Marco Mazzieri done as Italy’s Manager after WBC / MLB Stars not playing
Marco Mazzieri confirms that he is done as manager of the Italian National Team after the conclusion of the 2017 World Baseball Classic in March. The 55-year-old Grosseto native will end his coaching career at the end of the tournament.
He was at the helm for more than ten years, taking over the head coach position with Italy after the European Championship in Barcelona. Italy won two European Championships during his term and remained in the field of guaranteed teams for the World Baseball Classic.
After taking some time off Mazzieri would like to re-start the enthusiasm for baseball in his home town Grosseto. But not as a coach, but instead with a group of reliable people.
Meanwhile Mazzieri also confirmed in the article that several top MLB stars have declined to play for Italy in the WBC or were blocked by their clubs including Anthony Rizzo, Michael Conforto, Rick Porcello (who also had an invite from Team USA), Jake Odorizzi, Jason Grilli, Joe Biagini and Adam Ottavino. Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Cervelli, Drew Butera, Johnny Giavottella, Daniel Descaslo, Chris Colabello, Pat Venditte and Chris Denorfia already have said yes. Mike Napoli has to wait until to sign with a new organization.
Final rosters have to be submitted to Major League Baseball by February 6.
Source link: http://www.mister-baseball.com
Such an inspiring person. It’s a pity that he done with his career. As to MLB players I wasn’t surprise at all. With baseball developing entirely within America and then becoming our national pastime, I would say it has only been thought of as a thing that America just happens to have, rather than something with which to measure other countries against. People in America just aren’t used to thinking about baseball as an international competition. And most just happen to fear/dislike change. For smaller countries it is different because America is like Goliath, baseball-wise and world-wise, and who wouldn’t take pride in beating Goliath? I think that the people who say the WBC is stupid because it is right before the regular season are deluded. I think in the future Americans will start embracing the WBC way more, just like the trend with soccer.