How Stuart Fairchild is eligible to play for Chinese Taipei in World Baseball Classic

The first game of the World Baseball Classic isn't the most glamorous. It'll pit Chinese Taipei against Australia.

But there is MLB experience on the field to start the WBC, and one of those guys is Stuart Fairchild.

Fairchild, who is with the Cleveland Guardians this spring, is a journeyman outfielder with solid speed.

He's also not a player who, on paper, you'd expect to be playing for Chinese Taipei.

This is the scoop on Fairchild's eligibility.

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How is Stuart Fairchild playing for Chinese Taipei?

Fairchild's eligibility is simple: His mother is Taiwanese.

Fairchild credited catcher Lyle Lin for recruiting him to the roster, according to Taiwan's Overseas Community Affairs Council.

"He definitely played a role in encouraging me to play, and he had nothing but good things to say about the team, how passionate the fans are, and how fun baseball is here. So it was a big motivator," Fairchild said.

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Fairchild is 29 years old, and this will be one of the top honors of his baseball career.

There will be eyes watching the opening game of the tournament simply because it means the WBC is back after three years.

Fairchild will do his best to make an impression while representing his mother's home.

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