baseball-history

Team Italy Outfielders in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment

Jac Caglianone was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 1st round (6th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida. As the Gators’ only two-way player — both as a powerful hitter and an effective left-handed pitcher, the phenom set the school’s career home run record (75) and tied an NCAA Division I record by homering in nine straight games in 2024. Caglianone’s college hitting was elite with over a .410 batting average. He also was a force on the mound pitcher with impressive strikeout numbers, which resulted in receiving the 2024 John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award and being named 2024 First Team All-American.

Kansas City has used him as a position player, primarily at first base and in the outfield in the minors. He climbed the Royals’ minor league system rapidly and made his MLB debut on June 3, 2025. In his first MLB season with Kansas City, Caglianone hit seven home runs and registered 18 RBI. KCSN analyst Joel Penfield recently commented on his power potential in 2026: “The ceiling is sky-high from a power perspective. If it all comes together for him, he’s a dude who can hit 40 homers.” The former University of Florida two-way star turned Royals outfielder can change the landscape for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic with one swing of the bat.

Dominic Canzone was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 8th round (242nd overall) of the 2019 MLB Draftout of Ohio State University. He hit over .340 with strong run production and baserunning throughout his college career. Canzone set a school record with a 59-game on-base streak, breaking the mark previously held by Nick Swisher. He earned All-Big Ten honors and was named a third-team All-American as a junior.

Canzone debuted professionally in the Diamondbacks’ minor league system in 2019 and steadily worked his way up through the ranks. He made his MLB debut on July 8, 2023 with the D-backs. On July 31, 2023, he was traded mid-season to the Seattle Mariners and has since seen regular playing time in the outfield and as a left-handed bat in the lineup. In 2025, he posted a strong offensive season — hitting around .300 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI — helping solidify his role with Seattle. Notably, on September 16, 2025, he had a career-highlight performance going 5-for-5 with three home runs and four RBI — the first three-homers game of his career and a rare feat in Mariners history. The Team Italy offense is blessed with Canzone, who combines power and speed to drive balls into gaps, steal bases and manufacture runs.

Jakob Marsee was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 6th round (180th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Central Michigan University. He began his professional career that summer, splitting time between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A ball. Over the next seasons he steadily rose through the Padres’ minor league system, showing a good combination of on-base skills, power, and speed. In May 2024, Marsee was traded to the Miami Marlins organization along with other prized prospects in exchange for Luis Arráez. He continued to develop in the Marlins’ system, playing at Double-A and Triple-A before earning a big-league call-up. Marsee made his MLB debut on August 1, 2025. Marsee made Marlins history in his debut game by drawing three walks — a first in franchise history — and quickly became a fan favorite. During the 2025 season, he impressed as a rookie posting a .292 average with five home runs and 33 RBI and earned National League Rookie of the Month honors in August. Marsee has made an impact with his bat and on the basepaths, flashing excellent speed and stealing bases. Showing a mix of contact, extra-base hits, and patience at the plate, his ability to work counts, get on base, and create scoring opportunities gives Team Italy the ultimate leadoff hitter and table-setter for the dangerous power hitters that follow him.

Nick Morabito was selected by the New York Mets in the 2nd round (75th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Gonzaga College High School, where he emerged as one of Washington DC’s top high school players and earned Gatorade District of Columbia Baseball Player of the Year Award. He made his professional debut with the Florida Complex League Mets in 2022 and quickly showed development in the organization’s lower levels. During the 2024 season, splitting time between Single-A and High-A, Morabito posted a .312 batting average with 59 stolen bases, earning Mets Minor League Player of the Year honors. In 2025 playing Double-A ball, he slashed .273/.348/.385 with 49 stolen bases in 118 games, continuing to show his elite speed and overall offensive contributions. After the 2025 season, New York added Morabito to their 40-man roster. He is considered one of the Mets’ top prospects heading into 2026, valued especially for his speed, defense, and on-base skills. Capable of playing all three outfield positions, the versatile Morabito is on the cusp of becoming a major league weapon.

Dante Nori was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1st round (27th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Northville High School, where he hit .477 with 20 stolen bases to lead his team to a Michigan state championship title. Nori made his pro debut in Single-A and has climbed quickly to Double-A, showcasing his speed, contact ability, and on-base skills. During the course of 125 games in the 2025 season, he hit .261 with four home runs, 47 RBI, and recorded 52 stolen bases. Nori earned Phillies Minor League Player of the Month along the way. Baseball America and other scouts rate Nori highly for his hit tools, speed, defensive ability, and overall athleticism, projecting him as a potential future leadoff hitter and everyday outfielder. After the 2025 season he was invited to play in the Arizona Fall League, where he continued to develop against advanced competition. Equipped with elite speed and possessing a disciplined approach at the plate, Nori is considered one of the Phillies’ top prospects. He has baseball in his blood as his grandfather played professionally in the Cubs and Mets minor league systems. Look for Nori to give Team Italy a big boost in the World Baseball Classic.

Italian American Dave Giusti joins teammate Roberto Clemente in heaven

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment

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.