The Chicago Cubs signed versatile infielderNicky 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.”
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 the2026 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.
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!
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…
Roberto shared what the Southern California radio landscape was like in the ‘80s and ‘90s, including when he started “Reggae Revolution” on KNAC and KROQ and co-hosted “3 O’Clock Reggae” on KWIZ with Junor Francis.
He also talks about…
– Meeting and interviewing Peter Tosh
– Introducing reggae and ska to mainstream radio
– Importance of UB40 and Sublime
– Managing Wailing Souls, Pato Banton and Tippa Irie
– Blue Riddim Band, Ranking Roger and Nancy Reagan
– A funny story about Maxi Priest
– His love for and connection to Italy and baseball
Fullerton Sister City Association (FSCA) established a sister city relationship with Tollo, Italy on September 22, 2021 in honor of longtime resident Tommy Lasorda and his Italian family roots in Abruzzo. FSCA is proud to announce its Third-Year Anniversary Trip to Italy from October 3-12, 2024. Interested travelers are welcome to attend an informational meeting inside the Fullerton Public Library Osborne Auditorium on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 5 pm.
Below is the tentative itinerary (subject to change):
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Departure from LAX Los Angeles International Airport to FCO Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, Rome, Italy on nonstop flight aboard ITA Airways
Friday, October 4, 2024
Arrival at FCO Leonardo Da Vinci Airport in Rome, Italy.
Bus departure to Hotel at 3:00 pm
Arrival to Hotel Quirinale The Hotel Quirinale offers all guests an unforgettable four-star Roman vacation in the very heart of one of the most celebrated cities on earth. Each of the 209 rooms are decorated with period furniture and equipped with every modern luxury. The excellent service and hospitality of the Hotel Quirinale welcomes tourists, families and business travelers with efficiency, ease and style. Guests can enjoy the elegant restaurant, cozy bar, private garden, exclusive fitness.
All the guests will have a welcome drink at the lounge area of the hotel and later get together for a delicious dinner.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 – Breakfast at the Hotel Quirinale
Guided tour of Baroque Rome: Discover Rome’s beautiful Baroque treasures on this walking tour that takes you to famous 17th-century landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona. Learn about the architects and artistry that defined the Baroque period from an expert guide, and delve into the city’s ancient history, too, with a visit inside the magnificent Pantheon. The landmarks included in the tour are:
Trevi Fountain
Spanish Steps
The Pantheon
Navona Square
Piazza Colonna
Lunch at typical Roman restaurant
Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica With this guided tour in English, you will be able to admire some of the most famous works of art renown all over the world: a journey into time and space, into history and culture, where no exhausting waits in queue are involved. In a relaxed and informal atmosphere, your official Vatican guide will tell you stories and curiosities that will help you to understand the historical, artistic and cultural context that has molded the masterpieces hosted in the in the heart of Vatican City. The tour of the Vatican Museums will culminate with the visit to the Sistine Chapel where you can admire the paintings that truly represent the highest peak of Italian Renaissance art, from the precious frescoes by Botticelli, Perugino, Pinturicchio, to the extraordinary vault cycle and the Last Judgement by Michelangelo.
St Peter’s Basilica tour St Peter’s Basilica serves as the beating heart of the Catholic faith. Witness Bernini’s towering Baldachino, Michelangelo’s Pieta, and so much more. Discover how Michelangelo constructed the massive, 500- year-old dome, a masterpiece of renaissance architecture more than half a millennium ago. Here you will discover the tombs of the most famous Popes in history. − Back to the hotel. Free time to relax − Free time for dinner.
Sunday, October 6, 2024 – Breakfast at the Hotel Quirinale
Guided tour to Ancient Rome Enjoy the privilege of discovering the Roman Forum and Colosseum conducted by an expert specialized in art and history. Your ancient Rome tour includes an unforgettable visit to the Colosseum, the amazing landmark built over 8 years, on request of Emperor Vespasian. Inaugurated in 80 A.C by Titus, with a feast that lasted 100 days, it used to accommodate over 70,000 spectators and host truly exciting events. Experience a firsthand view of the architecture, learn how it was built and what the performances were like. The itinerary then leads you on a lovely walk to the Roman Forum, once the center of Rome’s social, religious, and business, today an uncanny showcase of spectacular ruins. Roam through the columns and alongside temples, the basilicas and public spaces that seem to murmur voices of a time long gone by. The tour will also lead you along the Imperial Forums of the legendary Roman Emperors to the Capitol Hill, that still serves as the City Hall, to the symbolic building that represents the unity of the Country, the Altar of the Fatherland. Landmarks included in the tour:
The Colosseum
Arch of Constantine
Roman Forum
Imperial Forums
Capitol Hill
Altar of the Fatherland
Free time for Lunch
Back to the hotel. Free time for shopping and dinner
Monday, October 7, 2024 – Breakfast at Hotel Quirinale
Bus pick up and departure to Florence
First stop at The Mall Luxury Shopping Outlet An exraordinary shopping experince in the heart of Tuscany. Discover incredible opportunities at the iconic brands’ flagship stores such as:
Check in at The Palazzo Castri 1874 Boutique Hotel
Group Dinner in Florence
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – Breakfast at The Palazzo Castri 1874 Boutique Hotel
Bus pick up for the city center walking tour of Florence Explore the historical center of Florence, an UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, on a walking tour with a professional guide. Hear about the rich history of the capital of Renaissance, as well as its art, architecture, and culture. The grandeur of the Medici’s city’s architecture, art, and culture is reflected in the wealth it has accumulated over centuries. You will see the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore and walk over Ponte Vecchio (Ancient Bridge) on the Arno river. Discover works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Filippo Brunelleschi and Giorgio Vasari. During this amazing tour, walk with a private tour guide, who will illuminate you with the secrets and history of this amazing city. Discover how both art and creativity are present in every street and corner of the city as you discover churches, museums, and monuments, such as:
Ponte Vecchio
Piazza degli Uffizi
Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Brunelleschi Dome
St. John Baptistery
Republic Square
Santa Croce Square and Church
Free time for lunch You can take advantage of the stalls of the Mercato Centrale, with food from all regions of Italy
Shopping at Mercato di San Lorenzo Enjoy a walk among the stands of the San Lorenzo Market, with its artisan leather products
Bus pick up to the US Consulate: Lasorda Recognition (Tentative)
Bus departure to the Cooking Class
Dinner at the Cooking Class
Back to The Palazzo Castri 1874 Boutique Hotel (Afternoon Tea & Desserts at 4 pm)
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 – Breakfast at The Palazzo Castri 1874 Boutique Hotel
Bus pick up and departure to Assisi
Tour of the St. Francis Basilica The Basilica of Saint Francis is a bilevel 13th century building which preserves the tomb of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints in the world. This grandiose gorgeously embellished church also preserves frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti and other well-known medieval painters of Italy and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Indeed, it is one of the most focal points of both art and spirituality. This church is a powerful place for believers and art lovers alike. Your guide will be a Franciscan friar expert in history and art and will take you through the life of the patron saint of Italy
Bus pick up and departure to Marina Gardens Boutique & Suites in Francavilla
Free time at the hotel
Free time for dinner
Thursday, October 10, 2024 – Breakfast at the hotel Marina Gardens Boutique & Suites
Visit and tasting at Olive Oil Museum in Bucchianico
Free time for lunch in Tollo Tollo is the small town of 3900 inhabitants in the Chieti Province from which Tommy Lasorda’s family left to seek their fortune in the United States. Today, like then, the economy is based on the agricultural sector, in particular on the production of DOCG wines. It is remarkable the creation in 2008 of the DOC Tullum, among the smallest in Italy and the first territorial denomination of Abruzzo, transformed into DOCG in 2019. It occupies an extremely limited territory – 300 hectares only and exclusively in the municipality of Tollo – and is characterized by the rigidity of the production parameters. Tollo became Fullerton’s sister city on September 22, 2021 in honor of Tommy Lasorda, on the initiative of his daughter Laura Lasorda, Mayor Angelo Radica, the President of the Italian Baseball Softball Federation Andrea Marcon and thanks to the work of Roberto Angotti and the Tollo Baseball Softball Club. On May 7, 2022, Laura Lasorda officially inaugurated the new Tommy Lasorda Field after the important renovation works carried out by the Municipality.
Meet & greet with the Mayor in Tollo
Visit Lasorda Field
Visit the Tollo Wine Museum
Wine tasting and group dinner at Feudo Antico
Back to the hotel
Friday, October 11, 2024 – Breakfast at the Marina Gardens Boutique & Suites
Bus pick up and departure to Rome
Arrival to the hotel Il Quirinale
Free time for lunch
Bus pick up at the hotel to go to the Olympic Stadium (time TBA – according to soccer schedule). A highly engaging walk consisting of innovative and cutting-edge technologies. The Stadio Olimpico is the temple of Italian soccer (and more) and the tour allows you to relive the great events of this facility and their protagonists, with a unique and unforgettable experience. A journey that starts from a glorious past, represented by its inauguration in 1953, the 1960 Olympics, the IAAF European and World Championships, the 1990 FIFA World Cup, to the contemporary great variety of events, including major concerts. A tour that allows guests to visit its most secret places up close (from the locker rooms to the pitch), the objects related to the great protagonists as well as reliving the great moments, in a highly experiential environment.
Back to the hotel
Farewell group dinner at hotel
Friday, October 12, 2024 – Breakfast at Hotel Quirinale
Bus early pick up to go to FCO Leonardo Da Vinci Airport Rome for return flight to LAX
Laura Lasorda and Tollo Mayor Angelo Radica at the unveiling of Tommy Lasorda Field
On September 22, 2021, Tollo, Italy became Sister City to Fullerton, California in honor of National Baseball Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda, who had lived in Fullerton since the Los Angeles Dodgers headed west in 1958, won two World Championships, four National League championships, eight division titles, and amassed 1,599 victories as Dodger manager. His father, Sabatino Lasorda, was an Italian immigrant hailing from Tollo (Chieti) in Abruzzo, Italy. He and his wife, Carmella Lasorda, raised Tommy and his four brothers in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Since its inception on September 22, 2021, Tommy Lasorda Day celebrates the life and legacy of this legendary Italian American as well as the two-year-old Sister City relationship between Fullerton, California and Tollo, Italy. The Fullerton Sister City Association program began in 1964 when the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce decided to explore the possibility of adopting a Sister City. The Chamber of Commerce’s search was inspired by the late President Eisenhower’s People to People program, which was created in 1956 to increase tolerance and understanding through direct contact of individuals with people from different cultures.
Fullerton currently has five Sister Cities: Morelia, Mexico; Fukui, Japan; Yongin and Seongnam, South Korea; and Tollo, Italy. An Italian olive tree is among the Fullerton Friendship Trees planted in the City Hall garden in honor of the Tollo Sister City relationship.
Roberto Angotti and Bobby Valentine at the 2022 Lasorda Legacy Celebration in Fullerton
The Tommy Lasorda Day Celebration in Fullerton gets better every year. Last year’s Lasorda Legacy Baseball Author Roundtable at Fullerton Museum Center was a smashing success. This year promises to be just as memorable. Be sure to mark your calendar to join us on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 4:00 pm at the Fullerton Sports Complex, 560 East Silver Pine Street in Fullerton and celebrate the Sister City relationship between Fullerton and Tollo.
Having just returned from the Tommy Lasorda Day Celebration in Italy, Laura Lasorda will be on hand promptly at 4 pm to present the Tommy Lasorda Public Service Hero Award to a deserving Fullerton civil servant. Steel Sports representatives, who will be hosting assemblies earlier in the day at various middle schools in Fullerton to ignite inspiration and encourage students to foster self-belief and realize that with dedicated effort, they can transform any dream into reality, will also be there to promote the Tommy Lasorda philosophy “You Gotta Believe.”
The Tommy Lasorda Day Celebration is free to the public. In association with Golden Hill Little League, the Fullerton Sports Complex will host baseball games between Fullerton Little League teams and local high school teams. There will also be live music by Anything for Salinas, a Selena tribute band, from 6:30-8:30 pm plus food trucks, craft and vendor booths as well. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged.
The 37th edition of the Euro Baseball Championship takes place in Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Trebic and Blansko. Team Italy begins Group B play in Trebic and competes against Hungary, Sweden and Great Britain. The two top teams advance to the quarterfinals in Brno.
The Czech Republic welcomes the Senior European Baseball Championship for the third time after presenting the international competition in 2005 and co-hosting the Euros with Germany in 2014. Team Italy hopes to dethrone four-time defending champion the Netherlands and recapture the Euro championship after an elusive 11-year absence. The Italians have won the European title 10 times, while the Dutch have dominated the tournament with 24 gold medal finishes. Most recently, Team Italy placed third when hosting the 2021 European Baseball Championship in Piemonte.
A total of 16 countries are competing in the 2023 European Baseball Championship. Host Czech Republic along with Spain, Austria and Greece make up Group A. Team Italy is in Group B with Hungary, Sweden and Great Britain. The Netherlands, France, Ukraine and Croatia battle in Group C. Newcomer Switzerland faces Germany, Israel and Belgium in Group D. The two top finishers of each group advance to the quarterfinals.
The Team Italy Group B schedule is as follows:
Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 11 am (local time): Hungary-Italy in Trebic
Monday, September 25, 2023 at 5:30 pm (local time): Italy-Sweden in Trebic
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 5:30 pm (local time): Great Britain-Italy in Trebic
If Team Italy wins Group B, the Italians advance to the quarterfinals in Brno.
The top seed from Group B will play the second seed from Group A (Austria, Czech Republic, Greece and Spain) in the quarterfinal on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 12 noon (local time).
The winner of the quarterfinal game will advance to the semifinal and play the winner of the game between the top seed in Group A and the second seed in Group B on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 6:30 pm (local time)
The winner of the semifinal game will move on to the final on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 6:30 pm (local time) in Brno, while the loser will battle for the bronze medal game earlier in the day at 12 noon (local time). Forza #Italia!
Former Toronto Blue Jays pitchers Sam Gaviglio and Joe Biagini are together again playing for Team Italy in the 2023 World Baseball Classic
Once inseparable as part of the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays’ pitching rotation and again in 2019 while providing relief out the Jay’s bullpen, Sam Gaviglio and Joe Biagini have picked up where they left off three years ago together after being summoned by Team Italy manager and National Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza to lead the Italians to success in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Former Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said, “Joe and Sam are two of my all-time favorites. Both did a tremendous job for us, better than anyone expected. Both are first class individuals also and proud Italians.”
For the Biagini family, playing for Team Italy is close to the heart since relatives hail from Lucca. Rob Biagini, a former San Francisco Giants pitching prospect, helped Team Italy win the 1979 European Baseball Championship. He later led Parma to the 1980 European Champions Cup title. During a recent pre-WBC workout in Scottsdale, Arizona, Joe Biagini said, “Italy is in our soul.”
The road to MLB for Biagini was not so easy. After redshirting and playing one year at the College of San Mateo, the talented right-handed pitcher transferred to UC Davis, where he made 13 appearances out of the bullpen and went 3-1. Biagini was chosen by the San Francisco Giants in the 26th round of the 2011 MLB draft after his redshirt sophomore season. He was later selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2015 Rule 5 draft.
Biagini made his MLB debut on April 8, 2016 when he pitched a perfect ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox and posted his first career strikeout facing David Ortiz. The 2016 Toronto Blue Jays made to it to the American League Championship Series. During his six postseason appearances against Baltimore, Texas and Cleveland, Biagini threw 7.1 scoreless innings with six strikeouts. He was the only rookie to start and finish the season with the team and as a result received the 2016 Blue Jays Rookie of the Year Award.
Former Toronto first base coach Tim Leiper remembers that 2016 season like it was yesterday. He said, “Joe got better as the season progressed. He was like new found money. The Blue Jays would have never reached the postseason without him.. He is his own guy who can be light-hearted, but when it comes to pitching he is all business.”
Biagini was traded by Toronto to the Houston Astros along with Aaron Sanchez and Cal Stevenson in exchange for Derek Fisher on July 31, 2019. He spent the remainder of the 2019 season and part of the 2020 season with Houston before signing with the Chicago Cubs on December 17, 2020. Biagini was last seen pitching in MLB on October 3, 2021 when picking up the win after throwing three scoreless innings of relief against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In a twist of fate, Joe Biagini and Sam Gaviglio actually went head-to-head in a pitching matchup at Safeco Field on June 9, 2017 when the Seattle Mariners hosted the Toronto Blue Jays. M’s starter Sam Gaviglio made his MLB debut just one month prior and held the Jays to two runs on six hits with three walks and five strikeouts in six innings of work. Trailing 2-1 with little offense against Blue Jays starting pitcher Joe Biagini, Seattle finally rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh and eventually won 4-2. Biagini reflected on the experience and said, “Too bad we were not playing in the National League at the time so we could have actually faced each other (in the batter’s box).”
Although it may be Joe Biagini’s first time pitching for Team Italy in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Sam Gaviglio returns to the Azzurri squad after his WBC pitching debut against Venezuela at Estadio Charros de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico on March 11, 2017. He threw four scoreless innings against an explosive offense powered byMLB All-Stars Jose Altuve, Martin Prado, Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Gonzalez, Victor Martinez, and Salvador Perez before surrendering two runs in top of the fifth inning. Despite an impressive start, he did not receive a decision in the Team Italy 11-10 extra-inning loss to Venezuela.
Gaviglio was first drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2008 in the 40th round but did not sign in favor of playing ball at Oregon State University instead. However, he eventually signed with the St. Louis Cardinals after being selected in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB draft. Gaviglio was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Ty Kelly on November 20, 2014. He made 12 appearances (including 11 starts) for the 2017 Seattle Mariners before being claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals, for whom he made another four appearances (including two starts) before the end of the 2017 season.
Gaviglio was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays on March 21, 2018. Used primarily as a starting pitcher during the 2018 season, the Ashland, Oregon native worked exclusively out of the Toronto bullpen in 2019 when he was the MLB leader in innings pitched (95.2). Former Blue Jays’ coach Tim Leiper said, “I have followed Sammy since the day I worked with him during the 2013 Arizona Fall League. His character is second to none. He is so upbeat, ultra prepared, super dependable and a solid teammate. Sammy anchored the Blue Jays pitching staff.”
He was last seen in the big leagues when making four relief appearances for the Jays in 2020. Gaviglio signed with the SSG Landers in the Korea Baseball Organization in 2021 and compiled a 6-4 record in 15 starts. While pitching in Asia, he noticed a different style of baseball being played. Gaviglio said, “The game is placed at a much faster pace. It’s more like small ball and about manufacturing runs.” With the 2023 World Baseball Classic taking place in Taichung, Taiwan for Team Italy, he hopes his recent experience playing in Asia will give the Italians an advantage. For Biagini and Gaviglio, winning Pool A against Cuba (March 9th at 6 am ET), Chinese Taipei (March 10th at 6 am ET), Panama (March 10th at 11 pm ET) and Kingdom of the Netherlands (March 12th at 7 am ET) means everything.
Former Toronto coach and current Team Canada coach Tim Leiper concluded, “The World Baseball Classic (WBC) provides the opportunity to bring them (Biagini and Gaviglio) together again. Both are versatile pitchers who have been in high-leverage positions so they can start or pitch relief, which is great for Team Italy. There are not many pitchers around who have the same skill set. They can compete and are capable of showing how good they are in the WBC to put themselves on the map again. The international competition commands respect.”
Selected in the 17th round of the 2017 draft out of University of Oklahoma by the Miami Marlins, right-handed reliever Vincenzo Aiello played in professional baseball for four seasons (2017-21) in the Marlins and White Sox organizations. He recorded 11 wins and a 2.91 ERA in 93 outings in his stints between Rookie League and Double-A. In the summer of 2021, he was placed on the injured list while playing in Winston-Salem and elected free agency at the end of the year. Most recently the 28-year-old Aiello signed with his hometown team, the Atlantic League’s Staten Island FerryHawks. He made 18 appearances on the mound and allowed 19 earned runs in 22 innings.
GLENN ALBANESEJR.
24-year-old right-handed pitcher Glenn Albanese Jr. was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 15th round of the 2021 draft out of University of Louisville. In 38 appearances at the High-A and Double-A level, the Illinois native and 6’7” reliever compiled a 1-2 record (3.34 ERA) with five saves and 68 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched. Relative TJ Galidari played in the NHL from 2010-16.
ALEX BASSANI
Alex Bassani is one of the pitching veterans in Italian baseball. Having grown up in Bologna with multiple experiences in the Italian Baseball League since 2013, Bassani broke out in 2017 in Novara with a strong season at the plate and on the mound. The 32-year-old hurler later moved to Rimini (2018) and back to Bologna (2019-present), where he won three consecutive Italian championships and the European Champions Cup. He has represented Team Italy in 20 games to date. Bassani made his Azzurri debut in 2017 at the European Baseball Series and has been called upon in every international competition ever since. He earned the save in the 2021 European Baseball Championship bronze medal game against Spain and was the winning pitcher against Curacao in the 2022 Haarlem Week tourney.
JOE BIAGINI
Joseph Carlo Biagini will represent Team Italy for the first time at the 2023 WBC. The 32-year-old right-handed pitcher was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 26th round of the 2011 draft. The Toronto Blue Jays picked him up on the waiver wire during the 2015 Rule 5 Draft, and the California native made his MLB debut on April 8, 2016. Working out of the bullpen as an effective setup pitcher during the regular season and also pitching in the postseason, Biagini was named 2016 Blue Jays Rookie of the Year. He became a fan favorite and made two TV appearances on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Biagini was traded to the Houston Astros alongside Aaron Sanchez and Cal Stevenson for Derek Fisher on July 31, 2019. He had brief stints with Houston in 2020 and with the Chicago Cubs in 2021. However, he returned to the Blues Jays organization in 2022 and compiled a 4-2 record (3.46 ERA) in 30 appearances including five starts for Triple-A Buffalo.
MATTEO BOCCHI
The 26-year-old Parma native competed in the 2008 Little League World Series while on the first-ever Italian squad (Emilia Little League) to play in the international youth competition and a decade later on March 20, 2018 became the first Italian-born student-athlete to play for the College World Series-bound University of Texas Longhorns. Right-handed pitcher Matteo Bocchi signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on June 13, 2019 and reached as high as AAA playing for the Iowa Cubs. During his two seasons in the minors, he compiled a 4-3 record with one save in 37 appearances (3.90 ERA. 94.2 IP, 109 K).
RYAN CASTELLANI
Philadelphia-born Ryan Castellani was selected out of high school in the 2nd round in of the 2014 draft by the Colorado Rockies. He was named Baseball America High-A All-Star while pitching for the Modesto Nuts in the California League. Despite some injuries along the way, the right-handed pitcher made his MLB debut for the Colorado Rockies on August 8, 2020 and remained in the starting rotation for the remainder of the season. He managed to make only one start for the Rockies in 2021 before signing with the Oakland Athletics on March 11, 2022. Castellani pitched only 2.2 innings in three appearances for the A’s during the 2022 season.
TIAGO DA SILVA
A Team Italy WBC veteran pitcher having played in the 2009, 2013 and 2017 editions, 37-year-old Tiago da Silva signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on January 30, 2015 and pitched at Single-A Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire before returning to the Mexican Leagues. He was awarded the 2014 Mexican League Reliever of the Year while pitching for Delfines de Ciudad del Carmen. The Brazilian-Italian pitcher led San Marino to back-to-back Italian championship titles in 2021 (when he won Italian Baseball Series MVP) and 2022.
ALESSANDRO ERCOLANI
San Marino-born pitcher Alessandro Ercolani signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021. He is the very first player to sign an MiLB contract from the small country located in northwest Italy with just over 33,000 citizens. The right hander has since made 20 Rookie ball appearances and posted a 2.77 ERA in 48.2 innings of work with 59 strikeouts. The 18-year-old prospect is the youngest member of the Team Italy WBC roster after recently playing in the U18 World Cup and European Baseball Championship.
NICK FANTI
Left-handed pitcher Nick Fanti makes an encore appearance at the 2023 WBC after making his Team Italy debut at the 2017 WBC in Jalisco, Mexico, where he threw a scoreless inning of relief against Puerto Rico. The 26-year-old New York native was selected in the 31st round of the 2015 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies out of high school. He was named to the FCL Post-Season All-Star team in 2016 and a Baseball America Low-A All-Star in 2017. Fanti pitched four seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies minor league system and reached High-A in 2018 prior to a stint in the Australian Baseball League playing for the Sydney Blue Sox. Multiple injuries resulted in a Tommy John surgery, and a shoulder injury kept him off the field during the 2022 season.
MATT FESTA
Selected in the seventh round of the 2016 draft by the Seattle Mariners, the Brooklyn-born and Staten Island native Matthew Festa made his MLB pitching debut on July 14, 2018 and subsequently made the 2019 Mariners’ Opening Day roster. After Tommy John surgery, he once again made the Mariners’ Opening Day roster in 2022 when the 29-year-old reliever made 53 regular season appearances (2-0, 2 SV, 4.17 ERA, 64K, 54 IP) and two postseason appearances (0-0, 2.70 ERA, 2 K, 3.1 IP against the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros).
SAM GAVIGLIO
Right-handed pitcher Sam Gaviglio returns to Team Italy after making his Azzurri debut during the 2017 WBC when he started the second game of the tournament against Venezuela (4.2 innings, 2 runs allowed). The 32-year-old Oregon native was selected in the fifth round of the 2011 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. He subsequently spent four seasons in MLB (11-18 record, 4.88 ERA and 296.2 innings in 98 games pitched) playing for the Seattle Mariners (2017), Kansas City Royals (2017) and the Toronto Blue Jays (2018-20). Gaviglio has since signed minor league contracts with the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent the 2022 season pitching for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers and compiled a 6-4 record (6.34 ERA) in 17 appearances including nine starts.
MATT HARVEY
Vying for an MLB comeback after knee surgery, pitcher Matt Harvey will represent Team Italy in the 2023 WBC. Thanks to his Italian mother, the 33-year-old right-handed pitcher will be in the Italian rotation after his 2022 season between High-A and Triple A (8-1, 3.72 ERA in 13 starts). Born in New London, Connecticut and selected in the first round of the 2010 draft by the New York Mets out of University of North Carolina, Harvey pitched six seasons for the Mets. He reunites with Mike Piazza, who managed Team USA in the World Futures Game in 2011 when Matt picked up the save for the Americans. Among his highlights of his first three seasons, he broke a franchise record for a debuting pitcher with 11 strikeouts against Arizona in 2012. Harvey was named MLB All-Star in 2013 and started game five of the 2015 World Series against the Kansas City Royals. From 2019 to 2021, he pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles. During his illustrious MLB career, Harvey compiled a 50-66 record with a 4.42 ERA and 867 strikeouts in 966.1 innings pitched.
JOE LASORSA
Joe LaSorsa is a 24-year-old New York native and a promising left-handed pitcher who was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in 18th round of the 2019 draft out of St. John’s University. He will begin his fourth professional season by competing in his first international tourney with Team Italy in the 2023 WBC. He made 39 relief appearances and one start for a total of 73.1 innings between High-A and Double-A during the 2022 season when he compiled a 7-3 record with 8 saves (2.33 ERA) and 87 strikeouts in 73.1 innings of work.
BRAXTON LORENZINI
Pitcher Braxton Lorenzini will make his Team Italy debut in the 2023 WBC. Selected by the San Diego Padres in the 33rd round of the 2015 draft out of California’s West Hills College, the 27-year-old Colorado native and right-handed reliever played six seasons in the minor leagues between 2015 and 2021. He made 94 appearances and registered a 11-9 record (6.17 ERA) with 139 strikeouts in 143.1 innings as a part of the San Diego Padres (2015-17) and the Colorado Rockies (2018-21) organizations.
JOEY MARCIANO
Related to undefeated American boxing legend Rocky Marciano, pitcher Joey Marciano has the same fighting spirit on the mound. With a late start to his baseball career playing for the first time as a freshman in high school, he made up for lost time and became a pitching sensation at Southern Illinois University. Selected in the 36th round of the 2017 draft by the San Francisco Giants, Joey Marciano had high hopes to pitching professionally. Despite being named 2017 ACL Post-Season All-Star and 2018 ACL Post-Season All-Star, he retired from the game. Marciano returned to the Giants organization in 2021 after the pandemic-induced year off. With a stronger pitching repertoire and a solidified relief role, he moved up to Double-A and Triple-A in 2022 and compiled a 4-2 record with 9 saves (4.12 ERA) and 62 strikeouts in 59 innings of work.
BRIAN MARCONI
After four seasons in the NCAA’s Atlantic 10 Conference pitching for the George Mason Patriots, Brian Marconi signed a minor league contract on June 12, 2019 with the Philadelphia Phillies, his hometown organization. Forced to miss the entire 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, he broke through High-A, Double-A and Triple-A in 2021 as a dominant closer. Marconi earned the Double-A Northeast League Reliever of the Year Award and named to the All-Star team. The 25-year-old compiled a 4-7 record (4.40 ERA) with 18 saves and 68 strikeouts in 57.1 innings of work during the 2022 season in between Double-A and Triple-A stints.
VINNY NITTOLI
32-year-old right-handed pitcher Vinny Nittoli began his professional career after being selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 25th round of the 2014 draft. He eventually ventured in the Indy League and pitched for St. Paul Saints as a reliever and starter. Nittoli later signed minor league contracts with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018 and the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019 before returning to the Seattle Mariners organization in 2020. He made his MLB pitching debut for the M’s on June 23, 2021 against the Colorado Rockies. Nittoli spent time in Triple-A pitching in the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays organizations before returning to MLB in 2022 for two appearances with the Philadelphia Phillies. On January 12, 2023, he signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.
ANDRE PALLANTE
Selected in the fourth round of the 2019 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals out of UC Irvine, Andre Pallante emerged as one of the best pitchers for the Redbirds in 2022. The right-handed pitcher made his MLB debut on March 10, 2022 and a total of 47 appearances during the regular season including 10 starts for the Redbirds in 2022 with a 6-5 record (3.17 ERA) in 108 innings pitched. He also made one Wild Card Series appearance against the Philadelphia Phillies. Pallante will make his Team Italy pitching debut in the 2023 WBC.
JEFFREY PASSANTINO
Selected in the 40th round of the 2017 draft by the Chicago Cubs out of Lipscomb University in Nashville, right-handed pitcher Jeffrey Passantino played three minor league seasons before joining the Pittsburgh Pirates’ organization in 2021. The 27-year-old Florida native got as high as Triple-A during the 2022 season and compiled an overall 3-2 record (4.47 ERA) in 22 minor league appearances with 42 strikeouts in 41.1 innings pitched. He recently pitched for Gigantes de Carolina in the Winter League in Puerto Rico and allowed just one run in 11.2 innings pitched.
NICOLO PINAZZI
Nicolò Pinazzi was born and raised in Milan where he played for local club Milano 1946. The 23-year-old left-handed pitcher signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds in 2020. For the past two seasons, he pitched in the Rookie League and compiled a 5-2 record (3.95 ERA) with 98 strikeouts in 57 innings pitched), earning him a promotion to Single-A Daytona at the end of the 2022 season.
CLAUDIO SCOTTI
A product of the FIBS Academy, MLB pitching prospect Claudio Scotti signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 1, 2016. After two years in the Pirates organization, he returned to pitch for Team Italy during Haarlem Baseball Week and the Super 6 in 2018. Scotti enjoyed success when signing with UnipolSai Bologna and leading the team to two consecutive Italian championship titles in 2019 and 2020 as well as winning the European Champions Cup in 2019. After pitching seven scoreless innings with 16 strikeouts for Team Italy in the 2021 U23 European Baseball Championship in Verona and after two starts at the European Championships in Turin in 2021, he signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets on October 2, 2021. Scotti spent the 2022 season in the Rookie League and made five appearances including two saves.
MITCHELL STUMPO
Mitchell Anthony Stumpo signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 2, 2019. The 26-year-old North Carolina native and right-handed pitcher nearly retired twice after suffering an arm injury in high school and not being drafted after a successful collegiate career at Guildford College. He got his chance for redemption and quickly ascended up the ladder being named 2021 MiLB Organization All-Star Stumpo helped the Triple-A Reno Aces win the 2022 Pacific Coast Championship with 45 appearances and a record of 1-2 (3.53 ERA) with eight saves and 51 strikeouts in 43.1 innings pitched.
VIN TIMPANELLI
Vin Timpanelli signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds on August 18, 2020. The Staten Island, New York native played most of his college career at New Jersey’s Ramapo College as a catcher but during his senior year he started throwing some bullpen sessions. After the Covid-plagued 2020, Timpanelli focused on pitching and was subsequently picked up as a free agent by the Cincinnati Reds. After spending his time at High-A Dayton in 2021 and part of 2022, he advanced to Double-A Chattanooga. During his 2022 campaign, he made 32 appearances and compiled a 1-1 record (5.10 ERA) with 2 saves and 79 strikeouts in 47.2 innings pitched.
MICHELE VASSALOTTI
The 23-year-old right-handed pitcher signed a minor league contract with Milwaukee Brewers on June 9, 2017 and made his Rookie League debut the same year. He made his Team Italy debut in the 2017 U18 World Cup. Michele Vassalotti earned Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week in 2019 and later won Player of the Game honors twice for the Brisbane Bandits during the 2021 Australian Baseball League season. Pitching for the Brewers’ Single-A Carolina Mudcats in 2022, he compiled a 9-2 record (2.64 ERA) with seven saves and 56 strikeouts in 47.1 innings.
STEPHEN WOODS JR.
Selected in the sixth round of the 2013 draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, right-handed pitcher Stephen WoodsJr. chose to attend SUNY Albany and play collegiate ball. He was selected again in the eighth round of the 2016 draft by the San Francisco and signed a minor league contract on June 22 2016. On December 20, 2017, Woods was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays along with Denard Span, Christian Arroyo and Matt Krook as part of the deal that brought Evan Longoria to San Francisco. After sitting out during the 2018 season due to injury, he pitched 86 innings at the HIgh-A level and secured a sub 2 ERA before being selected as the fourth overall pick by the Kansas City Royals in the 2019 MLB Rule 5 Draft. After 2020 Spring Training, Woods was dropped off the 26-man roster and sent back to the Tampa Bay Rays. He was later traded for and acquired by the Kansas City Royals. Woods reached the Triple-A level in 2022. During his minor league career, he has appeared in 116 games including 52 starts and has complied a 23-19 record (3.58 ERA) with 352 strikeouts in 339.2 innings pitched.
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