Vinnie Pasquantino did not hold back after Italy’s final moment in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The team reached the semifinal undefeated, and despite the loss, he emphasized how important it was to see so many fans in Italy connect with the national team.
“Such a special group. Millions of people watched us from Italy over the past few days. That’s always been and always will be the goal, to keep growing the game. Thank you everyone for all the support. Forza Italia!” Pasquantino wrote on X (@Vpasquantino).
Pasquantino was one of the players who gave everything during the tournament. He saved his best performance for the game against Mexico, a 9-1 win where he delivered three RBIs, three hits and three home runs. It was a performance that energized fans in Italy, even drawing attention from the country’s prime minister after the earlier victory over Team USA.
Italy needs more homegrown players
One of the biggest talking points during the WBC was Italy’s roster. It was filled with players born in the United States. More than half of them were able to represent Italy because of family ties, something allowed under tournament rules. In fact, only three players on the roster were born in Italy.
Italy has found success with a mix of players, whether born in the country or not. The team has participated in every World Baseball Classic since 2006. Its best result so far is the fourth place finish in 2026. The country also won the European Championship in 2012, a tournament it has captured 10 times.
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Pasquantino and Italian baseball officials understand the sport continues to grow in Italy. The country has its own baseball league with 33 teams, which began play in 1948. Some players born in the United States have also competed there after not being drafted by an MLB team.
Italian federation president Marco Mazzieri told Jon Morosi, “This is what you call a sports miracle . . . To come here, play an All-Star team full of champions and future Hall of Famers, and do what we did, the way we did, is really something special.”
