Former Tennessee Baseball Player Set to Play In The WBC But For Team Italy

Andrew Fischer, who had a standout 2025 season with the Volunteers, will represent Italy in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Former Tennessee baseball player Andrew Fischer is set to play in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but he will be representing Italy rather than Team USA. Fischer, who had a dominant 2025 season with the Volunteers, is currently with the High-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Despite Italy being one of the thinnest teams in the event, Fischer will have the opportunity to boost his stock if he performs well in the WBC.

Why it matters

This situation is a bit of a surprise, as Tennessee fans likely expected Fischer to represent the United States in the WBC after his impressive college career. However, his decision to play for Italy opens up an interesting storyline, as he will be facing off against many of his former college teammates who are expected to make Team USA's roster.

The details

Fischer finished the 2025 college baseball season batting .311 for Tennessee, where he tied the school's single-season walks record with 63 and led the SEC with 25 home runs - the second-highest single-season total in Volunteers program history. He was a standout performer in the NCAA Tournament, earning All-Tournament honors in the Knoxville Regional.

  • Fischer played his one and only season with the Tennessee Volunteers in 2025.
  • He is currently with the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Milwaukee Brewers' affiliate, for the 2026 season.
  • The 2023 World Baseball Classic is scheduled to take place in March 2026.

The players

Andrew Fischer

A former Tennessee Volunteers baseball player who had a standout 2025 season, and is now set to represent Italy in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Tennessee Volunteers

The college baseball program that Fischer played for in 2025, where he had one of the best single-season performances in recent program history.

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

The High-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, where Fischer is currently playing in the 2026 season.

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What’s next

Fischer will have the chance to boost his professional stock if he performs well for Italy in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

Andrew Fischer's decision to play for Italy in the World Baseball Classic, rather than the United States, opens up an interesting storyline as he will be facing off against many of his former Tennessee teammates who are expected to make Team USA's roster.