Obscure former Brewers infielder just made WBC history after son's debut

The World Baseball Classic offers a unique opportunity for baseball fans to watch meaningful games in early March while the anticipation of the regular season is at its peak. Several weeks before MLB teams kick off the 2026 campaign, rosters filled with the best baseball players in the world square off in an international tournament that has produced a number of memorable moments in years past.

One of the best parts of the WBC is that for several countries to fill out their rosters, they have to turn to former big leaguers or current minor leaguers, who wouldn't otherwise have a chance to play in the brightest of lights. Players like former Milwaukee Brewer Julio Teherán, who didn't play in MLB in 2025, have opportunities to prove their talent against some of the best players in the world.

The nature of the rosters also produces some fun connections for MLB fans. Players that fans may have forgotten about or haven't been relevant in affiliated ball for quite some time seem to pop up in the WBC, making for surprising and sometimes nostalgic moments. For example, Daniel Missaki, who was included in the Brewers' 2015 trade with the Seattle Mariners that brought Freddy Peralta to Milwaukee, is suiting up for Team Brazil in this year's WBC. A list of every direct Brewers connection in the 2026 WBC can be found at the link below.

Every Milwaukee Brewers connection in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

One minor Brewers connection is making history for Team Australia in the 2026 WBC. Former Brewer Trent Durrington and his son Max Durrington, made history last night as the first father-son duo to compete for Team Australia in the WBC.

Former Brewer Trent Durrington and his son become first father-son duo to compete for Team Australia in World Baseball Classic

Infielder Trent Durrington had a brief stint in Milwaukee back in 2004 and 2005. The infielder played 81 games for the Brew Crew and didn't have much success, but he did collect three triples and nine stolen bases during that span. Durrington arrived in Milwaukee by way of the Anaheim Angels' organization, where he made his MLB debut in 1999.

In 2006, Trent suited up for Team Australia in the inaugural World Baseball Classic. He appeared in three games for the Aussies, compiling 12 at-bats in the process. Durrington collected two hits, one of which was a double, and swiped three bags in the WBC back in '06.

Now, 20 years later, his son Max is wearing the yellow and green for Team Australia, making the Durringtons the first father-son duo to compete for the Aussies in the WBC. Max, who plays outfield and second base, is a member of the Athletics' organization and split the 2025 season between their Rookie Ball and Low-A affiliate. Durrington slashed .238/.329/.295 in 2025, before earning the invitation from Team Australia this spring.

Max didn't get into last night's game against Chinese Taipei, but manager Dave Nilsson -- another former Brewer -- is bound to give him a shot at some point. Australia did pull off an impressive 3-0 upset of Chinese Taipei and will face off with the Czech Republic tonight at 9:00 p.m. CT, which will be televised on FS1.