BOLOGNA – He died at 83 years old Alberto Mazzantia reference figure in the world of baseball in Bologna. “For a few weeks Alberto had been honorary president of theItalian Baseball Association played by blind peopleafter having been its president and soul for many years. A sport invented in Bologna, moreover, in the 90s”, writes the mayor Matteo Lepore. “First a player, he contributed in the ranks of the Strength of Baseball to win two league titles and two European Cups, as well as taking part in the staff of the national team from 1977 to 1980″.
“Alberto was known by many as Chessman”, recalls the mayor of Casalecchio Matteo Ruggeri“a nickname given to him in the United States on the occasion of a trip many years ago linked to his great passion for baseball and blind baseball, for which he has received important recognition over time”. Ruggeri recalls how Mazzanti “was also administrator of Casalecchio di Reno for many years: president of the Sports Council from 1991 to 1995, councilor for Sport and Tourism in the mandate of Ghino Collina, in the mid-90s, from 1996 to 1999 president of the municipal council in the mandate of Luigi Castagna”. He was also “very active in associations and volunteering”, especially with the Anpi: Mazzanti and his wife Clara “were fundamental in establishing relations with the Republic of Costa Rica in memory of the martyr of the Overpass Massacre of Costa Rican origin, Carlos Luis Collado Martinez“. “Alberto did not live in Casalecchio but he loved it deeply”, insists Ruggeri, “a person with an unmistakable style, who always made himself available to others, I want to remember him with the words that he himself used the day after his election as president of the municipal council because they express his commitment to the community: ‘it is a pleasure to have responsibilities towards the community, since if you want to obtain positive results and improve the quality of life, you have to get busy and not never skimp on your commitment.”
The mayor of Sasso Marconi also greets him, Roberto Parmeggiani: “I met Alberto Mazzanti several times at the Sasso Marconi field during baseball games for the blind and visually impaired. His passion, the desire to promote a sport he loved while at the same time guaranteeing the opportunity for everyone to play, the personal commitment and that smile full of life. Also from me and the Sasso Marconi community, affectionate memories and a hug to the family and the world of baseball”.
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