Joining fellow Italian prospect Leonardo Seminati in the Cincinnati Reds organization, Nicolò Pinazzi signed a minor-league contract to play professional baseball. Wearing an t-shirt while posing with Cincinnati Reds scout Sal Varriale, Nicolò Pinazzi was all smiles behind his mask knowing that he will begin his quest to become a big leaguer next year when pitching in the Reds' Rookie League.
Nicolò Pinazzi is the third pitcher from Italy to sign a professional contract in the last 14 months. He follows Samuel Aldegheri being signed by the Philadelphia Phillies and Ettore Giulianelli being scooped up by the St. Louis Cardinals. Turning 21 next month, Nicolò Pinazzi took the leap of faith last year when signing up to join the International Stars College Showcase in Phoenix, Arizona with aspirations of securing a scholarship.
Hitting 92 mph on the radar gun, the left-handed pitcher impressed both college and MLB scouts in his first appearance against a local community college. Nicolò Pinazzi received interest from colleges and MLB teams, but he settled on a minor-league deal from the Cincinnati Reds to launch his professional baseball career.
Nicolò Pinazzi said, “I participated in the International Stars camp in Arizona with Mauro Mazzotti. The trip abroad was a graduation present. I went there feeling no pressure. I took part in the showcases with the aim of giving my best performance and enjoying the experience. I made a dozen pitches in the first game and shortly thereafter representatives and scouts from colleges and franchises wanted to meet me."
According to the website, Nicolò Pinazzi is the second player from the organization to venture to America in search of a professional playing career. Bob Gandini was invited to Pittsburgh Pirates' spring training 60 years ago, but he sustained an injury and settled for a semi-pro league stint before returning to Italy. The son of former Italian ballplayer Simone Pinazzi (1986-2002 Milan Baseball/Codogno), Nicolò Pinazzi is motivated to achieve success for his family. Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
