QUINCY, Ill. – One of the most exciting events in international baseball is back in 2026, as the World Baseball Classic returns with rosters officially announced. Quincy baseball will be represented on the global stage, as two former Hawks have been selected to compete for different nations in the sport's premier international event.

Graham Spraker, a 2017 graduate, will represent Great Britain for the second consecutive World Baseball Classic, while Dayson Croes, a 2022 graduate, will make his WBC debut with the Netherlands.

Spraker was a four-year member of the Hawks from 2014–17 and played a pivotal role in one of the most successful stretches in program history. Quincy reached the NCAA Tournament three times during his career, highlighted by an appearance in the NCAA Division II World Series in 2017. Across 281.1 career innings, Spraker posted a 3.20 ERA—both totals ranking inside the top three in QU baseball history. He finished his collegiate career with a 22–11 record, nine complete games, and 211 strikeouts.

Following graduation, Spraker was selected in the 31st round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays and spent five seasons in their minor league system, advancing as high as Triple-A. He later pitched during the 2023 season at the Double-A level with the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

This will be Spraker's second appearance in the World Baseball Classic. During the 2023 tournament, he delivered 2.2 scoreless innings and earned the win in Great Britain's historic 7–5 upset victory over Colombia in pool play. He will once again look to make an impact on the international stage in 2026.

Croes, a native of Aruba, spent three seasons with the Hawks from 2020–22 and established himself as one of the most prolific hitters in program history. He helped Quincy to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2021 and 2022 and finished his career with a .388/.453/.616 slash line. Croes totaled 35 doubles, five triples, 20 home runs, and 120 RBI during his time in a QU uniform.

His career batting average ranks third in program history, while his .436 average during the 2021 season stands fourth on Quincy's single-season list. That same year, Croes earned All-American honors.

After graduating in 2022, Croes spent two seasons in independent baseball with the Winnipeg Goldeyes before signing with the San Francisco Giants organization for the 2025 season. He climbed the minor league ladder to reach Triple-A by the end of the year, continuing a trend of hitting over .300 at every level of his professional career.

Croes will now showcase his talents on baseball's biggest international stage with the Netherlands, joining a roster that features MLB stars such as Xander Bogaerts and Ozzie Albies.

The World Baseball Classic will begin on March 3 with exhibition play, while pool play opens on March 6. Both Spraker and Croes will represent their respective countries as Quincy baseball takes the global spotlight in 2026.