I’m glad that in the global spotlight of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, differences were celebrated and welcomed. Team Italia!
As a sportswriter based in both Italy and the USA, I am a fan of any sporting event that involves both countries. Then, the 2026 World Baseball Classic tournament announced its lineup.
I have never seen an Italian baseball game. But now I have!
Not only am I a deep MLB fan, but my two favorite teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox, arguably have the most dedicated and knowledgeable fan bases. So, if a baseball game or tournament has the basic elements that make the game great, I believe it’s enjoyable.
At any level, those basic elements include competition, intensity, respect for the game (therefore, love of the game), and hope. I believe age or physical ability has no boundaries on these elements, making for a great baseball competition. So, as open-minded as possible, I cooked up some American snacks, put on my favorite Kansas City Monarchs t-shirt, and watched my first Italian baseball during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
A final four is a final four. Clearly, the Italian team has the talent and coaching staff to compete with the highest-paid MLB players. Though talented, the Italian team does not have the strongest pitching or huge power hitting. That said, the team’s baseball intelligence and ability to play ‘small ball’ made for success.
The intensity was evident in the final scores of these games, demonstrating the Italian team’s hitting and effective bullpen use, with an 8-6 win over Puerto Rico and a very hard-fought 4-2 loss to Venezuela in the semi-finals.
Photo courtesy News10 ABC
To reach the semi-finals as an underdog, a hopeful mentality is essential, and Italy clearly embraced that notion from the inception of this year’s team. Most of the best players on the planet are on the three other teams in the semi-finals, so competing against them requires deep belief.
The number of players available to a country the size of Italy vs. the size of the US is vastly different, further highlighting the Italian team’s dedication and hope of being named the best in the world.
As for love of the game, I believe that’s the giant elephant in the room. Italy played against Venezuela in a world baseball competition. It is cool.
A great deal of love for baseball over the years has enabled this game to exist. I was pleasantly surprised watching my first Italian baseball games. I’m glad that in the global spotlight of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, differences were celebrated and welcomed.
