Italian Baseball Team Makes History
In a remarkable showing at the World Baseball Classic, the Italian baseball team, known as the Azzurri, has reached the semifinals for the first time, thanks in part to Dylan DeLucia’s stellar four-inning shutout against Puerto Rico. DeLucia shared on social media that post-game, he was overwhelmed with messages, remarking on the cultural significance of the team’s unique celebrations, which include honoring home runs with shots of espresso.
“I opened my phone and found around 60 direct messages—definitely going to need Google Translate for some of those!” he chuckled.
Upcoming Semifinal Match
As Italy prepares for their semifinal match against Venezuela on Monday, the excitement is palpable. They’ll face either the United States or the Dominican Republic should they advance to the championship. Intriguingly, only three players on the roster have Italian roots: Sam Aldegheri, a left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels; Gabriele Quattrini, a right-hander with experience in Italy’s Serie A; and Claudio Scotti, a right-hander recently released by the New York Mets.
Star-Studded Lineup and Celebrations
The star-studded lineup also features Philadelphia’s All-Star pitcher Aaron Nola, expected to take the mound in the finals, and the team’s captain, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino of the Kansas City Royals, who is known for giving his teammates a kiss on each cheek after they hit home runs. Each long ball is celebrated in style with a Giorgio Armani jacket awarded during victory celebrations, a gesture that showcases Italy’s flair for fashion.
La Dolce Vita and Media Attention
Following their victories, the Azzurri indulged in the good life (la dolce vita), with players receiving bottles of wine, as suggested by their publicist Jason Zillo of the New York Yankees. With each win, the quality of wine has notably improved, including selections like Barolo and Amarone della Valpolicella.
In a soccer-obsessed country where sports headlines are dominated by calcio superstars, the baseball team’s success has captured some media attention, evidenced by a small feature in La Gazzetta Sportiva that proclaimed “CHE ITALIA” alongside a subheading that celebrated their accomplishments.
Manager’s Insights and Team Spirit
Italy’s manager, Francisco Cervelli—who has an intriguing background as a big league catcher with Italian roots himself—has noted increased viewership, saying,
“They send me pictures of everyone watching at home. It’s like family gatherings, but around baseball.”
Cervelli, who took over managerial duties from Hall of Famer Mike Piazza, expressed enthusiasm for the growing interest in baseball, even in Italy’s southern regions where it is less popular. The matches are now finding their place in the national sports conversation, which has historically favored soccer.
Team’s Espresso Celebration
Pasquantino, a native of Richmond, Virginia, plays for Italy thanks to his Italian ancestry, and he has humorously become the team’s designated barista. The team’s espresso celebration has already seen some comical moments with their Lavazza Classy Mini. As Pasquantino recalls,
“We had a few mishaps on the first day with the espresso being too hot and players spitting it out, but it’s all good fun—just coffee, nothing spiked!”
