Team Italy honored in San Diego prior to start of WBSC U19 Softball World Cup

Team Italy U19 women's softball squad captains Alessandra Rotondo and Elisa Princic threw out the first pitch on Italian Heritage Night at Petco Park in San Diego on August 9, 2019. After the monumental pitch for Italian softball, Alessandra Rotondo was overjoyed with emotion. She said, "It was amazing. It was a great experience. I never thought that I would do that, but I had this opportunity so I am so glad. It was fantastic." Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS) president Andrea Marcon joined softball manager Enrico Obletter and the rest of Team Italy U19 players and staff at the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies game in the heart of downtown San Diego to witness the milestone on Friday night.

Team Italy is in Southern California for the WBSC U19 Softball World Cup, which takes place from August 10-17, 2019 at Bill Barber Park in Irvine. It was a busy day for the Italians in San Diego long before arriving at Petco Park. Former MLB and Italian Baseball League favorite Lenny Randle hosted Team Italy for a morning workout at San Diego State University prior to an afternoon reception honoring the accomplishments of the European champion Team Italy U19 softball squad at Amici House in San Diego's Little Italy.

Local nonprofit Convivio Society in association with the San Diego Padres arranged for Team Italy to watch batting practice on the field prior to Azzurre captains Alessandra Rotondo and Elisa Princic throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. MLB All-Star and Colorado Rockies slugger Nolan Arenado posed for photos with members of the Team Italy U19 softball squad. As honored guests on Padres Italian Heritage Night, Team Italy was treated to a night never to be forgotten at Petco Park.

Now the work begins for the Azzurre Juniors in the WBSC U19 World Cup. Team Italy (ranked #9) kicks off the week-long competition with a battle against South Africa (ranked #28) on Sunday, August 11 at 3 pm (local time). The Italians return for a doubleheader on Monday, August 12 beginning at 10 am (local time) against softball powerhouse Japan (ranked #2) followed by a 3 pm (local time) clash with Australia (ranked #7). Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen #U19SoftballWC

by Roberto Angotti