The Italian American Baseball Foundation will honor Team Italy with its 2026 Excellence Award at the organization’s 10th Anniversary Gala on December 10, recognizing the Azzurri’s historic run to the World Baseball Classic semifinals.
Led by manager Francisco Cervelli and captain Vinnie Pasquantino, Italy delivered a series of memorable performances on the international stage. The team upset the United States, defeated Mexico behind Pasquantino’s three-home-run game and earned a quarterfinal victory over Puerto Rico to secure Italy’s first-ever appearance in the semifinals.
