“Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.” ~ Anna Akhmotava, poet
Buongiorno!
My apologies for not posting anything new lately and I hope you enjoyed the last two THROWBACKTHURSDAY articles. My wife Debbie and I were vacationing in Italy the last two weeks. We flew into Rome for three days, spent four days in Sorrento and while there visited Positano, Amalfi and Capri, went to Florence for four days and ended our trip with three days in Venice before flying home. I am not a travel writer, or at least not yet, but we had a truly wonderful time. Visited places that are history itself, ate outstanding meals, drank amazing wine, and met people that made us feel like family. I will be posting pictures and such on Facebook over the next couple days if you’re interested.
(Debbie and I at Piazzale Michelangelo with the city of Florence in the background. Author’s Collection.)
So, what does this have to do with baseball you may ask. Well, while on a boat tour of Capri I was struck with the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea (I have never seen a blue that shade before) and suddenly Joe DiMaggio entered my stream of consciousness. The thought came into my mind, wouldn’t it be fun to compile a list of players of Italian heritage who played in the majors. I suddenly had about 15 players come to mind and then with some research when I got home, I came up with the needed 10players to complete my “team”, then added some managers and coaches. It’s not a complete list, but it’s the ones I chose.
Pitchers:
Barry Zito (2000-2015) Left-Handed
Tom Candiotti (1983-1999) Right-Handed (Knuckleballer)
Dave “Rags” Righetti (1979-1995) Left-Handed
Frank Viola (1982-1996) Left-Handed
Johnny Antonelli (1948-1961) Left-Handed
Sal “The Barber” Maglie (1945-1958) Right-Handed
Dick Drago (1969-1981) Right-Handed
John “The Count” Montefusco (1974-1986) Right-Handed
John Smoltz (1988-2009) Right-Handed *HoF
Catchers:
Yogi Berra (1946-1965) *HoF
Joe Garagiola (1046-1954)
Infielders:
Paul Konerko (1997-2014) 1st Base
Joe Pepitone (1962-1973) 1st Base / Outfield
Joey Amalfitano (1954-1967) 2nd & 3rd Base
Johnny Lucadello (1938-1947) 2nd Base
Phil “The Scooter” Rizzuto (1941-1956) Shortstop *HoF
Rico Petrocelli (1963-1976) Shortstop / 3rd Base
Robin Ventura (1989-2004) 3rd Base
Sal Bando (1966-1981) 3rd Base
Outfield:
Joe “The Yankee Clipper” DiMaggio (1936-1951) *HoF
Vince DiMaggio (1937-1946)
Dom “The Little Professor” DiMaggio (1940-1953)
Tony “Tony C” Conigliaro (1964-1975)
Carl “The Reading Rifle” Furillo (1946-1960)
Rocky Colavito (1955-1968)
Manager / Coaches:
Tommy Lasorada (1976-1996) *HoF
Joe Torre(1977-2010) *HoF
Yogi Berra (1964-1989) *HoF
Joey Amalfitano (1967-1998)
Jim Fregosi (1978-2000)
Bobby Valentine (1983-2012)
Frank Quilici (1971-1975) **Chicago Born, I had the pleasure of meeting him.
Robin Ventura (2012-2016)
Now you might say, you left off quite a few good one, you’re probably correct. Feel free to add your favourites in the comments and we can discuss.
I’m back in the states and will be posting more soon. Enjoy.
~ Coach Mike
Please feel free to share this post and site with your family, friends and 50 complete strangers if you like.
Link to: Achieves Page
Link to: About Page
Follow on Twitter: @CommentsFromCo9
This was so very clever🤩. Such a sweet couple picture🥰
Great picks!! Thanks for putting that team together. Trying to think of others...but my brain moves slowly these days. Sounds like an incredible trip!! I'm heading to Milan the 18th for The Stones concert the 21st. Can't wait. Gonna go to Venice, Florence and then Rome. Really hope to.do The Amalfi Coast some. Thank you for sharing and great picture