Lodi, Italy – The Classic Rags baseball club is celebrating its 60th anniversary, a milestone marked by a special event at the Faustina field on Monday, March 16, 2026. The celebration coincides with the excitement surrounding the Italian national team’s participation in the World Baseball Classic, where they are set to play a historic semifinal game against Venezuela in Miami.
The term “meravigliosi Old Rags” – “wonderful Old Rags” – was coined by Walter Burinato, a longtime journalist for “Il Cittadino” and the club’s first-ever coach. Burinato’s influence is deeply woven into the fabric of the organization and the anniversary serves as a tribute to his vision for the team.
The event at Faustina showcased the club’s youth development system, with teams ranging from Under-12 to Under-18 all represented. Mirko Arras, a former player now coaching the Under-12 squad, managed the energetic young players. The Under-15 team is guided by the experienced duo of Enrico Blanchetti and Max Bastoni, while Michele Rizza, another former player, is contributing to the development of the Under-18 team. Marco Cornelli, a veteran of the Old Rags – having played second base, catcher, and pitcher – is now a key technical trainer, working alongside Massimiliano “Joy” Cavanna, a longtime teammate.
The Old Rags’ anniversary celebration isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s amplified by the success of the Italian national team, affectionately known as “paisà” (countrymen), in the World Baseball Classic. The team’s semifinal appearance has generated significant buzz and pride within the Italian baseball community. The timing is particularly poignant, adding an extra layer of emotion to the Old Rags’ milestone.
The club’s commitment to youth development is evident in the structure of its program. The focus isn’t just on winning games, but on nurturing young talent and instilling a love for the sport. The transition from the youth levels to the first team is a crucial phase, and Cornelli and Cavanna are tasked with preparing these young athletes for the challenges ahead. This process, as noted, presents challenges as young athletes navigate competing interests.
Walter Burinato, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 82, is remembered as a champion of legality and ethics in sports. He began his function with “Il Cittadino” in the 1950s, after previously directing “Lo Sportivo Lodigiano.” His colleagues remember him as a thoughtful and deliberate journalist, always emphasizing the importance of rules and respect. Burinato believed that sport was a “fable still capable of offering colors and feelings of life,” a philosophy he imparted to his students during his time as a physical education teacher.
The Old Rags’ 60th anniversary is a testament to the enduring power of community and the passion for baseball in Lodi. It’s a celebration of the past, a recognition of the present, and a hopeful look toward the future. The club’s continued success relies on the dedication of its coaches, the enthusiasm of its players, and the unwavering support of the local community.
The Italian national team’s semifinal game against Venezuela is scheduled for the night of March 17, 2026, in Miami. Fans can follow updates on the team’s progress through official league channels and major sports news outlets. The Old Rags will continue their season, building on a legacy established six decades ago.
What’s next for the Old Rags? The club will focus on developing its young players and preparing for the upcoming season. The success of the Italian national team is sure to inspire a new generation of baseball enthusiasts in Lodi and beyond.
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