Italy

Team Italy Outfielders in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

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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.

Team Italy Infielders in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

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Vinnie Pasquantino AKA “Pasquatch” and “The Italian Nightmare” was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 11th round (319th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Old Dominion University, He made his professional debut in 2019 with the Rookie-level Burlington Royals, hitting .294 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI in 57 games. After a hiatus iin 2020 due to the pandemic, he produced impressive offensive prowess in 2021 while moving up from Single-A to Double-A.

The left-handed slugger and reliable first baseman began 2022 in Triple-A before making his MLB debut on June 28, 2022. During his rookie season, he earned American League Player of the Week honors. Last season he established himself as Royals’ most dependable hitter, batting .264 with 32 home runs and 113 RBI (6th in MLB). With a big-league career .266 average with 70 homers and 262 RBI to date, Pasquantino brings consistent offensive production with power, elite plate discipline and clutch hitting ability to the Team Italy lineup.

Miles Mastrobuoni was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 14th round (420th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of the University of Nevada, Reno. Throughout his minor league career in the Rays organization, the versatile infielder posted strong offensive numbers, including a .300 batting average with 16 home runs and 23 stolen bases in 129 games at Triple-A in 2022,

Mastrobuoni made his MLB debut on September 22, 2022 and was traded later to the Chicago Cubs on November 15, 2022, He made the 2023 Cubs’ Opening Day roster and spent parts of the 2023 and 2024 seasons with Chicago. On January 14, 2025, Mastrobuoni was traded to the Seattle Mariners. In 2025 he played multiple infield and outfield positions, while providing speed offensively on the bases (22 career steals). Known for his steady contact and situational hitting, the Mariners’ prized utility player is often used off the bench as a pinch-hitter since he can move runners on the bases and possesses excellent bat control.

Jon Berti was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 18th round (559th overall) of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Bowling Green State University, where he set multiple school hitting records, including single-season batting average and hit total. Berti made his MLB debut with the Jays on September 26, 2018 before playing for the Miami Marlins from 2019-2023. He showcased his speed and versatility, playing multiple positions in the infield and outfield. The consummate utility player had a breakout season in 2022, when he led MLB in stolen bases (41) in just 102 games and set a record for the fewest games played in a full season by an MLB stolen-base champion. He also set a Marlins franchise record with 21 consecutive stolen bases without being caught in 2022.

Berti was traded to the New York Yankees in 2024 and contributed as a versatile professional who saw postseason action, including starts at first base during the playoffs. He signed with the Chicago Cubs in 2025 after establishing himself as a high-energy player with elite speed and excellent baserunning instincts. The proud Italian American brings his seasoned veteran presence with over eight years of MLB experience and a career .256 batting average to the Team Italy roster.

Thomas Saggese was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 5th round (145th overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Carlsbad High School. After playing his first two high school seasons at Rancho Bernardo High School, he transferred to Carlsbad as a junior and hit .422 with a .500 OBP. Saggese also tied for the San Diego Section lead with 10 home runs to earn the right to play in the San Diego Section All-Star game alongside Marcelo Mayer and Spencer Jones.

The California native made his professional debut in 2021 in Low-A, where he showcased the pop in his bat. He climbed the Rangers’ minor league system in 2022, when he was recognized as an MiLB.com Organizational All-Star, Baseball America High Class A All-Star and South Atlantic League Post-Season All-Star after hitting 15 home runs and becoming an offensive weapon. Saggese was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals on July 30, 2023, and shortly after earned Texas League MVP and Post-Season All-Star honors as a result of a batting average over .300 with 26 home runs and 111 RBI in 139 games between Double-A and Triple-A. He made his MLB debut on September 10, 2024 and went on to play in 18 games that season. The versatile infielder split time between Triple-A Memphis and the Cardinals in 2025, when he appeared in 82 games with starts at second base, shortstop, and third base. Saggese put together a .258 batting average with two homers and 25 RBI. Known for strong contact skills and the ability to drive the ball with extra bases — a skill that made him a standout in the minors, the Team Italy shortstop will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Zach Dezenzo was selected in the 12th round (373rd overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft (373rd overall) out of Ohio State University, where he earned recognition as a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball after a strong debut campaign which included double-digit home runs. Dezenzo began his pro career in Single-A with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers and climbed the Astros’ system steadily. In 2023, he impressed with power and improved contact skills, hitting 14 home runs and maintaining solid production as he moved from High-A to Double-A. He also saw action in the Arizona Fall League, gaining respected experience against top prospects.

Dezenzo made his MLB debut on August 6, 2024 and became the first alumnus of the MLB Draft League to reach the big leagues. In 2025, he made the Astros’ Opening Day roster and appeared in 34 games, batting .245 with two home runs and 10 RBI before an injury sidelined him mid-season. Dezenzo is noted for his size and power potential, possessing strong bat speed and extra-base hit ability. Defensively he has played first base, third base, and in the corner outfield, providing positional flexibility. Scouts and reports praise his improving bat-to-ball skills, which helped him sustain offensive production as he moved up in the minor leagues.

Andrew Fischer was selected in the 1st round (20th overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers out of the University of Tennessee. He began his college baseball journey at Duke University, where he set the program’s freshman home run record (11) in 47 games. Fischer then transferred to the University of Mississippi for his sophomore season, leading the team in home runs, hits, RBI, and total bases, which earned him All-Region and Second Team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors. After another transfer to the University of Tennessee for the 2025 season, he had a monumental year: hitting .341/.497/.760 with 25 home runs, 65 RBI, and 70 runs scored as well as reaching base in all 65 games played. Fischer led the SEC in home runs and ranked among conference leaders in on-base percentage and slugging. Named First Team All-SEC and First Team All-American, his outstanding performance made him one of the top college bats in the country and a coveted prospect for the 2025 draft.

For the Milwaukee Brewers High-A affiliate Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the promising third baseman played in 13 games and hit .311 with one homer, 13 RBI, eight runs scored and eight stolen bases. Fischer is considered one of the Brewers’ top prospects and a potential future middle-of-the-order hitter due to his rare combination of contact skills, power, and plate discipline. Blessed with plus power to all fields from the left side of the plate, he generates consistent extra-base hits. while possessing a strong eye at the plate and high walk rates. With the ability to play the corner infield, Fischer offers defensive versatility as he develops into a budding star. He is currently the top MLB third base prospect according to both MLB PipeLine and Baseball America.

Sam Antonacci was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the fifth round (140th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Coastal Carolina University, where he slashed .367/.523/.504 with six home runs and 47 RBI in Division I competition. Known for his disciplined hitting, high on-base skills, and speed, Antonacci is one of the White Sox’s top prospects. He starred at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, Illinois, batting over .530 as a senior and began his college career at Heartland Community College. As a sophomore, Antonacci led NJCAA Division II in batting average (.515), RBI (103), runs (105), hits (106), doubles (32) and on-base percentage (.618) to earn 2023 NJCAA Division II Player of the Year honors and help Heartland win a national title before transferring to Coastal Carolina University. He started all 61 games at third base for Coastal during the 2024 season, slashing .367/.523/.504. His .367 batting average and .523 on-base percentage led Coastal’s offense. Antonacci, who reached base safely in the first 44 games of the season, totaled 83 hits, 13 doubles, and six home runs that year. Defensively, he finished the season with a .911 fielding percentage at third base. In 169 chances, he recorded 55 putouts, 99 assists, and was part of nine double plays.

Antonacci made his professional debut with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Low-A) in 2024, hitting .333 with 14 RBI in his first 23 games. In 2025, he split time between the Winston-Salem Dash (High-A) and the Birmingham Barons (Double-A). Over the course of 116 games, Antonacci hit .291 with five home runs, 57 RBI, and 48 stolen bases, proving his lightning speed and contact ability. He earned White Sox Minor League Player of the Month (June 2025) for his high OPS and impact on the base paths. After the 2025 regular season, he excelled in the Arizona Fall League, slashing .378/.505/.541 with 11 stolen bases in 19 games, further boosting his prospect status. Known for his disciplined approach at the plate with high walk rates and strong contact ability. Antonacci possesses excellent on-base skills as his stolen base totals are among the best in the White Sox system. In addition, he offers position versatility, having played second base, shortstop, and third base in the minors. Heading into 2026, Antonacci is one of Chicago’s fastest-rising prospects since he is on the cusp of reaching Triple-A and destined to reach MLB sooner than expected. MLBPipeLine ranks him the 10th MLB second base prospect and the 11th Chicago White Sox prospect.

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. He now joins Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Team Italy Catchers in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

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Kyle Teel was selected in the 1st round (14th overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox out of the University of Virginia. He received the 2023 Buster Posey Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, which recognizes the nation’s top catcher. His .407 batting average was one of the highest single-season averages in school history, earning him 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year and Consensus College Baseball All-American honors.

Teel quickly advanced through the Boston minor league system and in December 2024 was part of a trade that sent him to the Chicago White Sox organization as a top prospect. He made his MLB debut on June 6, 2025 and showed lightning power when hitting eight home runs with a .273 batting average and 35 RBI for the remainder of the season. The fast-rising left-handed hitting star has demonstrated an advanced hitting approach and the ability to work counts to get on base, where he excels with smart base running tactics. His leadership, skilled game management and precision (only five errors in 501 innings ) behind the plate makes him a strong defensive weapon as well.

J.J. D’Orazio was signed as a non-drafted international free agent with the Toronto Blue Jays in July 2018 out of Venezuela. He made his professional debut in 2019, splitting time between the Dominican Summer League Blue Jays and Rookie League before being shut out of baseball in 2020 due to the pandemic. In 2021, after beginning the season in the Blue Jays’ complex leagues and Low-A, D’Orazio was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He played Single-A ball in 2022 before moving up to High-A (where he named NWL Player of the Week and hit over .300 with power) and Double-A in 2023. D’Orazio has since remained the everyday catcher for the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles and put together a .221 batting average with 50 RBI and eight home runs last season with 50 RBI and 8 home runs. In December 2025, He was signed by the Los Angeles Angels in late 2025 after a successful campaign for Tigres De Aragua in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. The proud Italian Venezuelan has shown the ability to influence games with both his power at the plate and his intelligence in working with pitchers behind the dish.

Team Italy warms up against Cubs and Angels in Arizona before WBC in Houston

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Team Italy manager Francisco Cervelli and the Azzurri baseball squad prepare for battle in World Baseball Classic (WBC) Pool B action featuring USA, Mexico, Great Britain and Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston from March 7-11, 2026 with two Pre-WBC Exhibition Games against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa on Tuesday, March 3rd and the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Wednesday, March 4th.

2026 Chicago Cubs Spring Training single-game tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, December 5th at 11 am (CST). Sign up to become an Angels Insider by clicking HERE in order to participate in the Angels Insider Spring Training Pre-Sale beginning on Friday, November 21st at 10 am (PT) and continuing through Sunday, November 23rd at 10 pm (PT).

Single-game tickets for all World Baseball Classic games hosted at Daikin Park in Houston — including Pool B and quarterfinals — will go on sale Thursday, January 15, 2026. 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!

How Team Italy can reach the 2025 European Baseball Championship finals

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2023 WBC stars Nicky Lopez, Vinnie Pasquantino, Miles Mastrobuoni and Brett Sullivan

Despite a 4-2 record during the 2023 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship in the Czech Republic, Team Italy placed ninth due to Team Quality Balance. After suffering an 8-3 upset by Sweden (8th place) and a heartbreaking 11-10 loss to eventual silver medalist Great Britain early in the tournament, the Azzurri did not reach the quarterfinals. As a result, the Italians were relegated to the 9-12 placement round and did not automatically qualify for the 2025 European Baseball Championship in the Netherlands.

Now Team Italy must earn the right to compete against the top 2023 Euro finishers (Groups A and B) in Rotterdam from September 24-27, 2025 by hosting and winning one of two qualifiers (Group C) in Novara from September 20-22, 2025. The Italians begin their journey in Novara with the aim of returning to Rotterdam, where the Azzurri last won the 2012 European Baseball Championship title and aspire to recapture the gold magic again thirteen years later.

The top eight finishers from the 2023 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship are broken up into two groups, Groups A and B, in a round-robin tourney at Neptunus Familiestadion in Rotterdam. Group A features reigning champion Spain along with Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden, while host 2023 bonze medalist Kingdom of the Netherlands competes in Group B with Great Britain, France and Israel.

Eight countries competing in the 2025 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship Qualifiers are included in Groups C and D at different locations. Group C takes place in Novara, where Team Italy faces Switzerland, Greece and Lithuania. Belgium hosts Group D in Borgerhoutm and plays against Croatia, Austria and Hungary.

The top two teams from Groups C and D advance to Rotterdam and play the third and fourth-place finishers from Groups A and B. Then the winners of the aforementioned clashes together with the first two teams from Groups A and B compete in an elimination round to determine the medal winners.

Below is the road map for Team Italy manager Francisco Cervelli and technical coaching coordinator Gibo Gerali to lead the Azzurri squad to the 2025 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship final:

Saturday, September 20, 2025 9:30 am (ET) Switzerland vs. Team Italy in Novara

Sunday, September 21, 2025 9:30 am (ET) Team Italy vs. Lithuania in Novara

Monday, September 22, 2025 9:30 am (ET) Greece vs. Team Italy in Novara

Assuming Team Italy wins all three games listed above in Novara and continues to win the games below in Rotterdam then the road map looks like this:

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Travel Day to Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Wednesday, September 24, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Group B fourth-place finisher (Kingdom of the Netherlands, Great Britain, France and Israel)

Thursday, September 25, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Group A leader (Spain, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden)

Friday, September 26, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Semifinalist or Group A runner-up (Spain, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden)

Saturday, September 27, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Finalist or Group B leader or runner-up (Kingdom of the Netherlands, Great Britain, France and Israel)

Team Italy hopes to recapture the European Baseball Championship throne after a lengthy 13-year drought. The Italians have won the Euro title ten times, while Kingdom of the Netherlands has dominated the tournament with 24 first-place finishes. The last time the two powerhouses met was at the Euro Championship final in 2019, when the Dutch prevailed in a 5-1 Euro Gold Medal victory in Bonn, Germany. It has been a long four years since 2021 European Baseball Championship host Team Italy earned a medal after a 2-0 shutout over Spain in the Bronze Medal Game in Torino.

Team Italy vs. Kingdom of the Netherlands

Nothing would be more enjoyable than a rematch between Team Italy and Kingdom of the Netherlands in the 2025 European Baseball Championship final in Rotterdam, where the Italians last won the Euros in 2012. Purchase your tickets for EuroBaseball 2025 by clicking HERE. If you cannot make it in person, watch all the action live by clicking HERE. Forza #Italia!

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 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!

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.

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…