Despite the passing of Bill Holmberg on November 9, 2020, his presence was felt throughout Casadio Stadium in Godo on Saturday night, June 22, 2024. Godo Baseball President Carlo Naldoni said, “We started two years ago to piece together all the work Bill had put forth and how important he was in making Italian baseball what it is today. He was a coach and teacher for generations of successful players who in turn have become coaches to carry on with his mission. Today the Federation comes to us to deliver the highest possible honors in his memory."
FIBS President Andrea Marcon took the microphone and proclaimed, “We are all Bill's children. There is no doubt that what we celebrate here today is the memory of the man, before the coach. We chose to retire the number 30, instead of the 1 that he wore successfully for a long time, because it was the number he had chosen to stay ‘close' to Mike Piazza’s number 31, when he was called to lead the national team project at the end of 2019.”
An emotional Marcon continued, “From the moment he began the FIBS Academy in Tirrenia, where he taught the game and built relationships with his players, to this day, Bill Holmberg's imprint is literally everywhere, in Italian baseball and beyond. We are truly all his children. All we have to do is follow his example in always being close to the kids and supporting them. To Mrs. Gabriella and the entire Holmberg family I want to say 'thank you' for the sacrifice of giving us so much of Bill's time.”
Together with daughters Caterina and Carolina, Gabriella Holmberg remained strong as she spoke. “On behalf of the family, I want to thank baseball for its welcome and for giving him the opportunity to experience his passion 100%. He never stopped, always looking for a new idea, a new technique to make his players improve. His players were all children to him. He always tried to be not just a coach, but a teacher of life. Before his passing, I didn't have a clear idea of how important and appreciated his commitment and his work was. Then I really understood how much he was loved from all the messages I received from all over the world. One thing consoles us: in his life he truly did what he loved with all his heart and I believe that this is the key to a beautiful life, which he shared with us and with you. Italian baseball truly made him feel at home.”
Russi Mayor Valentina Palli was present for the ceremony and said, "Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to meet Bill while he was alive. After he fell ill, I could not help but notice the outpouring of love and support from the entire community. That’s when I realized how important a man he was to so many people from all walks of life. Baseball is truly a community in itself. One in which demonstrated how much it can come together with the loss of an icon.”
Bill Holmberg and Enrico Obletter, pillars of Italian baseball and softball, inducted into FIBS Hall of Fame
Forza #Italia!
by Marco Landi and Roberto Angotti
(Photo of family and friends posing in front of Bill Holmberg's portrait at Casadio Stadium in Godo by PhBass)
