baseball

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 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.

Italian American Dave Giusti joins teammate Roberto Clemente in heaven

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The Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed to MLB.com that Dave Giusti passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026. He was 86 years old. Prior to the start of the 1970 MLB season, Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Joe L. Brown was looking to trade for some pitchers to enhance his team’s chances for a World Series title. He approached Roberto Clemente and asked “The Great One” who he should go after.  The Latin American hero from Puerto Rico responded, ” Get the little Italiano from St. Louis. If Giusti is sound, then he can help the Pirates. He has always had good stuff, and he is a tough competitor.” On October 21, 1969, Joe L. Brown made a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals to bring Dave Giusti to Pittsburgh. In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2002, Dave Giusti said , “I did okay against Clemente, and that’s one of the reasons I ended up with the Pirates.”

The oldest of two sons born to David and Mary Giusti on November 27, 1939 in Seneca Falls, New York, Dave Giusti‘s first word out his mouth was reportedly “ball”. He had athleticism in his DNA. His father played semi-pro baseball before his birth. His uncle, John Pannucci, was the captain of the 1957 Syracuse University baseball team and also was the backup quarterback during the Jim Brown era. Giusti followed in his uncle’s footsteps to become the captain of the Syracuse University Orangemen in 1961, when the baseball squad went on to the College World Series but came home empty-handed.

The Houston Colt .45s, a National League expansion team, signed Dave Giusti as an amateur free agent shortly after college graduation on June 16, 1961. He used part of the $35,000 signing bonus to pay off his parents’ medical bills and purchase an insurance policy. The promising MLB prospect simultaneously pursued a high school science teaching career while earning a master’s degree in physical education during the off-season.

Dave Giusti made his MLB debut on April 13, 1962. He remained with the Houston organization through 1968 and played for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969. Prior to being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Dave Giusti was used as a starting pitcher. Bucs manager Danny Murtaugh converted him to a reliever. Assuming a new role as the club’s elite closer in 1970, Dave Giusti put together a 9-3 record with a 3.06 ERA and 26 saves.

Manny Sanguillen and Dave Giusti

During the 1971 regular season, Dave Giusti helped the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1971 regular season by leading the National League with 30 saves and posting an impressive 2.93 ERA. He was also instrumental in the 1971 National League Championship Series when he became the first MLB player to pitch in every game. In four scoreless appearances and 5.1 innings pitched, Dave Giusti gave up just one hit with two walks and three strikeouts. He later led the Pittsburgh Pirates to the franchise’s fourth World Series Championship title (1909, 1925, 1960, and 1971) after appearing in three 1971 World Series games and picking up one save. Dave Giusti achieved major career milestones including playing in his first MLB All-Star game and being named Sporting News National League Fireman of the Year in 1971. He became even more dominant in 1972 when his ERA dropped one point to a minuscule 1.93 and he tallied 22 saves.

Roberto Clemente

The next season proved to be traumatic following the loss of teammate Roberto Clemente, who died a martyr after losing his life aboard an ill-fated aircraft full of supplies destined for earthquake victims in Nicaragua on December 31, 1972. The Pirates dedicated the 1973 season to the legendary humanitarian and player. Despite not having Roberto Clemente in the lineup and in right field, 1973 National League All-Star Dave Giusti put together a 9-2 record with a 2.37 ERA and 20 saves. Readers wanting to learn more about the late and great Roberto Clemente should check out Roberto Clemente facts most don’t know: Part 1-U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Roberto Clemente and Roberto Clemente facts most don’t know: Part 2-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Vic Power.

In 1974 Dave Giusti became the first relief pitcher in MLB to earn a $100,000 a year when he delivered 12 saves and a 3.32 ERA in over 105 innings pitched. After returning from elbow surgery, the dominant Pirates closer saved 17 games with a 2.95 ERA in 1975. The following year sportswriter Harry Stein named Dave Giusti as the relief pitcher on his all-Italian team in an Esquire magazine article. He was 47-28 with a 2.94 ERA and 133 saves in his seven years as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dave Giusti  was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 1977 when he went 3-3 with a 2.98 ERA and six saves in 40 games before being dealt to the Chicago Cubs late in the season.  The proud Italian American finished his 15-year career in 1977 with a 100-93 record, 145 saves, and a 3.60 ERA.  The closer with impeccable command threw a total of 335 ninth innings during his career and set the MLB record for most ninth innings pitched without hitting a batter. After retiring, he served as the vice president of the Pirates Alumni Association. Dave Giusti was a pioneer of the modern-day closer role and redefined that aspect of the game.

Dave Giusti was inducted into the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 1987. He was also the first Italian American baseball player inducted into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame (GSSHF) in 1989.  Since then fellow MLB veterans Jason Grilli (2019), Armond Magnarelli (2004), Frank DiPino (2000), Luke LaPorta (1991), and Anthony Simone (1991) have joined Dave Giusti in the GSSHF.

Team Italy WBC prospects: Renzo Martini and Giaconino Lasaracina

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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!

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!

Team Italy slugger Vinnie Pasquantino named AL Player of the Week

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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.

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!

Team Italy spark plug Nicky Lopez joins hot-hitting Chicago Cubs

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The Chicago Cubs signed versatile infielder Nicky Lopez to a one-year contract on April 23, 2025 after releasing him earlier in the spring. The Cubbies initially offered a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training on February 7, 2025, but the 30-year-old utility man was one of the final roster cuts before the MLB Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. During 2025 Spring Training with the Cubs, he played in nine games and hit .450 (9-for-20).

The Team Italy 2023 World Baseball Classic spark plug (9-for-19, .474 BA, 2B, 3B, BB, SB, 2 R, 7 RBI) was an American League Gold Glove finalist last season while holding down second base for the Chicago White Sox (124 games, .241 BA). The left-handed hitter and speedster has played six seasons in the big leagues, mostly for the Kansas City Royals, who drafted him in the fifth round in 2016.

Nicky Lopez signed with the Los Angeles Angels on March 25, 2025 and made four sporatic MLB appearances (SS, 3B, LF) before being designated for assignment on April 18, 2025 to make room on the Halos roster for fan favorite Zach Neto after returning from the injured list. The proud Italian American has since made a few pinch-hit appearances and played second base for the National League Central first-place Cubs.

Nicky Lopez enjoyed every moment while wearing the Team Italy uniform in the 2023 WBC. He said, “It was an unbelievable experience. Just to be able to do it with Italy, where my ancestors grew up and are from and be able to visit Italy and see what life is like over there. I look forward to actually this next offseason going back there. But I mean, it was unbelievable, and I look forward to (representing) them again. We are proud to wear the shirt with the word Italia on our chest.”

Celebrate Fullerton Sister Cities Fukui and Tollo at the Big A on August 2, 2025

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Join the Fullerton Sister City Association as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the sister city relationship with Fukui, Japan on Japanese Heritage Night at Angel Stadium on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Make sure to arrive well before the 7:07 pm start to enjoy the free pre-game cultural celebration which will feature entertainment for the whole family including a taiko drum performance, food and giveaways. When purchasing tickets through the Fullerton Sister City Association, you will receive an exclusive Japanese-themed Angels jersey before the first pitch at the gate 5 courtyard. In addition, you will be helping Fullerton’s sister city in Tollo, Italy raise funds for members of Tollo Baseball and Softball and the Abruzzo All-Stars realize their dream competing in the USA and joining Team Italy at the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Houston. Email FSCAYoung@gmail.com for tickets and more information.

Yusei Kikuchi is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels. Halos manager Ron Washington gave him his first regular-season Opening Day start in his six-year MLB pitching career on March 27, 2025. The crafty Japanese lefty agreed to a three-year deal worth $63 million this offseason and is one of several veterans who was signed to supplement the club’s young core. Prior to the start of the season, the 33-year-old southpaw pitcher had a career 4.57 ERA with 837 strikeouts in 809 2/3 innings and posted a 4.05 ERA with 206 strikeouts in 175 2/3 innings with the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros last year. He was particularly impressive pitching for Houston with a 2.70 ERA in 10 starts with 76 strikeouts in 60 innings. On Sunday, April 20, 2025, Kikuchi (3.38 ERA this season) allowed one (unearned) run on five hits over 5 1/3 innings with six strikeouts and four walks in a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants.

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi speaking to media upon his signing

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. The 23-year-old Verona native is currently pitching for Double-A Affiliate Rocket City Trash Pandas, and it won’t be long before the Angels’ Top 5 prospect re-joins the Big League squad in the pennant race.

Italian-born Samuel Aldegheri in action against the Texas Rangers on September 6, 2024

Make sure to catch all the action at the Big A on Saturday night, August 2, 2025 and receive the limited-edition Angels Japanese-themed jersey when purchasing tickets through the Fullerton Sister City Association. Email FSCAYoung@gmail.com for further information.

Team Italy’s Miles Mastrobuoni earns Seattle Mariners’ Opening Day roster spot after hot-hitting Spring Training

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During 2025 Spring Training, Seattle Mariners utility man Miles Mastrobuoni displayed versatility on the field playing multiple positions (3B, 2B, CF, and LF) and demonstrated his prowess at the plate (.429 batting average with three doubles, one triple, five walks, seven RBI, seven runs scored and one stolen base). M’s manager Dan Wilson said, “There’s been a lot of guys that have had good springs. Mastrobuoni has been one of those guys that has put up some good at-bats and had some key RBIs for us late in games.” As a result, Miles was selected as one of 26 players on the 2025 Seattle Mariners Opening Day roster.

Selected in the 14th round of the 2016 draft by the Tampa Bay Rays out of the University of Nevada, Reno. Northern California native Miles Mastrobuoni made his MLB debut on September 22, 2022 after spending seven seasons in the minor leagues. In 2022, he appeared in 129 Triple-A games and put together a .300 batting average with 16 home runs, 32 doubles, three triples and 16 home runs. The speedster was also successful in 23 of 26 stolen base attempts.

Mastrobuoni was traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for RHP Alfredo Zarraga on November 15, 2022.  He has played at every infield position but first base and the corner-outfield positions over the course of his three-year MLB career. The Seattle Mariners acquired the proud Italian American on January 14, 2025 from the Chicago Cubs for his defensive versatility and speed (16 of 17 in MLB stolen base attempts).

Under the guidance of National Baseball Hall of Famer and Team Italy manager Mike Piazza during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Azzurri second baseman Miles Mastrobuoni went 5-for-18 with two doubles, one walk, two RBI, one run scored and one stolen base to lead the Italians to the their best-ever WBC finish in the Tokyo quarterfinals. He is one of the most underrated players in MLB. The soon-to-be Mariners fan favorites rises to the occasion when asked to perform at a high level and delivers when needed most. Forza #Italia!

Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award winner Roberto Angotti celebrates Italian Americans in Baseball in new documentary

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Filmmaker Roberto Angotti at the second annual Italian American Baseball Foundation Dinner supporting Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS) at Carmine & Sons Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York on December 7, 2017 (Photo by Chris Herder)

Of the more than four million Italians who left home between 1880 and 1920 with dreams of a better life, nobody could have imagined their children fulfilling the American dream by playing a game that was as foreign to them as the English language. Examining the experiences of baseball pioneers, current players and coaches, fans, and historians, filmmaker Roberto Angotti captures the story of how Italian Americans assimilated into popular culture through America’s favorite pastime in his new hour-long Italian American Baseball Family documentary. The film also explores how Italian Americans have circled back to Italy to help grow the game abroad by playing for Team Italy in the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic. Although brothers Vince, Joe, and Dom DiMaggio may be the premier Italian American Baseball Family, the Colabellos from Milford, Massachusetts are a perfect example of the modern day Italian American Baseball Family. Father Lou Colabello was the starting pitcher for Team Italy against host Team USA at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles during the 1984 Olympics while his son Chris Colabello later played baseball in Italy as a youth and, like his father, eventually went on to represent Team Italy in the 2013 and 2017 World Baseball Classics.

The Italian American Baseball Family traverses the U.S. cultural landscape and documents an ethnic group’s rise from adversity by celebrating its triumphs in breaking into a sport originally dominated by English, Irish and German immigrants. The 2017 Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award-winning movie showcases both the hardships and accomplishments of legendary Italian American baseball players.

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While on the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum panel discussion at the NIAF 42nd Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C. on November 4, 2017, Roberto Angotti spoke about his new documentary (Photo by Andy Del Giudice).

After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States declared war and began targeting those of German, Italian, or Japanese descent. The Italians were the largest immigrant group in the U.S. at the time and about 600,000 of the country’s five million Italian immigrants who had not yet naturalized were forced to register as enemy aliens. Baseball came ashore to Italy in 1944 when allied soldiers stormed the beaches of Nettuno and nearby Anzio en route to freeing Rome from its Nazi occupiers. American troops brought baseball gear and taught Italians how to play. Baseball countered the negative immigrant identity as an outsider. The game bridged the gap so that Italians could integrate into the American way of life.

The Italian American Baseball Family brings home the message that baseball allowed Italian Americans to assimilate into popular culture. The documentary honors the Italian American baseball ambassadors who have etched their names into U.S. sports history. The film pays tribute to their invaluable contributions and acknowledges those players who have left their unique imprint on the game.

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Filmmaker Roberto Angotti and baseball historian Professor Lawrence Baldassaro with the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award at the NIAF 42nd Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C. on November 4, 2017.

Filmmaker Roberto Angotti said, “It was an exhilarating experience and so rewarding to interview mentor and renowned historian Lawrence Baldassaro, author of Beyond DiMaggio: Italian Americans in Baseball at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago as well as National Baseball Hall of Fame legend Tommy Lasorda. Getting to speak with MLB past and present players Frank Viola, Nick Punto, Francisco Cervelli, Chris Colabello, Brandon Nimmo, and Gavin Cecchini for the Italian American Baseball Family was also a privilege and an honor.”

Roberto was fascinated by the game of baseball since he was a child and played Little League. He witnessed Tommy Lasorda lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to two World Series titles in the 1980s. In high school, he played American Legion baseball. As a Film Studies student at Claremont McKenna College (CMC), Angotti did play-by-play broadcasts for Pomona-Pitzer Baseball while program director at KSPC 88.7 FM. His education at CMC was the foundation for him to catapult into the entertainment industry. Roberto was recently the subject of a CMC alumni profile. To access the article, click on this link: https://www.cmc.edu/news/filmmaker-roberto-angotti-traces-roots-of-italian-american-baseball. Throughout his professional radio career at KNAC 105.5 FM (Long Beach), KROQ 106.7 FM (Pasadena/Los Angeles) as well as 91X and 92.5 FM (San Diego), he integrated music, sports, and popular culture to become one of the most listened to on-air personalities in Southern California.

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Director of Photography Peter McEvilley accompanied filmmaker Roberto Angotti, who received the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award at the NIAF 42nd Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C. on November 4, 2017.

In 2011 Angotti launched an MLB.com blog which eventually became a Top 10 MLB.com Fan website – www.MLBforLife.com – to showcase up-and-coming Italian and Italian American players. After visiting the Italian Baseball Academy near Pisa, Roberto was invited to the 2013 World Baseball Classic in Phoenix, Arizona, where he got to know Mike Piazza, who served as hitting coach for Team Italy. Piazza inspired him to document the Italian American experience. That same year Angotti curated the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball exhibition at the Convivio Center in San Diego’s Little Italy. The exhibit featured Italian American artists who focused their work on Italian American Baseball Hall of Famers: Tony Lazzeri, Joe DiMaggio, Roy Campanella, Yogi Berra, Ernie Lombardi, Phil Rizzuto, Tommy Lasorda, Ron Santo, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa, John Smoltz, Craig Biggio, and Mike Piazza.

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Filmmaker Roberto Angotti was also the curator of the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibition from September 25, 2013 to February 1, 2014 at the Convivio Center in San Diego’s Little Italy (Design by Christopher Paluso).

As the English language editor and reporter for Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (www.fibs.it/en), Angotti represented the Italian national teams at three international competitions in 2017: the World Baseball Classic in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-19 Junior Women’s World Championship in Clearwater, Florida; and the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.

When Roberto returned from the 2017 World Baseball Classic, he resolved to make a film about Italian Americans and their integral role in baseball. The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), the Italian Sons and Daughters of America, and the Russo Brothers offered the Italian American Film Forum Grant to filmmakers wanting to share the Italian American experience. It was a natural fit so Angotti applied and was chosen as one of seven grant recipients. Later he was selected as one of three finalists invited to the 42nd Anniversary NIAF Gala Weekend in Washington, D.C., where he was proclaimed the winner and presented the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award by Italian Sons and Daughters of America President Basil Russo, National Italian American Foundation President John Viola and FOX Business Network TV Anchor/Global Markets Editor Maria Bartiromo on Saturday, November 4, 2017.

Angotti plans to make a series of Italian American baseball films. He sees his first documentary as a way to educate young Italian Americans and others on the plight of Italian immigrants, using baseball as a focal point. He said, “Italians were once second class citizens in the United States, and invisible in baseball before players like Tony Lazzeri and Joe DiMaggio rose to prominence. Not having an appreciation of your heritage is like an olive tree without roots. Baseball is a part of mine.”

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From left to right, Italian Sons and Daughters of America President Basil Russo, Roberto Angotti, National Italian American Foundation President John Viola and FOX Business Network TV Anchor Maria Bartiromo at the NIAF 42nd Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C. on November 4, 2017 (Photo by Andy Del Giudice)