Former A&M Pitcher Michael Wacha Represents Team USA at World Baseball Classic

Aggie fans bring iconic "Ball 5" chant to WBC games in Houston

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:34am

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Former Texas A&M pitcher Michael Wacha is representing Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Houston. During USA's pool stage game against Great Britain, Aggie fans in the crowd adopted the iconic "Ball 5" chant, much to Wacha's delight. Wacha, who was recruited by former A&M coach Rob Childress, says playing in the WBC feels similar to his time pitching in the College World Series for the Aggies.

Why it matters

Wacha's participation in the World Baseball Classic showcases the global reach of Texas A&M baseball and the passion of its fan base. The "Ball 5" chant, a staple at Olsen Field, made its way to the international stage, highlighting the university's strong baseball tradition and the loyal support of Aggie fans.

The details

During Team USA's pool stage game against Great Britain, Aggie fans in the crowd at Daikin Park in Houston started the "Ball 5" chant, a tradition at Texas A&M baseball games when an opposing pitcher walks a batter on four straight balls. Wacha, the only Aggie on the Team USA roster, said he was hoping the chant might make an appearance during the tournament and was thrilled to hear it. Wacha, who was recruited by former A&M coach Rob Childress, says playing in the WBC feels similar to his time pitching in the College World Series for the Aggies.

  • Team USA played its pool stage game against Great Britain on March 19, 2026.
  • Team USA played its pool stage game against Mexico two days later on March 21, 2026.

The players

Michael Wacha

A former Texas A&M pitcher who is now playing for the Kansas City Royals and representing Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Rob Childress

The former head baseball coach at Texas A&M who recruited Wacha to play for the Aggies.

Paul Skenes

A Team USA pitcher and Cy Young Award winner who won the Men's College World Series with LSU in 2023.

Jac Caglianone

An outfielder for Team Italy who played against Texas A&M in the 2024 Men's College World Series as a member of the Florida Gators.

Aaron Judge

A Team USA and New York Yankees star who called the crowd during the USA-Mexico game "the best environment I've played in."

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What they’re saying

“We're in Houston, a lot of Aggies in here. And so, I was kind of expecting it, you know, in pregame, if it ever got to that situation. And sure enough did, and there was quite a few of them. So it was very cool to see.”

— Michael Wacha

“It's a pretty incredible feeling being able to put on this jersey, having that USA across your chest. It's, you know, something that I was lucky enough to do in college, playing for the USA collegiate team. And I remember that just being one of the coolest feelings. And now, getting to be able to put this jersey on again with the big leaguers, it's hard to describe in words, it really is. Just incredibly honored to be able to represent this country, represent my family, represent my hometown, represent the Royals.”

— Michael Wacha

“I almost think the World Baseball Classic is a little closer to college baseball than Major League Baseball. Obviously, you've got 17-year-olds out there, and you've got 43-year-olds out there, too. It's kind of a good mix. But just seeing how guys play the game, the enthusiasm, the energy in the clubhouse, in the dugout, on the field, in the stands, everything, it reminds me a lot of college in some ways. It's funny how a lot of stuff changes, but at the end, it's kind of all the same.”

— Paul Skenes

“Against, like, [the] USA and Mexico, that was probably the best environment I've played in. But Omaha is definitely up there. It'd probably go this then Omaha, for the most part.”

— Jac Caglianone

“They bring the energy every game. ... I still hear from fellow teammates, fellow people around the big leagues that are like, 'Man, we hated playing at Olsen field.' ... I feel like it's one of the best home-field advantages in college baseball. And it was very cool to see the other night, I felt like there was definitely some Aggies out here with the 'Ball 5' chant. It was cool to see that as well.”

— Michael Wacha

What’s next

The World Baseball Classic continues with the quarterfinal round, where Team USA will face off against the winner of the Puerto Rico-Venezuela matchup.

The takeaway

Michael Wacha's participation in the World Baseball Classic showcases the global reach and passionate fan base of Texas A&M baseball. The iconic "Ball 5" chant, a staple at Olsen Field, made its way to the international stage, highlighting the university's strong baseball tradition and the loyalty of Aggie fans.