Team Italy battles Japan, the Netherlands, Cuba, Chinese Taipei, and Germany during Haarlem Baseball Week from July 13-22, 2018

Held every other year in even-numbered years since 1972, Haarlem Baseball Week is an invitational competition that attracts the top international baseball nations to the Netherlands. Team Italy manager Gilberto “Gibo” Gerali and his Azzurri squad face powerhouse Japan in the opening game of Honkbal Week Haarlem at Pim Mulier in Haarlem, the Netherlands on July 13, 2018 at 8 am (EDT). Runner-up (silver) in the 2014 and 2016 Haarlem Baseball Week competitions, Japan is out to make amends to dethrone host and reigning champion the Netherlands in 2018. Having won four gold titles in the history of the 28 international tourneys since the inception of Haarlemse Honkbalweek in 1961, the Netherlands play Euro rival Team Italy on July 14 at 9 am (EDT). The Italians return on July 16 at 8 am to compete against second all-time Honkball Week champion Cuba (five gold titles). Both having only placed third to receive bronze once in the history of the competition, Team Italy (1972) and Chinese Taipei (2008) go head-to-head on July 17 at 8 am (EDT).  At the conclusion of the single round-robin tourney, playoffs begin on July 20 and continue through July 22. Having not participated in the tournament since winning the 2014 title, all-time leader Team USA (14 gold titles) will once again not appear in 2018 due to other obligations.

Serving as a tune up for Team Italy in preparation of , which also takes place in the Netherlands from September 18-23, 2018, Haarlem Baseball Week allows Azzurri manager Gibo Gerali to see his players in action against some of the world’s elite. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti