There are about 6,100 miles between Verona, Italy, and Los Angeles. In mileage, that’s the length of the journey Samuel Aldegheri took to become the first Major League Baseball pitcher to be born, raised, and developed in Italy. In years, work, and dreams, the trip was insurmountable.

We caught up with Aldegheri this week about his journey to the big leagues, the state of Italian baseball, and his impact on the children of Italy, who instantly have a new idol to admire as they pursue their own baseball dreams.