual Respect
Though the two players have not been teammates due to their age difference and separate career paths, Cohen knows of Weissert and admires his progression.
“I know of him, of course, and kind of his path and everything,”
Cohen said.
“Especially being another Long Island guy, kind of following along, as I was coming up and everything. In college, too, and seeing his success.”
He added,
“It’s really cool to see how he’s kind of progressed through his career, too. He’s obviously a great pitcher and someone that represents Long Island very well.”
World Baseball Classic Schedule and Broadcast Info
Harrison Cohen and Team Israel will play their games at LoanDepot Park in Miami. Their schedule includes:
- March 7 vs. Venezuela – 7 p.m., Fox Sports 2
- March 8 vs. Nicaragua – 7 p.m., Tubi
- March 9 vs. Dominican Republic – Noon, Fox Sports 1
- March 10 vs. Netherlands – 7 p.m., Fox App
Greg Weissert and Team Italy’s games will take place at Daikin Park in Houston, listed as:
- March 7 vs. Brazil – 1 p.m., Fox App
- March 8 vs. Great Britain – 1 p.m., Tubi
- March 10 vs. USA – 9 p.m., Fox Sports 1
- March 11 vs. Mexico – 7 p.m., Tubi
Looking Ahead to International Competition
This WBC appearance marks a significant milestone for both Weissert and Cohen, as it allows them to perform on an international platform while honoring their heritage. Their inclusion adds depth and excitement to their respective teams, both of which have competitive lineups aiming for success in this global tournament.
For Weissert, the tournament represents an extension of his growing career after a standout MLB season. For Cohen, it is the realization of a dream that has been building through his relatively rapid rise to the majors. Their performances will not only highlight their abilities but also reinforce Long Island’s presence on baseball’s worldwide map.
