“Honestly, I think it’s more fun that way,” said Jakob Marsee, reflecting on the excitement surrounding Team Italy’s journey in the World Baseball Classic (WBC). The outfielder for the Miami Marlins has played a crucial role as Team Italy prepares to face Venezuela in the semifinals on March 16, 2026.
Team Italy has made history by going undefeated in the tournament, defeating notable teams such as Brazil, Great Britain, the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. This marks the first time the team has reached the semifinals, a significant achievement for a nation where baseball has traditionally struggled to gain widespread popularity.
Marsee, who bats third for Team Italy, has contributed to the team’s impressive performance, which includes a remarkable .982 OPS through their quarterfinal victory over Puerto Rico. In that game, Team Italy recorded eight hits and eight walks, along with four stolen bases, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Team captain Vinnie Pasquantino, who hit 32 homers in the previous MLB season, has also been a key player, emphasizing the pride he feels representing Italy despite being Italian-American. “I know there’s a lot of people that are upset that we represent Italy, being Italian-American, but I take so much pride in it because it’s my roots,” he stated.
The camaraderie within the team has been evident, with pitcher Greg Weissert noting, “The group is so tight.” This strong team spirit has been instrumental in their success, as they prepare to take on Venezuela, a formidable opponent.
On the mound, Team Italy boasts top pitchers Aaron Nola and Michael Lorenzen, who have combined for 13 shutout innings in the WBC, further solidifying the team’s competitive edge. With only three native-born players on the roster, the team’s diverse makeup reflects a growing interest in baseball in Italy.
As the semifinals approach, the excitement surrounding Team Italy continues to build. Marsee’s confidence in the team’s potential is evident as he remarked, “So I had no doubt that we had a chance to make a run.” The upcoming game against Venezuela will be a crucial test for the team as they aim to continue their historic run in the tournament.
