That's amore and lots of it for the birthplace of his father in Puglia, Bari from former Team Italy catcher Francisco Cervelli, who announced his retirement from Major League Baseball via Instagram on October 3, 2020. With 13 years of MLB experience under his belt, the 34-year-old Italian-Venezuelan fan favorite played in only 16 games for the Miami Marlins in 2020 before being sidelined on August 22 after sustaining at least his seventh concussion since 2011 as a result of a foul ball hitting the catcher in the head.
Prior to signing with the Miami Marlins during the offseason, Francisco Cervelli helped the Atlanta Braves reach the 2019 postseason after becoming one of the most beloved players for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2011-2019. While in Pittsburgh, his signature tune became Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore,” which not only served as his walkup song but also as the backdrop for a home game highlight skit on the giant scoreboard in between innings when Francisco Cervelli transformed into the love doctor offering advice to fans.
After signing as an international free agent with the New York Yankees in 2003, Francisco Cervelli made his MLB debut in 2008 and played for Team Italy in the 2009 World Baseball Classic before earning a World Series ring with the 2009 New York Yankees. Francisco Cervelli wrote, "My journey in this game would be nothing without the exceptional people that have supported me along the way, personally and professionally. I will never forget all that this game has taught me. I wouldn’t trade the blood, sweat and tears for anything in the world. This game will always be my greatest love because … well, THAT’S AMORE!”
His love for Italy is everlasting as a member of Team Italy in the 2009 and 2017 World Baseball Classics and a longtime supporter of the. He also spent time with the . Francisco Cervelli was featured in the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award-winning documentary along with Azzurri teammates Nick Punto, Chris Colabello, Brandon Nimmo, and Gavin Cecchini as well as National Baseball Hall of Fame legend Tommy Lasorda, National Italian American Sports Hall of Famer Frank Viola, and internationally-renowned author Lawrence Baldassaro. Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
