Defending Italian Serie A1 Baseball Champion UnipolSai Bologna signs Riccardo Bertossi and Ericson Leonora

During the annual Fortitudo Bologna baseball Christmas meeting recently, it was announced Italy’s elite prospect Riccardo Bertossi and Venezuelan outfielder Ericson Leonora will join the reigning Italian Baseball Serie A Champion for the 2019 season. After leading Ronchi dei Legionari to Italy's 2018 U18 Championship title in Modena, the team’s MVP Riccardo Bertossi steps up a level to help UnipolSai Bologna repeat in 2019. The young catcher and third baseman tipped off his special talent to MLB scouts while playing for Team Italy in the 2017 WBSC U18 Baseball World Cup in Thunder Bay, Canada.

Former FIBS Academist Riccardo Bertossi and current FIBS Academist Daniele Di Monte were the only Italian players selected to participate in the MLB College Showcase this fall in Arizona. Chosen among the 31 invited elite athletes to attend and also to be part of the MLB World Select Team with players from the Netherlands, Czech Republic, France, Germany, China, Equador, New Zealand, and South Africa, Riccardo Bertossi and Daniele Di Monte received instruction from professional coaches as well as played against college and minor league teams. In addition to touring local colleges and universities, they were also introduced to the inner workings and structure of U.S college baseball from the junior college level to the powerhouse university circuit.

After securing the services of Riccardo Bertossi, UnipolSai Bologna upgraded its outfield with the acquisition of Ericson Leonora. The 26-year-old Venezuelan is currently playing in the Colombian Winter League and has respectable credentials affiliated to his name. A former minor leaguer in the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations, Ericson Leonora warrants respect with his back class and looks to make his impression felt in Italy’s Serie A1 League. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti