Samuel Aldegheri

FIBS President Marco Mazzieri reflects on Team Italy in 2026 World Baseball Classic

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment
President Marco Mazzieri brings new life to Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball

Roberto Angotti: After two wins over Brazil and Great Britain, what emotions are you feeling? 

Marco Mazzieri: The joy, the gratitude, the emotions are unreal right now. But I think we should start from the very beginning about 14 months ago when I made the call to Ned Colletti and ask him if it would help me with this adventure. His excitement was second to none and his commitment since he’s been really something extraordinary. You know he is a big name in the industry of sport in the U.S. Having worked in the Chicago Cubs’ front office (1982-1993) and then becoming the San Francisco Giants’ Assistant General Manager (1994-2004) and later the Los Angeles Dodgers’ General Manager (2006-2014), there is a lot of experience he brings to Team Italy. For him to talk with the agents, the players and the franchise general managers on a one-on-one, face-to-face basis made it kind of easier for me to be able to put this roster and remarkable coaching staff that possesses 21 Word Series rings all together. Not only that, it’s the passion, the leadership, the commitment, the determination and the joy that they bring. To be able to share their knowledge is what makes it special for these players. We have quite a special group of people first, and then, very good players. Our rotation is deep and our lineup, I mean, you’ve seen it for these past two games. The veteran guys and the young ones are doing their job. So it’s very, very special. 

Team Italy GM Ned Colletti speaks to the Azzurri squad and staff at Cubs Spring Training Camp in Mesa, Arizona

Roberto Angotti: Team Italy has always been looking upon as the underdog, always fighting as if it’s do-or-die. Does that still apply to this group?

Marco Mazzieri: Yeah, but I would say we don’t mind being the underdog. Throughout my days as Team Italy manager, the Italians were always considered an afterthought. In fact, from the very beginning when all our ancestors came from Italy, they were an afterthought back in the past. But at the same time, they helped build this country. So I think that the pride, commitment and determination of those people who sacrificed everything is what makes these players even more appreciative of being here. I think being the underdog is something that we enjoy because we enjoy overcoming adversities. It’s always been hard for us. The WBC brackets have always been tough for us since the very beginning and we always showed up playing our best. By winning our first two games against Brazil and Great Britain, we have now qualified to appear in our sixth consecutive WBC, which I consider something very special. That was the first step, but now we’re shooting for the next round. 

Team Italy manager Francisco Cervelli

Roberto Angotti: Having secured the silver medal in the 2025 European Baseball Championship, Team Italy has a lot of momentum coming into the 2026 World Baseball Classic under manager Francisco Cervelli. What is the winning formula? 

Marco Mazzieri: Let me go back to the beginning of this interview when I told you that the first thing was to call Ned Colletti to help me in putting this roster together. The next step was making a second call to Francisco Cervelli, who from the very beginning of our relationship when he played for me in the 2009 World Baseball Classic as a young prospect at the time. He told me one day that he would be our manager. So it gives me goosebumps by reflecting on this memory 17 years ago. He told me that then and now he is the Team Italy manager and doing a great job. His passion and energy is just second to none. It rubs off on the impact on the players every day. He really cares for his players and what he did last year in the Euros with Team Italy is a sporting miracle, resurrecting from ninth place in the prior edition to a second place finish in 2025. He drove up and down the country to look for the best players in Italy. He discovered some gold along the way because nobody knew about some of them. One day he called me from Parma and said he was watching a second level team. He told me that he was watching this kid taking batting practice and he was hitting the ball like an MLB MVP. We helped develop Giaconino Lasaracina into a prospect who recently signed a professional contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. It is very special for him. A 22-year-old signing a contract with a competitive major league club is to the credit of Francisco Cervelli. What he did was excellent. The team would go to war for him, and the way they played really showed. These guys are pretty much doing the same thing. So, it’s about how much you care for the players. If you want them to give you all they got, you need to show them you really care.

Team Italy pitcher Gabriele Quattrini
Team Italy pitcher Claudio Scotti

Roberto Angotti: The World Baseball Classic has always been a platform for Italian players to shine. Who are some of the players that have impressed you the most? 

Marco Mazzieri: Gabriele Quattrini and Claudio Scotti are on this roster, but we miss our team captain at home, Alberto Mineo. It’s not the same without him and we are really sorry that he couldn’t be here. He would have shown us his leadership. But Gabriele Quattrini and Claudio Scotti have risen to the occasion.  I mean, pitching at this level with no fear and throwing strikes getting people out. Gabriele Quattrini earned the win against Great Britain (1.1 IP, H, BB, K) and ended his outing with a strikeout. It was very, very gratifying for us. All these guys are here to develop. We will possibly see more and more players from Italy making this WBC roster. Because that’s what it’s all about. Vinnie Pasquantino said it best when he revealed that these guys are not only here to win and to compete, but they’re here to give hope to Italian players and help grow the game. It’s always been that way and the fact that they’re really excited in helping the progress program while getting the best result is great.

Dave Righetti, Alessandro Maestri, Drew Rossi, Frank Menechino, Sal Fasano, Jack Santora and Jorge Posada

Roberto Angotti: Team Italy has a dream team MLB All-Star coaching staff. What was your reaction when seeing the names in print for the first time? 

Marco Mazzieri: I grew up watching all of them on television. So you can imagine for me what this means for me. During my managing time. Mike Hargrove, Tom Trebelhorn, Nick Punto and all the great coaches that I have worked with have been a blessing. But this WBC coaching staff is the top of the top. It doesn’t get any better than Francisco Cervelli, Jorge Posada, Dave Righetti, Ron Wotus, Frank Menechino, Sal Fasano, Allard Baird, Alessandro Maestri, Jack Santora and Lipso Nava. All because of their love of the game and their love of Italy. There are so many things that go into it. That makes it extraordinary to me because everything is coming together in such a short time. That is kind of gratifying for me as a president. I hope that the people back home will understand what this means as a forward step in our progress with these players on the roster.

Bill Holmberg

Roberto Angotti: Italian Baseball Hall of Famer and former FIBS Academy Director Bill Holmberg must be looking down from heaven and smiling at what you have done. 

Marco Mazzieri: He was a great man who was always about growing the game in Italy. Bill Holmberg was always looking at how to improve baseball at all levels. I’m sure he is very happy from up there to see Alessandro Maestri being the pitching coach because of the hard work he put into him. You know, of all those years that I have been managing, I think that we have built a legacy with former players turned coaches like Jack Santora, Frank Catalanotto and Nick Punto. I would love to get Alex Liddi to join us as he is like a son to me. We want and need to make Italy proud.

Team Italy and Los Angeles Angels pitcher Sam Aldegheri

Roberto Angotti: Please give me your thoughts on Samuel Aldegheri after his outstanding pitching performance against Brazil (4.2 IP, H, BB, 8 K).

Marco Mazzieri: It’s hard to find the right words to describe the kind of performance that he had. There’s a lot of pressure in the WBC opening game. Of course, it’s a must-win game. Instead of staying back in Arizona at Angels Spring Training trying to secure a place in the pitching rotation, he decided to come out and represent his country. It says a lot, it shows a lot and the way he performed, I think put himself in a good position to get a rotation spot for the Angels. He  painted the corners and had great control on the mound.  He just couldn’t do any better. I mean, that’s one of the best performances in the World Baseball Classic that I have ever seen. 

Roberto Angotti: Team Italy and Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel also called a great game behind the plate.

Marco Mazzieri: We knew that coming in the WBC. Kyle Teel is the kind of player that is demonstrating his outstanding power and potential here. But the excitement, passion and determination to play for this team is even more impressive. It was hard to sit him out of the lineup yesterday, but we had to because the Chicago White Sox Club didn’t want him to catch back-to-back games in early March. He was a bull in the pen because he wanted to play and that shows a lot.  

Roberto Angotti: The Kansas City Royals and Nick Leto, Director of Royals’ Minor League Operations, have been good to Team Italy with the addition of Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone. 

Marco Mazzieri: Nick Leto has always been a friend to Italian baseball, and our program. He has always been of a lot of help in many different ways. By having Jac Caglianone and, of course, our captain Vinnie Pasquantino has made it special. Vinnie has embraced the captain role with grace and commitment.  I don’t have enough words to thank Vinnie, Jac, Nick, and the entire Royals organization for allowing their players to come here and be the pros that they are. 

Roberto Angotti: Any final words for everyone in Italy watching the WBC? 

Marco Mazzieri: Give us time. We have an idea and we know what to do. But, you know, things don’t change in a heartbeat. We are trying to do good things with good people. We have the right people to get the job done, but we need time. So be patient. Before commenting or criticizing all the time, just see what you have in front of you.

Roberto Angotti: Thank you for making history! Forza Italia…

Team Italy powers to 8-0 shutout over Brazil in 2026 World Baseball Classic debut

Roberto Angotti1 Comment

March 7, 2026 Brazil-Italy Game Recap at Daikin Park, Houston, Texas 

Team Italy starting pitcher Sam Aldegheri looked good early in the top of the first inning, striking out Gabriel Gomes on three pitches. A walk to the dangerous Lucas Ramirez, son of Manny Ramirez, followed. Then Leonardo Reginatto struck out swinging and Gabriel Gomes was picked off first base for the third out.

Brazil sent out lefty starting pitcher Enzo Sawayama to combat the left-handed heavy Team Italy hitting lineup in the bottom of the first inning. After a Jakob Marsee flyout to center, second baseman Jon Berti doubled. Vinnie Pasquantino grounded out to second, advancing Berti to third base. However, he would remain stranded 90 feet away from the plate after a sharply hit line drive flyout to right field by cleanup hitter Dominic Canzone ended the scoring threat.

Sam Aldegheri threw a scoreless top of the second inning. A quick strikeout of Dante Bichette Jr. and a flyout to right field by Lucas Rojo was followed by another strikeout of Victor Mascai. 

Astros hometown hero Zach Dezenzo received a warm reception at Houston’s Daikin Park when he stepped into the batter’s box but succumbed to a strikeout by Enzo Sawayama. A Kyle Teel infield groundout to second and a Jac Caglianone line-drive flyout to second ended the second inning.  

In the top of the third inning, Gabriel Do Carmo singled to center field and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Felipe Koragi. Then Sam Aldegheri collected his fifth and sixth strikeout courtesy of Gabriel Maciel and Gabriel Gomes.  

In the bottom of the third inning, Brazil lefty Enzo Sawayama struck out Thomas Saggese before Dante Nori walked and Jakob Marsee grounded into a fielder’s choice. Then Jon Berti singled and Jakob Marsee was called out at third base after an accurate throw by right fielder Lucas Ramirez. 

Sam Aldegheri returned to pitch the top of the fourth inning. Lucas Ramirez fouled out to third. Leonardo Reginatto walked and Dante Bichette Jr. grounded into a 5-4-3 double play. 

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Vinnie Pasquantino just missed on a deep flyout on the left field warning track. Dominic Canzone grounded out to third and Zach Dezenzo struck out.

Lefty Sam Aldegheri appeared to get better as the contest progressed in the top of the fifth inning. After back-to-back strikeouts of Lucas Rojo and Victor Mascai, Azzurri manager Francisco Cervelli summoned Alek Jacob from the bullpen. The right-handed reliever struck out Gabriel Gomes to end the top of the fifth inning. 

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Brazil made a pitching change and brought in lefty Hector Villarroel. The Italians nearly broke through. After catcher Kyle Teel singled up the middle, Jac Caglianone popped out to third and Thomas Saggese hit a long flyout to deep center. Then Dante Nori doubled over first baseman Dante Bichette Jr. With runners on second and third, Jakob Marsee lined out to second to quell the potential Team Italy scoring rally. 

Alek Jacob returned to pitch the top of the sixth inning and struck out Felipe Korage. Then a Gabriel Maciel flyout to left and a Gabriel Gomes strikeout made for a quick half inning. 

The tension was building in the Team Italy dugout and an offensive breakout was brewing in the bottom of the sixth inning. Brazil lefty Hector Villarroel faced MLB veteran Jon Berti, who walked on four pitches and later stole second base to get into scoring position. Azzurri captain Vinnie Pasquantino fouled out to catcher Gabriel Do Carmo before Dominic Canzone walked, which prompted a visit to the mound to give the scouting report on Zach Dezenzo. Despite the intelligence, the Azzurri third baseman connected with an RBI single to right. With runners on second and third, Kyle Teel struck out swinging. Then Jac Caglianone hit an RBI double and Zach Dezenzo was thrown out at the plate by right fielder Lucas Ramirez to end the two-run rally.  

In the top of the seventh inning, reliever Gordan Graceffo entered the ballgame. Despite surrendering a single to Leonardo Reginatto, the fired up right hander struck out Lucas Ramirez, Dante Bichette Jr. and Lucas Rojo.

Brazil brought in former Team Italy pitcher Murilo Gouvea in the bottom of the seventh inning. Thomas Saggese was called out on strikes before Dante Nori slugged a home run to right field to give the Italians a 3-0 advantage. Then Jakob Marsee patiently earned a walk and Jon Berti struck out swinging. After issuing a walk to Vinnie Pasquantino, Murilo Gouvea was replaced by lefty reliever Oscar Nakaoshi. With runners on first and second with two out, designated hitter Dominic Canzone connected with a three-run bomb into the right field bleachers to give Team Italy a commanding 6-0 lead. Zach Dezenzo followed with a walk and Kyle Teel singled to right, but a Jac Caglianone groundout to short ended the inning.

In the top of the eight inning, Miles Mastrobuoni replaced Zach Dezenzo at third base and pitcher Gordon Graceffo returned to the mound for Team Italy. After issuing a walk to Victor Mascai, the hard-throwing right hander was relieved by Claudio Scotti. The Italian-born and developed pitcher struck out Gabriel Do Carmo. Then Felipe Koragi grounded into a fielder’s choice and Gabriel Maciel singled to right field. Pinch-hitter Osvaldo Carvalho fouled out to Miles Mastrobuoni for the third out.

The Italians nailed the coffin shut in the bottom of the eighth inning when scoring twice off reliever Caio De Araujo to make it an 8-0 game. After Thomas Saggese grounded out to third,

Dante Nori clubbed his second home run of the game into the Team Italy bullpen in right field. Then Jakob Marsee grounded out to second. A two-out rally ensued as Jon Berti doubled to left and later crossed the plate on an RBI single by Dominic Canzone. 

In the top of the ninth inning, Sam Antonacci replaced Jon Berti at second base and pitcher Claudio Scotti returned to the hill. Despite giving up an infield single to pinch-hitter Victor Ito, Claudio Scotti closed out the game to ensure the 8-0 shutout. 

Team Italy returns on Sunday, March 8th for WBC game two against Great Britain. First pitch is scheduled at 1 pm (ET). Forza #Italia!

BOX SCORE

By Roberto Angotti

http://www.MLBItalia.com

Team Italy Pitchers in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

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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 York Mets 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 lightning quick. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds on March 4, 2026 and will report to their Spring Training facility in Goodyear, Arizona after the WBC.

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, cutter and splitter. 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.

Alek 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.

Joe Jacques was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round (984th overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Manhattan College, where he developed into one of the program’s top pitchers. During his collegiate career, he recorded more than 200 strikeouts and finished among the school’s career leaders in strikeouts.

The left-handed hurler progressed through the Pirates organization’s minor-league system, pitching at multiple levels and showing improvement as a bullpen arm with strong strikeout totals. Selected in the minor-league phase of the Rule 5 Draft in December 2022 by the Boston Red Sox, he began the 2023 season at Triple-A and later made his MLB debut on June 12, 2023. He soon after recorded his first major-league win and first save.

Joe Jacques was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 23. 2024 and made a brief major-league appearance for the D-Backs before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers on November 17, 2024. He was traded to Seattle Mariners organization during the mid-season of 2025 and signed with the New York Mets on October 20, 2025, Known for his low sidearm delivery, which creates unusual arm angles and produces a high rate of ground balls, the lefty specialist out of the bullpen possesses an effective sinker, sweeper and slider. He has made 25 MLB game appearances with a 2–1 record, one save, and a 5.46 ERA in 29.2 innings of work.

A product of the FIBS Academy, Claudio Scotti signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 1, 2016. After two years in the Pirates organization, he returned to pitch for Team Italy during Haarlem Baseball Week and the Super 6 in 2018. The hard-throwing pitcher enjoyed success when signing with UnipolSai Bologna and leading the team to two consecutive Italian championship titles in 2019 and 2020 as well as winning the European Champions Cup in 2019. After pitching seven scoreless innings with 16 strikeouts for the Azzurri in the 2021 U23 European Baseball Championship in Verona and after two starts at the 2021 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship in Turin, he signed with the New York Mets on October 2, 2021. Claudio Scotti spent two seasons in the minor leagues before returning to Italy. He made two appearances at the 2023 European Baseball Championship (IP, H, R, 2 K, 2 BB). The right-handed hurler has since pitched two solid regular seasons for Parma Clima (2-1, 4.11 ERA, 30.2 IP, 42 K in 2024 and 5-1, 2.14 ERA, 46.1 IP 55 K in 2025).

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.

Toronto Blue Jays believe in Team Italy pitcher Giacomo Taschin

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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!

Italian-born and developed Samuel Aldegheri starts for LA Angels on September 23, 2025

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Since the All-Star break while starting for Triple-A Salt Lake and Double-A Rocket City, lefty pitcher Samuel Aldegheri has recorded impressive numbers: 5-2, 2.43 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 44 K and 15 BB in 55.2 innings pitched. The 24-year-old Verona, Italy native will start for the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 when the Halos host the Kansas City Royals. If all goes well, he will likely return as the starter in the final game of the season against the Houston Astros on Sunday, September 28th.

Older brother Mattia Aldegheri is currently pitching for Team Italy in the 2025 European Baseball Championship in Rotterdam. He could very well get the start against France on Wednesday, September 24th. The 27-year-old right-handed hurler allowed just one hit with four strikeouts and no walks in four innings of work against Lithuania on September 21st. How Team Italy can reach the 2025 European Baseball Championship finals Forza #Italia!

Team Italy pitcher Samuel Aldegheri joins LA Angels in Boston

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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.

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 Pandas where 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!

Divine intervention to bring Angels’ Samuel Aldegheri and Ducks’ Damian Clara to Anaheim, California on April 9, 2025?

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50% of Americans believe that the supernatural is involved in determining the outcome of sporting events. That percentage includes Americans who pray for God to help their team (26 percent), think their team has been cursed (25 percent) or more generally believe God is involved in determining who wins on the field or on the ice (19 percent). Overall, half of Americans fall into one of these groups, according to a recent Public Religion Research Institute poll.

Many questions remain unanswered, and only God knows the answers. What roles, if any, will Italian-born and developed athletes like pitcher Samuel Aldegheri play in the outcome for the Los Angeles Angels at the Big A and goalie Damian Clara for the Anaheim Ducks just a puck’s throw away at the Honda Center on Wednesday, April 9, 2025? It will be the sixth day of the opening homestand for the Halos after a three-game weekend series against the Cleveland Guardians and the finale of a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. It will also be and the second to the last regular season game for the Ducks as they try to extinguish the Calgary Flames on ice. April 9, 2025 is significant because it serves the final opportunity for fans to see both teams in action on the same day by watching the first pitch at 1:07 pm and then later catching the opening face-off at center ice at 7 pm.

In order for both Italians to be on their respective rosters on this particular day, divine intervention and prayers must occur. In the case of the baseball, most MLB teams have a five-man pitching rotation. However, in the case of Samuel Aldegheri, the Verona-born left-handed pitcher has Angels watching over him since Halos manager Ron Washington will protect his rotation early in the season by carrying a sixth starter on their sixth consecutive game of the opening homestand.

History was made on August 30, 2024 when Samuel Aldegheri became the first Italian-born and developed pitcher in Major League Baseball while starting for the Los Angeles Angels and again on September 6, 2024 when he was the first pitcher born in Italy to record a Major League victory since 1949. Lucca-born and San Francisco-raised Marino Pieretti debuted with the Washington Senators in 1945 and earned his first win four years later.

Following his first MLB start against the Seattle Mariners at the Big A on August 30th, Samuel Aldegheri said, “I’m happy for myself and for my family, but I’m happy for my country and for the kids in Italy who might feel like they are nobody, but I just showed them anyone can make it. They have to believe in their dreams and chase them.” Against the Texas Rangers in his first MLB win at Globe Life Park on September 6th, the 23-year-old Italian starter showcased his 94.4 mph four-seam fastball along with his changeup, curveball and slider. By mixing speeds and location throughout his six-inning and seven-strikeout performance, the crafty lefty was able to fool the 2023 World Series Champions. Skipper Ron Washington commented, “He kept a good-swinging team off balance over there. This kid has an idea of how to pitch, and he showed that tonight. He set things up so when he did throw his fastball up in the zone, he got hacks at it.”

Selected in the second round (#60 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, 19-year-old Damian Clara is the first Italian-born draftee in NHL history and the tallest-ever draftee in Anaheim Ducks franchise history. The 6′ 6″ goaltender from the small town of Brunico in the Dolomites made a big impression on Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, who signed the up-and-coming prospect to a three-year entry-level contract on June 3, 2024.

Damian Clara led Team Italy to a bronze medal at the 2023 World Junior Championship (WJC) Division I, Group B tournament, going 3-1-0 with a 1.25 GAA and .954 SV%. He was named the tourney’s Best Goaltender and Team Italy’s Top Player. He also helped the young Italians win gold at the 2022 WJC Division II tournament, earning the Best Goaltender award. Damian Clara represented the Azzurri in the Division I World Championships in 2021, 2023 and 2024. At 16 years old in May 2021, he became the youngest goaltender to ever appear at the World Championships and the youngest player overall in more than 80 years.

Finding success everywhere he’s played internationally, Damian Clara shined in Sweden before getting drafted, posting a .903 save percentage with a 2.79 goals-against average for Färjestad BK at the J20 level. During the 2023-24 season, Clara went 25-8-0 with four shutouts in the HockeyAllsvenskan–Sweden’s second league–where he was named the top junior player and led Brynäs IF to a Swedish Hockey League (SHL) promotion while on loan for more playing time. During the qualification round, he posted incredible figures, recording a 1.68 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage.

Anaheim Ducks Goaltending Coach Sudarshan Maharaj said, “Damien had a pressure-filled season last year, playing for a team that was trying to make the jump back up to the SHL. And when their other goalie unfortunately had to leave the team for personal reasons, Damien was thrust into the starting role and played something like 14 games in a row just trying to establish himself. He did a fantastic job maturing as a goaltender, both technically and mentally. He spent a lot of time on his mental game as well as his technical game and he played some very pressure-filled minutes in the playoffs. Eventually, he was the starting goalie when the team took the step back to the SHL. He had an intense experience last year and he handled it very, very well.”

Although he remains an active force behind Farjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League to gain more valuable experience, the young and promising goaltender’s path to the NHL is clear now that he has secured a three-year entry-level contract with the Ducks. The questions now remains as to when goalie Damian Clara and Angels’ left-handed pitcher Samuel Aldegheri will cross paths in Anaheim. Will divine intervention bring them together in Orange County, California on April 9, 2025?

The writing is on the wall as the Ducks and the Angels have had a series of the cross promotions in the past and have two upcoming events next year. The Ducks are hosting Angels Night on January 7, 2025 and are giving away Angels jerseys to the first 10,000 fans, while the Angels are hosting Ducks Night on September 5, 2025 and handing out Ducks Cooler Bags. At the very least, can we at least have Damian Clara throw out the first pitch to fellow Italian Samuel Aldegheri? Insiders at the Vatican only know…