Mike Piazza throws out first pitch of Italian Serie A1 baseball season opener in Parma

In addition to throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Nino Cavalli Stadium in Parma for the Italian Serie A1 season opener between Godo Baseball and ParmaClima on April 19, 2019, National Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza made the dreams of players from the ASD Baseball Club Sala Baganza come true when they met the 12-time MLB All-Star and 10-time Silver Slugger Award winner. The local baseball faithful could not have been happier having the Italian American living legend witness ParmaClima beat Godo with ease in a 12-2 rout.

Mike Piazza is enjoying retirement while his children attend school in Parma. When reporters at 2019 New York Mets Spring Training in Port St. Lucie, Florida asked him what he was doing in Italy, Mike Piazza did not hesitate to answer. He replied, “Drink the vino and munch on the pasta and enjoy the life.” But this special night belonged to ParmaClima second baseman Ricardo Paolini, who nearly completed the cycle with a single, triple, and home run to tally six RBI in the game. Leadoff hitter Aldo Koutsoyanopulos provided the necessary spark to get ParmaClima on the board in the third inning with his RBI single. Other ParmaClima offensive highlights included a triple from Sebastiano Poma and doubles by Mattia Mercuri, Stefano Desimoni, and team captain Leo Zileri. Starting pitcher Owen Ozanich and reliever Marc-Andre Habeck were effective in securing the win for ParmaClima. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti