When he made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on 7 September 2011, Alex Liddi became the first player born in Italy to perform on that stage since Reno Bertoia's last game in 1962.
Before Bertoia, Lou Polli (1932-1944), Julio Bonetti (1937-1940), Marino Pieretti (1945-1950), Rugger Ardizoia (1947) and Arcadio Biasatti (1949) were Italian-born players who also had MLB experience.
Liddi remains to date the only player developed in Italy to play at the MLB level.
He reflected on the impact of a former MLB player on Team Europe's roster in a conversation with the WBSC.
"I don't think this has too much of an impact. Being a former Major Leaguer gives you credit, but I have played with very talented players who have never had the chance to make the Big Leagues. I think I can impact the roster thanks to the experience I have gained in so many years in baseball."
Liddi, 35, made his professional debut before his 18th birthday in 2006. He went through all levels of the Seattle Mariners farm system and made his MLB debut after enjoying a 30-home-run season at Triple-A.
He has played in the Mexican Baseball League (LMB), the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), and the Venezuelan, Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Mexican Winter Leagues.
Liddi has appeared in 2,125 games: 61 at the MLB level, 1,218 in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and 846 in other leagues.
The 2023-24 season has been very busy so far for Liddi. He appeared in 76 games for LMB's Veracruz and 52 for Mazatlan, the runner-up of the Mexican Pacific League (LMP). Not bad for someone who had considered retirement in 2022.
"I accepted an offer by the Kansas City Royals in December 2021 and liked it. Still, I am thrilled I decided to return as a player. In 2023, I also had a chance to play in Italy's top league. It was only two games, but I'm glad it happened."
Liddi has starred for the Italian National Team, but made his Italian Baseball League debut in the 2023 playoffs.
Alex won't have time foir an off season.
"I practice Mondays through Fridays; sometimes, I also take the field on Saturdays. I start my days driving my children to school, then I go to the gym and take batting practice. Sometimes, I reverse the order. Three weeks ago, I came home from the LMP finals and will be gone in two weeks. I use this time at home to recharge batteries."
The Global Baseball Games, CARNEXT SAMURAI JAPAN SERIES, are scheduled for 6 and 7 March in Osaka, Japan.
"Making this team means a lot to me. I will give my best. Playing against Samurai Japan is always special. I can't wait. It's only March, but I'm sure fans will enjoy some competitive baseball in Osaka."
Do you expect to play third base or first base?
"I expect to play third base. I've played at first, also the outfield if needed. But I wouldn't have come out of retirement if I felt I couldn't play at third [laughs]".
How do you feel about competing this early in the season?
"I had the same approach to the World Baseball Classic. A player cannot think about not being in top form. When you take the field, you want to give your best for the team. And also have fun. We are playing baseball, after all."
Does it make a difference playing indoors?
"I'm not familiar with the venue in Osaka, but I played at the Tokyo Dome and in MLB indoor ballparks. I have always enjoyed playing indoors, where you find perfect conditions and no wind. I think indoor facilities can help you concentrate better. I don't see negatives."
The two Global Baseball Games games are scheduled for Wednesday, 6, and Thursday, 7 March, in Osaka, Japan. International media wanting to apply for accreditation to the Global Baseball Games series between Samurai Japan and Team Europe, please email media@wbsc.org to receive access to the application platform.
