Chicago White Sox Fan Now Represents Canada in WBC

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 22:10 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA, MEXICO

From Chicago Roots to Canadian Pride: Riley Greene's Unexpected World Baseball Classic Journey

Dillon, Colorado, may seem a world away from the bright lights of Major League Baseball, but it's where the story of Riley Greene, the Detroit Tigers outfielder now proudly representing Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), begins. Greene's participation in the WBC isn't just a career highlight; it's a fascinating narrative of sporting allegiances, unexpected turns, and the realization of potential on an international stage. For Greene, it's a particularly poignant moment - facing the United States, a team he keenly followed while passionately supporting their rivals, the Chicago White Sox, throughout his childhood.

Greene's formative years were steeped in White Sox fandom. Growing up in Dillon, he cheered for the South Siders, a loyalty that makes his current position with Team Canada all the more surreal. "It's pretty surreal," Greene told The Detroit News. "Growing up, I was a White Sox fan. Now, I'm playing for Canada against the United States. That's pretty cool." This seemingly paradoxical situation underscores the fluid nature of professional sports, where personal passions can intertwine with professional obligations, creating unique and compelling storylines.

Greene's journey to the WBC wasn't a linear ascent. Drafted 5th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019, he quickly became a coveted prospect. However, a trade in 2021 sent him packing to the Detroit Tigers, a move that reshaped his trajectory. While many high draft picks seamlessly transition to the majors, Greene faced initial hurdles. His debut in the MLB in 2022 was marked by struggles, culminating in a .222 batting average and a .634 OPS across 83 games. These early struggles are often the unspoken realities of even the most promising young talents, a period of adjustment and learning under intense scrutiny.

But Greene's story isn't one of failure, but of resilience and growth. The 2023 season witnessed a dramatic turnaround. He blossomed into a legitimate offensive threat, boasting a .270 batting average, an impressive .798 OPS, and launching 23 home runs while driving in 79 RBIs. This remarkable improvement demonstrated not only his raw talent but also his dedication to refining his skills and adapting to the demands of professional baseball. This leap in performance was crucial in earning him a spot on the Canadian roster for the prestigious WBC.

The WBC is a unique platform, showcasing the best international baseball talent. For Canada, a nation often overshadowed by its southern neighbor in baseball, the tournament presents a vital opportunity to raise the profile of the sport and demonstrate the depth of Canadian baseball prowess. Greene's inclusion provides a significant boost, both in terms of on-field performance and attracting fan interest.

Adding another layer to the Chicago connection is veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder, also on Team Canada's roster. Refsnyder had a brief stint with the White Sox in 2017, providing a shared Windy City link between the two Canadian teammates. This shared history adds a sense of camaraderie and understanding within the team, strengthening their bond as they prepare to compete against the world's best.

Team Canada will face a tough challenge in their opening WBC game against the United States on Monday, March 20th. While Greene's childhood loyalties may tug at his heartstrings, his professional commitment lies with Team Canada. He's not the only player with a complex backstory in this tournament; many athletes find themselves representing nations different from where they were born or raised, adding another layer of intrigue to the competition. Riley Greene's story, however, is particularly compelling, a testament to the unpredictable path a baseball career can take and the enduring power of childhood passions even as they evolve and intertwine with new allegiances. It's a story that extends beyond baseball, speaking to themes of identity, adaptation, and the thrill of representing one's chosen nation on the world stage.