Kyle Teelwas selected in the 1st round (14th overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox out of the University of Virginia. He received the 2023 Buster Posey Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, which recognizes the nation’s top catcher. His .407 batting average was one of the highest single-season averages in school history, earning him 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year and Consensus College Baseball All-American honors.
Teel quickly advanced through the Boston minor league system and in December 2024 was part of a trade that sent him to the Chicago White Sox organization as a top prospect. He made his MLB debut on June 6, 2025 and showed lightening power when hitting eight home runs with a .273 batting average and 35 RBI for the remainder of the season. The fast-rising left-handed hitting star has demonstrated an advanced hitting approach and the ability to work counts to get on base, where he excels with smart base running tactics. His leadership, skilled game management and precision (only five errors in 501 innings ) behind the plate makes him a strong defensive weapon as well.
Alberto Mineo grew up in Gorizia (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) and initially played soccer as a child but gravitated toward baseball in his early teens after seeing his father compete in the Italian Baseball League. Mentored by the late and great Bill Holmberg, Mineo signed with the Chicago Cubs organizationin 2010 as a teenager and progressed in the Cubs’ farm system up to Double-A ball before being claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays organization in the Rule 5 draft on December 14, 2017. He reached Triple-A in 2018 and later returned to the Chicago Cubs organization in 2020.
Mineo has since been dominant player for Parma Clima in Italy and has excelled internationally in Nicaragua, where he led Leones de León to its second consecutive national championship title. As the Team Italy captain, he was instrumental in the Azzurri securing the 2025 European Baseball Championship silver medal. Through his professional journey internationally, Mineo has undoubtedly helped elevate the profile of Italian baseball and inspire the next generation of players.
Born in Venezuela, 22-year-old Giaconino Lasaracina is considered one of the most exciting young prospects in Italy. He debuted in 2022 with Settimo Torinese, where he registered a remarkable .406 batting average with 30 RBI in 27 games. The promising utility player (C/3B) continued to produce offensively with a .330 clip in 2023 before another explosive season (.387/.472/.613) in 2024. Lasaracina played in 23 games for Collecchio last year (.333/.396/.644).
Giaconino “Nino” Lasaracina split time defensively behind the plate and in right field during the 2025 U23 European Baseball Championship in the Czech Republic. The three-hole hitter went 4-for-16 with two doubles, two walks and two RBI. The Team Italy designated hitter stepped up in a big way at the 2025 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship in Rotterdam, where he led the tournament with six home runs to claim the Euro Home Run Hitter award and top all batters with 32 total bases while collecting second best honors in RBI (15). He has since signed to play for Parma Clima and join teammate Alberto Mineo. Working out of Grosseto under the watchful eye of renowned trainer Gianni Natale and Azzurri manager Francisco Cervelli, Lasaracina is a prospect on the move.
Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1st round (7th overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft after his outstanding career at LSU, Aaron Nola made his MLB debut on July 21, 2015 and has spent his entire career with the franchise. He quickly became a centerpiece in the Phillies’ rotation. Known for his excellent control, command, competitive instincts, ability to induce weak contact and to pitch deep into games using his signature fastball, changeup, and curveball, Nola has etched his name in stone as one of the game’s premier pitchers by keeping hitters off balance.
The proud Italian American has recorded multiple seasons with double-digit wins and consistent strikeout totals, consistently ranking among the National League’s top starters. 2018 was a breakout year as he was named an MLB All-Star and finished third in National League Cy Young Award voting after tallying 17 wins. He went on to help the Phillies reach the 2022 World Series. Despite being plagued by injury in 2025, Nola still managed to make 17 starts. Over his stellar career, Nola is one of the club’s all-time strikeout leaders and tops many franchise pitching records.
Michael Lorenzen was a two-way star at Cal State Fullerton, where he was both a pitcher and an outfielder. The versatile player was named an All-American and a finalist for the John Olerud Award in 2012. Lorenzen was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1st round (38th overall) of the 2013 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut on April 29, 2015 and spent his first seven seasons with the Reds as a starter and reliever before playing for the Los Angeles Angels in 2022.
Lorenzen began the 2023 season with the Detroit Tigers, but was later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He became a 2023 MLB All-Star and went on to throw a no-hitter for the Phillies against the Washington Nationals in his home debut with the club. After signing with the Texas Rangers in 2024, Lorenzen was traded to the Kansas City Royals mid-season and remained a Royal through 2025. The Colorado Rockies recently signed him to a one-year deal with a team option for 2027. The 34-year-old right-handed gurler does everything he can to keep his team in the game with quality starts deep into contests.
Greg Weissert was selected by the New York Yankees in the 18th round (548th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Fordham University. The hard-throwing right-handed pitcher was a dominant reliever in Triple-A and was named 2022 International League Pitcher of the Year. Weissert made his MLB debut on August 25, 2022 with the New York Yankees and remained in pinstripes for parts of two seasons. He was traded to the Boston Red Sox in December 2023 and has been a key bullpen arm ever since.
Known as a versatile reliever with a strong slider, Weissert has transitioned into a reliable late-inning weapon, contributing both in middle relief and high-leverage spots. Through the 2025 season, he has appeared in 163 MLB games with a 13–8 record, 3.28 ERA, and 148 strikeouts. This past year, the trusted stopper posted a 2.82 ERA in 72 appearances (67 innings), including four saves, and maintained a 1.16 WHIP. Weissert was last seen throwing a scoreless inning in the 2025 American League Wild Card game against the New York Yankees, proving he was born to perform under pressure.
Adam Ottavino pitched three scoreless innings against Venezuela during the 2009 WBC
Adam Ottavino was drafted in the 30th round of the 2003 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays but chose to attend Northeastern University instead. At Northeastern, he became one of the program’s all-time leaders in strikeouts and was the second-highest draft pick in school history when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the 1st round (30th overall) of the 2006 MLB Draft. Ottavino made his MLB debut on May 29, 2010, logging 5.2 innings in his first big-league game. Claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies in April 2012, Ottavino became a reliable bullpen arm. In 2013, he posted a 2.64 ERA in 51 games. He was named the Rockies’ closer in 2015, but an arm injury and eventual Tommy John surgery sidelined him for the season. After returning, he set a Rockies franchise record with 37 scoreless appearances in 2016 and later in 2018 led the majors in holds with 34.
Ottavino joined the New York Yankees during the 2019 and 2020 seasons before pitching for the Boston Red Sox in 2021, when he made 69 relief appearances and picked up 11 saves. He signed with the New YorkMets ahead of the 2022 season, delivering one of his best years with an impressive 2.06 ERA over 66 games as a setup man. His tenure with the Mets also included leadership roles in high-leverage situations through the 2024 campaign before returning to the New York Yankees in 2025. With 727 appearances to his credit, Ottavino has compiled a 41-43 record, 3.48 ERA, 862 strikeouts, and 46 saves. Known for his powerful right-handed delivery and strikeout ability, the 40-year-old veteran has been one of the most durable and trusted relievers throughout his career. Whether used in setup roles and high-leverage innings or as a closer, he can help Team Italy when needed late in the game.
Samuel Aldegheri grew up in Verona, Italy, where baseball is far less prominent than in the U.S. His early exposure to the sport came from watching MLB games and videos abroad, fueling his dream to play at the highest level. He has made seven appearances (five starts) for the Los Angeles Angels over the last two years. The first Italian-born and developed in history to pitch in the Major Leagues made his MLB debut on August 30, 2024 and a week later on September 6th he earned his first big-league win against the Texas Rangers on September 6, 2024 (6 IP, R, 7 K) He spent most of 2025 was in Double-A (8-8 record, 3.72 ERA) before several appearances between the Big League and Triple-A. The crafty left-handed pitcher has worked to refine his game as both a starter and reliever. He possesses a fastball and a plethora of secondary pitches designed to keep hitters guessing.
Dan Altavilla was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 5th round (141st overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Mercyhurst University and made his MLB debut on August 27, 2016. He began his MLB career working out of the Mariners bullpen until 2020, when he was traded to the San Diego Padres. Altavilla spent parts of two seasons with the Friars before a stint with the Kansas City Royals in 2024. He signed with the Chicago White Sox in 2025, when he made 28 relief appearances (29 innings) and recorded a respectable 2.48 ERA . Having signed a deal the Minnesota Twins this year, the seasoned veteran has eight years of MLB experience with 152 appearances (148.2 IP) and 155 strikeouts with a career 4.00 ERA. He is known for providing middle-inning bullpen depth, mixing a fastball with breaking and off-speed pitches to get hitters out in short bursts.
Joe La Sorsa was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 19th round (548th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of St. John’s University. He progressed through the minors with strong strikeout rates, including a 36.3% strikeout rate at Double-A in 2022 before making his MLB debut on May 29, 2023 when throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. After two appearances with the Rays, he was claimed off waivers by the Washington Nationals in June 2023. The lefty specialist pitched out of the Nationals bullpen in 2023 and 2024, combining for over 30 MLB appearances with a mid-4.00 ERA. He signed with the Cincinnati Reds before the 2025 season and made five major league relief appearances. Known to be effective for his sinker, sweeper and changeup, La Sorsa is currently seeking a new home in the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen.
Matt Festa was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 7th round (207th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of East Stroudsburg University and made his MLB Debut on July 14, 2018 He spent multiple seasons in the Seattle bullpen (2018–2019, 2022–2023) and was idle for a couple years after Tommy John surgery in 2020. Festa split time during the 2024 season between the New York Mets and Texas Rangers, registering a strong 6–0 record with the Rangers in relief. Traded to the Cleveland Guardians on April 30, 2025, he made 63 relief appearances last season. Known as a middle relief specialist with a mix of fastballs, sliders, cutters, and sweepers, Festa provides Team Italy with a lethal mix of effective pitches to attack hitters in the box.
Kyle Nicolas was selected in the 2nd round (61st overall) by the Miami Marlins in the 2020 MLB Draft out of Ball State. In 2021, Nicolas began his professional career with the High-A Beloit Snappers before earning a promotion to the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos. On November 29, 2021, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2022, Nicolas pitched for the Double-A Altoona Curve, making 24 appearances (22 starts) with a 3.97 ERA and 101 strikeouts. During the 2023 season, he split time between Altoona and the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, logging a combined 4–7 record with a 5.20 ERA, 127 strikeouts, and two saves. In fact, while at the Triple-A level, he once struck out nine batters in a single relief outing. The Pirates took notice and quickly added him to the 40-man roster, which resulted in his MLB debut on September 19, 2023. Nicolas began 2024 in Triple-A but was called up in April and spent most of the season with the Pirates, appearing in 51 games with a 2–2 record and a 3.95 ERA over 54.2 innings. He remained on the major league roster in 2025, when also struck out 55 batters and recorded a 1–2 record with a 4.74 ERA in 31 relief appearances out of the Pirates bullpen. Featuring a powerful fastball and a solid breaking ball along with his imposing mound presence, long arms and size (6′3″, 225 lb), Nicolas delivers strikes lightening quick.
Known for his dominant college career at the University of Mississippi, where he led Ole Miss to its first national championship and was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player in 2022, Dylan DeLucia was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 6th round (181st overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft. He has since performed well in the minor leagues, reaching the Double-A level. In 13 starts (62 innings) for the Double-A Akron Rubber Ducks in 2025, DeLucia registered a 5-4 record with 52 strikeouts and a 3.19 ERA. MLB scouts note his ability to attack hitters and generate strikeouts. He has shown the ability to limit walks and compete effectively in big moments, traits that served him well in both college and the minors. A solid right-handed pitcher with a fastball, slider and changeup. DeLucia is a welcome addition to the Team Italy pitching arsenal.
Ron Marinaccio was selected by the New York Yankees in the 19th round (572nd overall) in the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of Delaware. He made his MLB debut on April 9, 2022 with the New York Yankees, pitching a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. In his rookie season, he became a reliable part of the Yankees bullpen, posting a 2.05 ERA in 40 games with excellent command and strong strikeout numbers (56 K). He continued to impress with the Yankees in 2023 and parts of 2024, combining for over 80 relief appearances, before being claimed by the Chicago White Sox on September 23, 2024. Marinaccio was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2025 and appeared in seven MLB games (10.2 IP, 0.84 ERA). Across his big-league career, Marinaccio has appeared in 108 games with a 3.02 ERA and 149 strikeouts in 125.1 innings of relief. With an effective mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches to induce swings and misses. this right-handed Team Italy bullpen arm was built to get quick outs and keep runners on base stranded without crossing the plate.
Alex Jacob was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 16th round (490th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Gonzaga University, where he threw a no-hitter against Pepperdine and was named West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2021. He was chosen as the 2022 San Diego Padres Pitching Prospect of the Year and made his Major League debut on July 15, 2023 for the Friars. Over parts of 2023–2025, Jacob has made 39 appearances with 47 strikeouts in 51 innings of relief with a 4.06 career ERA. He features a mix of pitches that allow him to work selectively in late-innings relief roles.
Gordon Graceffo was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 5th round (151st overall) of 2021 MLB Draft out of Villanova. His ability to generate soft contact and prevent extra-base hits were among the calling cards that made him stand out as a professional prospect. Named to the 2021 ABCA All-East Region First Team, Graceffo stablished himself as one of the top pitchers in school history despite having both his sophomore and junior seasons truncated by the COVID-19 pandemic. His career 1.193 WHIP ranked third and 2.86 ERA ranked fourth in the record books.
In 2022, he was named the Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year after combining for a 10-6 record with a 2.97 ERA, 139 strikeouts, and excellent control across High-A and Double-A. In 2023, Graceffo pitched for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, posting a 4.92 ERA in 18 starts and refining his arsenal against advanced hitters. He made his MLB debut on June 29, 2024, appearing in relief and pitching 4.1 innings against the Cincinnati Reds. In 2025, Graceffo split time between the Cardinals bullpen and Triple-A, working primarily as a reliever at the MLB level. He recorded his first major league win on April 30, 2025, tossing five strong innings with five strikeouts and no walks. Graceffo has a combined MLB career 3–2 record with 46 strikeouts in 50.2 innings of work as a spot starter and reliever out of the bullpen. His repertoire includes a fastball that can touch the high-90s and effective breaking pitches.
Alessandro Ercolani tipped off his talent early when he participated in the 2016 Little League World Series. He signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in April 2021 to become the first player from San Marino ever to sign with a Major League organization. In 2023, he made 15 starts for Single-A Bradenton with a 4.43 ERA, and later saw action as one of the youngest players in the Arizona Fall League, which features many of the best prospects in baseball. In 2025, Ercolani helped Double-A Altoona reach the playoffs by putting together a career-high 100.1 innings pitched with a 4.04 ERA, showing continued development and durability, Equipped with a mid-90s fastball, cutter, slider, and changeup, the promising 21-year-old remains a top Pittsburgh Pirates prospect (currently ranked 21st in their system) with the potential to reach Triple-A and eventually PNC Park.
Gabriele Quattrini showcased his pitching prowess at the 2012 European Baseball Academy, a development program for international prospects. Since then, he has played at the highest level in Italy (Serie A) over the past five seasons (46 starts, 60 games). Quattrini has been the driving force for Hotsand Macerata for several seasons and has represented Team Italy in international competitions. At Haarlem Baseball Week 2022, he pitched six shutout innings to lead Italy to a historic win over Cuba. The right-handed pitcher earned a Haarlem Baseball Week 2024 win against Spain with 6.2 innings of quality work. Most recently he threw seven scoreless innings and only allowed three hits in the 1-0 shutout over Germany in the European Baseball Championship quarterfinal game on September 25, 2025. Quattrini is known as a workhorse on the mound with excellent command and is capable of pitching deep into games. He has established himself as one of the elite Italian pitchers in recent times.
Former New York Yankees prospect and current Team Italy corner infielder Renzo Martini
Signed by the New York Yankees in 2011, Renzo Martini spent five years in the minor leagues before playing in his native Venezuela. During his six-season career playing in Italy’s Serie A, corner infielder Renzo Martini has compiled an impressive .368 batting average with 63 doubles, 19 home runs, 167 RBI and 85 walks. He led Team Italy to a silver medal in the 2025 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship in Rotterdam, where the Azzurri cleanup hitter slashed .480/.552/.640 with five RBI during the competition. The corner infielder rose to the occasion in the Euro semifinal game against the Czech Republic on September 26th and hit for the cycle while scoring three runs and picking up three RBI. As a result, Renzo Martini earned the 2025 European Baseball Championship Best Hitter award.
Giaconino Lasaracina is congratulated after hitting a two-run homer against the Czech Republic
Giaconino “Nino” Lasaracina split time defensively behind the plate and in right field during the 2025 U23 European Baseball Championship in the Czech Republic. The three-hole hitter went 4-for-16 with two doubles, two walks and two RBI. During his past four seasons playing in Italy for Collecchio and Settimo Torinese, he has produced massive numbers (.366 BA, .592 SLG, .440 OBP, 1.032 OPS).
The 22-year-old Italian designated hitter stepped up in a big way at the 2025 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship in Rotterdam, where he led the tournament with six home runs to claim the Euro Home Run Hitter award and top all batters with 32 total bases while registering second in RBI (15). He has since signed to play for Parma Clima and join mentor Alberto Mineo. Currently working out of Grosseto under the watchful eye of Team Italy trainer Gianni Natale and Azzurri manager Francisco Cervelli, Lasaracina has his sights on making the 2026 World Baseball Classic roster alongside WBC prospect Renzo Martini. Forza #Italia!
Team Italy manager Francisco Cervelli and the Azzurri baseball squad prepare for battle in World Baseball Classic (WBC) Pool B action featuring USA, Mexico, Great Britain and Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston from March 7-11, 2026 with two Pre-WBC Exhibition Games against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa on Tuesday, March 3rd and the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Wednesday, March 4th.
2026 Chicago Cubs Spring Training single-game tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, December 5th at 11 am (CST). Sign up to become an Angels Insider by clicking HERE in order to participate in the Angels Insider Spring Training Pre-Sale beginning on Friday, November 21st at 10 am (PT) and continuing through Sunday, November 23rd at 10 pm (PT).
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Giacomo Taschin to a minor league contract on April 30, 2025. He was one of 28 teenage players hailing from 11 countries invited to participate in the 2022 MLB College Showcase in Peoria, Arizona. As part of the MLB World Select Team, the 16-year-old battled in the hot October sun belting out 100+ degrees heat to work out and compete. Pitching coach Roger McDowell, who spent 12 years as an MLB pitcher and registered 159 saves as well as the Game 7 win for the New York Mets in the 1986 World Series, helped him retool his leg work. The gifted Italian lefty welcomed the change and commented, “The mechanics, the adjustments are very good.” It would prove to be pivotal in his transformation to become an elite pitcher.
Having played four seasons in Italy’s Serie A for his hometown club in Rovigo and represented Team Italy in the U15 European Championship, the U18 World Cup, and the U18 European Championship, Giacomo Taschin now hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow Italian-born and developed Los Angeles Angels lefty Samuel Aldegheri.
Toronto Blue Jays international scout Harry Einbinder said, “Watching Giacomo’s development both on and off the field has been incredibly rewarding. He’s a special player with great family support, and we’re excited to see what he can do at the professional level. The watching of a player can take several years. In Giacomo’s case because he was part of several Italian teams that traveled internationally, we have had the opportunity to see him for the last three years. It was really helpful because Italy does such a good job of putting together teams that are under 15 and under 18 that we had an opportunity to see him for several years. I think that his signing helps younger players in Italy but especially players who are starting to play baseball to see that it is realistic to play at the highest level or at least the opportunity to sign with a team in the US or Canada. Obviously it takes a lot of hard work, but it shows that is possible. Hopefully Giacomo’s success will set an example for younger players that is realistic to have a career outside of Italy.”
Giacomo Taschin exclaimed, “I am very happy to have reached this small milestone and starting point of a long journey that I have been wishing for. Thank you to my family, my fellow players and teammates and coaches for helping me achieve this goal that I have been dreaming of for a long time.” Forza #Italia!
2023 WBC stars Nicky Lopez, Vinnie Pasquantino, Miles Mastrobuoni and Brett Sullivan
Despite a 4-2 record during the 2023 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship in the Czech Republic, Team Italy placed ninth due to Team Quality Balance. After suffering an 8-3 upset by Sweden (8th place) and a heartbreaking 11-10 loss to eventual silver medalist Great Britain early in the tournament, the Azzurri did not reach the quarterfinals. As a result, the Italians were relegated to the 9-12 placement round and did not automatically qualify for the 2025 European Baseball Championship in the Netherlands.
Now Team Italy must earn the right to compete against the top 2023 Euro finishers (Groups A and B) in Rotterdam from September 24-27, 2025 by hosting and winning one of two qualifiers (Group C) in Novara from September 20-22, 2025. The Italians begin their journey in Novara with the aim of returning to Rotterdam, where the Azzurri last won the 2012 European Baseball Championship title and aspire to recapture the gold magic again thirteen years later.
The top eight finishers from the 2023 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship are broken up into two groups, Groups A and B, in a round-robin tourney at Neptunus Familiestadion in Rotterdam. Group A features reigning champion Spain along with Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden, while host 2023 bonze medalist Kingdom of the Netherlands competes in Group B with Great Britain, France and Israel.
Eight countries competing in the 2025 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship Qualifiers are included in Groups C and D at different locations. Group C takes place in Novara, where Team Italy faces Switzerland, Greece and Lithuania. Belgium hosts Group D in Borgerhoutm and plays against Croatia, Austria and Hungary.
The top two teams from Groups C and D advance to Rotterdam and play the third and fourth-place finishers from Groups A and B. Then the winners of the aforementioned clashes together with the first two teams from Groups A and B compete in an elimination round to determine the medal winners.
Below is the road map for Team Italy manager Francisco Cervelli and technical coaching coordinator Gibo Gerali to lead the Azzurri squad to the 2025 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship final:
Saturday, September 20, 2025 9:30 am (ET) Switzerland vs. Team Italy in Novara
Sunday, September 21, 2025 9:30 am (ET) Team Italy vs. Lithuania in Novara
Monday, September 22, 2025 9:30 am (ET) Greece vs. Team Italy in Novara
Assuming Team Italy wins all three games listed above in Novara and continues to win the games below in Rotterdam then the road map looks like this:
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Travel Day to Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Group B fourth-place finisher (Kingdom of the Netherlands, Great Britain, France and Israel)
Thursday, September 25, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Group A leader (Spain, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden)
Friday, September 26, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Semifinalist or Group A runner-up (Spain, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden)
Saturday, September 27, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Finalist or Group B leader or runner-up (Kingdom of the Netherlands, Great Britain, France and Israel)
Team Italy hopes to recapture the European Baseball Championship throne after a lengthy 13-year drought. The Italians have won the Euro title ten times, while Kingdom of the Netherlands has dominated the tournament with 24 first-place finishes. The last time the two powerhouses met was at the Euro Championship final in 2019, when the Dutch prevailed in a 5-1 Euro Gold Medal victory in Bonn, Germany. It has been a long four years since 2021 European Baseball Championship host Team Italy earned a medal after a 2-0 shutout over Spain in the Bronze Medal Game in Torino.
Team Italy vs. Kingdom of the Netherlands
Nothing would be more enjoyable than a rematch between Team Italy and Kingdom of the Netherlands in the 2025 European Baseball Championship final in Rotterdam, where the Italians last won the Euros in 2012. Purchase your tickets for EuroBaseball 2025 by clicking HERE. If you cannot make it in person, watch all the action live by clicking HERE. Forza #Italia!
After the passing of Tommy Lasorda in January 7, 2021, Orange County native and cultural historian Roberto Angotti proposed to Fullerton Mayor Bruce Whitaker that the city pay tribute to the Lasorda family and the late and great Dodger legend by adopting Tollo as its Sister City and honoring Tommy Lasorda every year on his birthday. The Fullerton City Council unanimously approved the motion. Angotti then traveled to Italy to get a signed letter of intent from Tollo Mayor Angelo Radica.
Tollo, Italy and Fullerton, California officially became Sister Cities in honor of Tommy Lasorda on September 22, 2021. Tollo is a charming town in the Abruzzo region of Italy, about 16 miles from the coast near Pescara and surrounded by beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea to the west and the Maiella Mountains to the east. Although Tollo is world-renowned for its food and wine traditions, the small town of 4,000 inhabitants is also known for its connection to the late and great global baseball ambassador Tommy Lasorda, who lived in Fullerton, California for nearly sixty years and whose parents hailed from this quaint Italian mountain village.
Fullerton paid tribute to the Lasorda family on September 22, 2021 when it celebrated its inaugural Tommy Lasorda Day. Attendees included Mike Scioscia, Eric Karros, Mickey Hatcher, Lenny Randle, Jim Hill, Vince Ferragamo, Fred Dryer, Laura Lasorda, Ann Meyer Drysdale, Drew Drysdale and Joe Buscaino.
Former Dodger catcher and two-time MLB All-Star Mike Scioscia, who played for Lasorda on two World Series winning teams before leading the Angels as manager to a 2002 World Series championship title, represented the Italian American Baseball Foundation at Tommy Lasorda Day.
Scioscia said: “Tommy was the most competitive person I ever met in my life. I think that anyone who played for him felt the same way, but that is what it took for us to become world champions and he knew it and he instilled it in all of us. He made us better baseball players, but most important, made us better men.”
Sister City confirmed! Thank you to our friends overseas in Tollo, Italy and to the Lasorda family. Today we celebrate Italy, Tommy and Jo Lasorda, and baseball 💙🇮🇹⚾️ pic.twitter.com/KENoPrBNhu
Tollo Mayor Angelo Radica and the Tollo City Council assembled in the Municipal Council Chambers in Tollo (Chieti) on October 25, 2021 to approve and sign the Sister City relationship with Fullerton, California in honor of Tommy Lasorda and his Tollo-born parents Sabatino and Carmella Lasorda.
The online video conference call included Fullerton Mayor Bruce Whitaker, the Fullerton City Council, Fullerton Sister City Association President Michael Oates and Sister City International Ambassador Roberto Angotti. In addition to members of community attending the town hall meeting, Tollo Baseball and Softball Coordinator Graziano Primavera and players from his teams were also in attendance. Tollo broke ground in building a youth baseball and softball field in Italy named in honor of Tommy Lasorda and celebrated the opening of the diamond in May 2022.
It was a weekend of smiles, emotions and memories in early May 2022 in Tollo, Italy for Laura Lasorda, daughter of Tommy and Jo Lasorda. Accompanied with an entourage of friends and family, Laura Lasorda visited Tollo tracing the ancestral roots of her grandfather Sabatino Lasorda, who left this small town known for its fine Abruzzese cuisine and wine in the province of Chieti to look for a better life in the United States.
WIth Laura Lasorda and Sister City ambassador Roberto Angotti serving as witnesses inside Tollo City Hall, Tollo Mayor Angelo Radica signed the official Sister City agreement with Fullerton, California on Saturday morning, May 7, 2022. Fullerton celebrated its inaugural “Tommy Lasorda Day” on September 22, 2021, when Fullerton Mayor Bruce Whitaker officially signed the Sister City covenant.
Tollo Mayor Angelo Radica and former Fullerton Mayor Bruce Whitaker met at Tollo City Hall
Despite the afternoon rain, Tollo Mayor Angelo Radica and Laura Lasorda cut the ceremonial ribbon to the new baseball and softball field named after Tommy Lasorda, whose eternal smile stands out in the large mural depicting him created by artist Antonello ‘Macs’ Piccinino. The unsung hero in preparing the diamond for this special occasion was Alessandro Flisi of Flisi Field, who spent countless hours away from his family in Parma during the Easter holiday to make sure Tommy Lasorda field was completed in time for the unveiling.
Poste Italiane got the party started when revealing a specially-designed one-day postage stamp seal commemorating Tommy Lasorda Day at the diamond before Lasorda t-shirts, hats and cake were distributed to all those in attendance. Celebrants were treated to a series of emotionally-driven speeches during the festivities.
Mural designed by Italian artist Antonello ‘Macs’ Piccinino at Tommy Lasorda Field in Tollo
Laura Lasorda said, “The first feeling I feel, being here with you is that of gratitude for having given me and my family, the one who is here with me and the one who looks at us from heaven, this beautiful moment. Returning to the homeland of my grandparents is a bit like closing the circle and makes me understand how it is from here that the values that my father passed on to us and that his parents passed on to him originate. I am sure that from today, in my father’s name, the people who will be able to make an important contribution to the growth of baseball, not only here, but in Italy, have come together.”
Tollo Mayor Angelo Radica said, “Today is a historic day for Tollo. I would say the second most important ever after the one in which Tommy Lasorda visited us. This field is our commitment, not only by the Tollo City Administration, but it is also our commitment to Tollo Baseball and Softball. The promise and commitment we make today is to make it live through the activity of many boys and girls. Finally, the dream of those who started their passion for baseball over 40 years ago on the occasion of Tommy Lasorda’s visit has come true and young people can play and grow on a field dedicated to them. I want to thank all those who contributed to the realization of the project. I would like to mention the City Council who understood and supported it, the Councilor of the Abruzzo Region Silvio Paolucci, who gave us an important hand in overcoming some difficult moments, and Tollo Baseball and Softball President Ezio Della Nebbia and coach Graziano Primavera, both of whom worked very hard to make our dream came true.”
On October 10, 2024 a large delegation from Fullerton, led by former Mayor Bruce Whitaker,Laura Lasorda, Roberto Angotti, filmmaker and producer/director of Italian American Baseball Family as well as official ambassador and promoter of the Sister City agreement between the two cities, and members of the Fullerton Sister City Association traveled to Italy where they were guests of Tollo Mayor Angelo Radica to celebrate the Sister City agreement and bridge the cultural connection across the Atlantic.
Tollo Mayor Angelo Radica said, “I am very happy to welcome the Fullerton delegation. Tommy Lasorda is the most important and famous citizen of Tollo. The story of Tommy Lasorda represents the ‘American dream’. Lasorda never forgot Tollo. When he came to Tollo, in 1979, a square packed with people welcomed him. One day, secretly, he decided to come by car to better visit Tollo, a town he loved very much.”
Mayor Radica continued, “When it was possible to create the connection between Tollo and Fullerton, we immediately said ‘yes’. With Bruce Whitaker, we signed the Sister City agreement between Tollo and Fullerton online. Today, we are dedicating a small space where there will be all the most beautiful and important objects related to Tommy Lasorda and donated to us by Laura Lasorda. Thank you for being here and thank you Federation Italiana Baseball Softball, for supporting this initiative from the start. Today, for Tollo and Fullerton, it is not a point of arrival but a point of departure.”
“It is a great pleasure to be here with you”, said Bruce Whitaker, Fullerton Mayor city at the time of the signing of the Sister City relationship. “Almost four years ago, in a conference call on zoom, we united our cities through the signing of a Sister City agreement. We are proud to be united together with your beautiful municipality of Tollo. When Tommy Lasorda passed away in early 2021, our countries and the world were in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. The lockdown prevented us from honoring our Tommy in the best way. Tommy represents many characteristics of both of our small cities, along with the competitiveness inherent in many Italian athletes for whom we have a lot of respect. We thought it was very important to remember and commemorate Tommy by taking him as an example of our city, very oriented towards baseball, and establishing every September 22nd as Tommy Lasorda Day in Fullerton.”
Bruce Whitaker continued, “Tommy preferred Fullerton to Hollywood, where he lived a few blocks from my house, in a working-class area. He lived in our city for 58 years, until he passed away. Tommy Lasorda had a global impact, he was the global ambassador for baseball and that is why we honor him. His passion, his enthusiasm for the game of baseball, and his respect and love for the fans, are unmatched. We are very proud to be part of his legacy and we are happy to share it with Tollo, the place where his father Sabatino and his mother Carmela are from. It is a pleasure to be here, to share with you this bond that will forever unite our cities.”
Felipe Ruiz, Laura Lasorda and Graziano Primavera meet players at Tommy Lasorda Field
After the welcoming ceremony in the Tollo Council Chamber and exchanging gifts and awards, the day continued at Tommy Lasorda Field, which was inaugurated in May 2022, where the Tollo Dodgers and Macerata Angels U12 teams played an exhibition game. The Tommy Lasorda Museum was unveiled to the Fullerton delegation later that night. The museum represents a tribute to the extraordinary life and career of the National Baseball Hall of Fame Manager.
The Fullerton Junior Ambassadors, a group of teenage students selected by the Fullerton Sister City Association to represent the city at home and abroad, recently returned from a tour of Italy. The delegation began its travels in Rome and spent a day at the Vatican during the Jubilee Celebrations before meandering through Florence. Then it was off to Sister City Tollo for an action-packed program.
Tollo welcomed the Fullerton Junior Ambassadors with open arms from June 26-27, 2025
The gracious Italian hosts in Tollo opened their homes where the Fullerton students stayed as special guests. Relationships were built quickly and naturally as they played baseball together, ate, drank and toured through the beautiful city. The Fullerton delegation was introduced to the land, places of worship, multiple museums, a castle and amazing food. Then Tollo planned a party for the whole community in the town square, complete with a traditional parade re-enacting the siege of the Turks. When it was time to depart for the next adventure to the Amalfi Coast, the Fullerton Junior Ambassadors asked if it was possible to cancel that leg of the tour so that they could stay longer in Tollo with their new friends.
Fullerton Junior Ambassadors exchanged gifts with new Tollo friends at Tommy Lasorda Field
Immediately after the Fullerton Junior Ambassadors departed Tollo, this post appeared on Tollo Baseball and Softball Facebook site (Translated from Italian to English).
Tollo & Fullerton together in the name ofTommy Lasorda ( Laura Lasorda ).
This second meeting with the friends of Fullerton ended with tears of emotion. In less than 48 hours, our kids and their families found themselves caught up in a whirlwind of emotions, in the concoction of so much, too many things to do and damn little time on their hands! We hosted some wonderful people that we will always keep in our hearts.
A profitable exchange and hopefully a very long lasting one. Enthusiasm is through the roof just imagine repeating this adventure, why not, this time with Fullerton playing at home.
It’s undeniable that the struggle to carry on this project in the months, especially in the last few weeks has been a lot… but really, it was absolutely worth it, because we gained something that cannot be bought or sold: a deep connection that embraces the soul.
Fullerton Junior Ambassadors established lasting international friendships in Tollo, Italy
Before leaving Tollo, the Fullerton Junior Ambassadors extended their invitation to reciprocate and host an Italian Junior Ambassador Delegation in Fullerton next summer. The Fullerton Sister City Association will be looking for families to welcome students from Tollo to stay their homes sometime in July 2026.
Fullerton Junior Ambassadors listen to coordinator Marjorie Barrett at Tommy Lasorda Museum
The Fullerton-Tollo Sister City relationship hopes to foster global citizen diplomacy. Whether Italian, of Italian descent or not, individuals can make a difference in building international relationships and promoting peace. In addition to Tollo, Fullerton is also Sister City to Fukui (Japan), Morelia (Mexico), Seongnam and Yongin (South Korea). Celebrate Fullerton Sister Cities Fukui and Tollo at the Big A on August 2, 2025.
Team Italy and Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino earned American League Player of the Week honors after batting .500 with a 1.305 OPS, .536 OBP and .769 slugging percentage. The “Pasquatch” also hit two home runs and collected seven RBI.
The 27-year-old slugger tied a career-high of four hits in the first game of last Thursday’s doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals and reached base four times against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. He hit home runs in consecutive games on Friday and Saturday after starting the week with an RBI in five straight games.
Even more impressive, the proud Italian American native has reached base safely in 24 consecutive games, second–best in MLB behind Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez, who leads the league with 34. Vinnie Pasquantino is currently on a nine-game hitting streak.
It is the second time in his career winning AL player of the week, claiming the award back on August 15, 2022. He also played error-free defense, converting 40 total chances in five games at first base, including this web gem in which he robbed Andrew Benintendi of a base hit with a dive to his right, before spinning and firing a strike to pitcher Seth Lugo covering first base.
Buongiorno! Proud to say I will be representing Italy again in the 2026 World Baseball Classic! Excited for another opportunity to represent my heritage on this stage. Going to be a special group of players suiting up next year! Forza!!!!! 🇮🇹 🇮🇹☕️☕️ pic.twitter.com/Lx8l24wgCu
Representing the Azzurri in the 2023 World Baseball Classic under the leadership of National Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza, Vinnie Pasquantino helped Team Italy reach its best-ever finish in the WBC Quarterfinals in Tokyo. With former MLB fan favorite and manager Francisco Cervelli leading the charge, the sky is the limit as “Pasquatch” returns to Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The Italians compete in Pool B against host USA, Mexico, Great Britain and Brazil at Daikan Park in Houston from March 6-11, 2026. Forza #Italia!
Halos manager Ron Washington has recalled pitcher Samuel Aldegheri to launch from Double-A Rocket City to Fenway Park in time for the three-game series against the Boston Red Sox.
Sam Aldegheri has a locker in the #Angels clubhouse
After the Verona,Italy-born hurler made three starts for the Los Angeles Angels last year, Samuel Aldegheri is ready to make his 2025 big league debut after being optioned to the minors during spring training. The 23-year-old lefty has continued his development as a starter this season for the Rocket City Trash Pandaswhere he had posted a 4.54 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 41.2 innings in eight appearances. It is speculated that the first Italian pitcher born in Italy to record a Major League victory since 1949 will be used out of the bullpen for multi-innings of relief since the club’s starting rotation is currently set in stone. Forza #Italia!
Team Italy catcher and Azzurri cleanup hitter Brett Sullivan, who led all catchers in the 2023 World Baseball Classic with seven hits and compiled an impressive .368 batting average (7-for-19) during the international competition, was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for outfielder Bryce Johnson and cash considerations on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
The 31-year-old Italian American adds catching depth to the Buccos as Endy Rodriguez remains on the injured list with a right index finger laceration and Joey Bart deals with ongoing lower back soreness. Backstop Henry Davis is currently the only healthy Pirates catcher.
Brett Sullivan appeared in 40 MLB games with the San Diego Padres — 33 in 2023 and seven in 2024. In 97 Big League at-bats to date, he possesses a Major League career .206 batting average with two homers and eight RBI. While a member of the Friars, the outstanding defender was commended for his acrobatics at the plate and the subject of an MLB.com article entitled ‘I just went full-extension’: Catcher makes leaping tag at home by Padres beat reporter AJ Cassavell.
Selected by the Tampa Bays Rays in the 17th round of the 2015 draft out of the University of Pacific, Stockton native Brett Sullivan remained in the same organization until late 2021 when he signed a short-lived minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Victor Caratini on April 6, 2022. Prior to making his 2023 MLB debut, he played in 61 games at Triple-A El Paso and compiled a .328 batting average with seven home runs and 41 RBI. Although catcher has been his primary position, “Sully” has also played first base, third base and left field during his career.
Brett Sullivan represented Team Italy in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, playing under manager Mike Piazza. He wrote on his Instagram page: “I’ll never forget the memories I made during this time. We put together a group that leaves it all out on the field. Thank you everyone for all of your support. We will be back 100 percent. Forza Italia!” The Italians advanced to the quarterfinals, losing to eventual champion Samarai Japan.
A strong supporter of Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball, “Sully” made an appearance at CON-X 2024, the Italian Baseball and Softball Convention. He spoke on the role of the catcher as well on the technical innovations of batting during the three-day convention at the Palacongressi in Rimini before hosting a catcher’s clinic at Collecchio Baseball Softball’s Giannino Zinelli complex. Forza Italia!
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