26/01/2024 2 Minute Read

Global Baseball Games: 2015 ace Alessandro Maestri set to help Team Europe take on Samurai Japan as pitching coach

The 39-year-old was the first Italian player to compete at the NPB level. He will coach Team Europe's pitching staff for the event's second edition. "In 2015, we went beyond expectations. We came together as a team and showed a lot of pride. Hopefully, we can repeat ourselves."

Alessandro Maestri was one of the top arms on Team Europe's pitching staff during the inaugural Global Baseball Games between Team Europe and Samurai Japan in 2015. The 38-year-old Italian will participate in the second edition, serving as the pitching coach for Marco Mazzieri's staff.

"In 2015, we went beyond expectations," he told the WBSC. "Samurai Japan came from behind to win in the ninth, and we won the second game. We came together as a team and showed a lot of pride. Hopefully, we can repeat ourselves."

"[For the 2024 edition] we are in the process of finalising the final roster," he added. "But I have already started planning. I want our pitchers to know exactly what they have to do, once we hit the field in Osaka."

Maestri's background as a pitching coach is a full season at the Pittsburgh Pirates Academy in the Dominican Republic.

"I loved the experience. It was thrilling and compelling. The Pirates are a great organization."

Maestri won't return in 2024.

"It's hard to stay away from your family for so long. I considered moving to the US, but my wife and I thought that it wouldn't have been good for our daughter."

European players are anyway close to the start of their seasons.

"Still, don't expect us to fly to Japan not ready to play. We have a lot of semipros who have a professional work ethic. I have clear memories of 2015 and everybody getting ready to play. It will be the same this time."

Samurai Japan will be for sure ready to play.

"Japanese players are always ready to play. We are well aware of the level of competition and I'm confident this awareness will help us come together as a team."

Maestri's pitching career started in 2005 and ended in 2020 in San Marino, Italian Baseball League. He starred internationally for Italy.

Maestri signed for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2006. After pitching 191 games at the Minor League (MiLB) level for the Cubs through the 2010 season, from 2012 to 2015, the hard-throwing right-hander appeared in 96 games for the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

"Japan has a special place in my heart. I had the privilege to compete at the NPB level and it's where I met my wife."

The Kyocera Dome in Osaka will host the Global Baseball Series on 6 and 7 March.

"I have great memories of the ballpark," commented Maestri. "It's a beautiful and convenient facility. I felt comfortable on that mound and loved the fans. I can't wait to be back there."