The WBSC announced a change in Team Europe's coaching staff for the Global Baseball Games, CARNEXT SAMURAI JAPAN SERIES with Francisco Cervelli replacing Steve Janssen to serve as special assistant to catching. Luis Camargo will take over as the third-base coach.
Cervelli, 37, played 730 (687 at catcher) Major League Baseball (MLB) games for the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. He said he is thrilled about the opportunity.
"It's amazing. I always wanted to go to Japan. The most important thing is working with Marco [Mazzieri] again. I have a lot of respect for how he does things, how he helps the kids, how he sees baseball, and how he is. When he asked me to go, I didn't hesitate."
Cervelli had appeared in three MLB games when he represented Italy in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He was a seasoned veteran when he played again for Mazzieri's Italy in 2017. He told the WBSC that the two games in Osaka represent a good opportunity for European baseball.
"You always have expectations. Facing Samurai Japan will offer Europe a possibility to evaluate and analyze progress. Japanese baseball is getting better and better. I have a lot of admiration for their discipline, the way they do things. The most important thing is to go there and play to win."
You won't have a lot of time to work with them. How do you think you can help the catchers on the roster?
"It's short, as you said, but I'm open to doing anything to help our catchers get better. I'm there to assist in any area, catching, hitting, pitching. I'm there to help Marco, he's the boss. I also believe it will be a learning experience for me. Hopefully the guys will learn a little thing and I will learn a little something to."
You transitioned to coaching in 2022. Do you prefer your time as a player or find coaching more intriguing?
"It's better to be a player, there's more action. As a player, you are the star of the night. I've been a coach the last four years. As a veteran player, you help young guys to understand what it's like being in the Big Leagues. As a coach, you remember when you were a player and what a coach had to do to help you have a great day or a great week, a great month, a great season. It's more than teaching how to hit, catch, run. [The coach] is the person you're going to spend the most time during the season. You have to take advantage of that person, be open to him.
"I enjoyed my time as a coach in San Diego, we almost went to the World Series and I was able to witness the other side and work with one of the best managers I've ever seen [three-time manager of the Year Bob Melvin]. I learned a lot and I hope I can share some of it."
Do you see your future in baseball as a coach?
"Probably, yes. As a former catcher, you always want to be the boss. I want to support baseball in Italy. I'm looking forward to working again with Marco, Gianni [strength and conditioning coach Natale], develop players and help Italian baseball get better. I'm committed to help kids, not only to the Big Leagues, also get scholarships, help them do what they love and also have a career. What else can you ask for? I'm not sure what's coming in the future. I hope to be part of the Italian National Team coaching staff one day. I'm aware I need to learn more and I think working with great coaches in Osaka will give me a chance to learn."
