The squad of the Azzurri has been defined for theOlympic Camp 2024an activity divided between a first period a Surprisein the Spring Training facility of the Kansas City Royalsdedicated to pitchers and catchers, and a second part to University of Tampawhere the group will expand to also allow matches intersquad and at the center of the program, in addition to common training, there will be the Club Italia College Series which will see Italy playing against the Spartans, hosted by the best Division II NCAA team.
From 7 to 14 October they will be busy in Arizona:
They will be joined by some special guests from the United States: Nicky Lopez (second baseman for the Chicago White Sox) e Brett Sullivan (catcher for the San Diego Padres), both starters in Italy’s 2023 Classic; Jac Caglianonetalented pitcher and first baseman who is talked about a lot, born in 2003, fresh from his first season as a pro in advanced Serie A with the Royals, who chose him sixth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft; Ryan Castellaniwho played in the Mexican League last season; Luke Right18-year-old mound and infield prospect from Napa Valley, San Francisco.
In Tampa they will be joined by Samuel Brunoexterior of the BBC Grosseto born in 2003, Edoardo Cornelli2006 shortstop/second baseman at Regensburg Academy, Samuele Gamberinitwenty-one year old first baseman/catcher for Fortitudo Bologna, Alessandro Laiseinterior class 2005 of Crocetta Parma, Williams Wongan infielder born in 2005 who completed his second year in the Rookie League with the Texas Rangers, and Manuel Zazzanineteen year old internal of the Academy of Nettuno, active at Nettuno 1945.
To complete the group on the field in Florida, a series of players who will meet again and, in some cases, get to know the Italian environment to also take advantage of the showcase organized on the University field, in which many scouts stationed in Florida will participate.
Among them the ex-Italian pitchers of the Classic Joey Marciano e Matt Festaguest of honor, who joined the Texas Rangers in July of this year, and Christian Scafidiformer Fortitudo Bologna, coming off a good season in indy ball with Lake Erie.
For the coaches too, this is an opportunity that involves, together with historic names from the national staff, also new coaches who will have the opportunity to share the experience and begin the path towards Los Angeles, through, among others, commitments such as the 2025 and 2027 European Championships and the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
In the field, together with those coming from Italy, the technicians who, on the occasion of the Classic 2023 project, began or, in some cases, continued a collaboration with FIBS which is now integrated organically with the programs coordinated by Mike Piazza together with Gianguido Poma e Blake
Butera.
After the presence at CON-X 2024, Phil Cundaripitching coach of the Reading Fighting Phils of AA of the Phillies, resumes the discussion with Club Italia: player in 1983 for the qualification for the Los Angeles Games and leader of the pitchers’ development program with a view to Los Angeles 2028. With him, at work from Arizona, Michele Gerali e i pitching coach Rolando Cretis, Roberto Corradini, Matthew Boccardi e Gianluca Poli.
The entire group will then reunite in Surprise, which is the ‘home’ of Brian Sweeneypitching coach of the Royals, and, together with him, the Azzurri will meet his skipper Matt Quatraro and the manager of the Diamondbacks Torey Lovullo; on the field they will work with the interior players Jack Santoracoach of the Los Angeles Angels, and, with the hitters, Caitlyn Callahan.
In Tampa they will join the staff Jim Hickeyex Black Panthers Ronchi e attuale
hitting coach dei Washington Nationals, Andrew Crescihitting coach of the Houston Astros and Anthony Luccheseanalyst dei Toronto Blue Jays.
The athletic training part will be in the hands of Rob Fumagalli of the Cincinnati Reds, who will be in Italy in November for the encore of the specialist clinic started last year, and Simone Bonaccorso; physiotherapists are Marco Mennella e Massimo Baldialso responsible for the role of equipment manager.
Many coaches and managers of professional baseball, in particular those of Italian origin, have already announced a visit to Mike Piazza during the works to get to know the team and the staff and to enjoy the blue climate.
THE PRESENTATION OF THE OLYMPIC CAMP 2024
THE COLLEGE SERIES SCHEDULE IN TAMPA
In the cover photo: throwers at work at the Reggio Emilia rally (PhBass)
Marco Landi
