Messina’s blind baseball movement takes center stage nationally and internationally this autumn. Four local representatives prepare for major competitive assignments. The city’s athletes and coaches are stepping onto premier diamonds through key selections, building directly upon a European title campaign secured in 2025.
Global Showdown Opens in Tuscany
The international showcase opens on September 30, 2026. The Blind Baseball International Cup gets underway at the “Simone Piani” diamond in Castiglione della Pescaia.
Running through October 3, the tournament organized by the FIBS and the AIBXC features eight national teams battling for the crown. Italy enters the competition in Group B alongside the Netherlands, Chinese Taipei, and Pakistan. The Azzurri open their tournament schedule on September 30 at 11 a.m. local time against the Netherlands. A matchup with Chinese Taipei follows on October 1, and a group-stage finale against Pakistan closes out the round on October 2.
Messina Talent on the Azzurri Roster
Representing Messina on the 10-player Italian roster is Giovanni Santamaria of SSD UniMe. Manager Marco Corazza selected him for the squad.
Joining Santamaria in the national setup is Emilia Ammirato. She is a technical coach with the university sports society and will serve within the Azzurri coaching staff. Both Santamaria and Ammirato bring championship pedigree to Tuscany. They contributed to the Italian national team’s conquest of the European title in 2025.
The Engine Behind Local Success
That local development traces back to structured regional initiatives. Notably, the “Skill In” project spearheads the effort through SSD UniMe.
By turning inclusive sport into a vehicle for high-level competitive growth and personal integration, the program has provided athletes with a consistent, supportive training environment capable of producing elite talent.
Liguria Hosts the LIBCI All Star Game
The competitive momentum continues shortly after the international window closes. On October 11, 2026, the “Pian di Poma” field in Sanremo will host the LIBCI All Star Game, bringing the showcase event to Liguria for the first time.
Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Home Run Derby. This leads directly into the marquee matchup between the East and West selections at 11 a.m. Prior to the opening pitch, officials will distribute individual awards honoring standout performers from the 2026 championship and Coppa Italia seasons.
All Star Representation in Sanremo
Messina’s influence extends into the All Star rosters as well. Soufiane Agoubi of SSD UniMe has earned a selection for the East roster. This squad unites players from Brescia, Bologna, Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Roma, and Messina.
Meanwhile, Loredana Garufi joins the East technical staff. She is listed on the official roster alongside the Blind Fighters.
Between Santamaria and Ammirato in the national team camp at Castiglione della Pescaia, and Agoubi and Garufi taking the field in Sanremo, Messina’s representation spans both major pillars of Italian blind baseball this autumn.
Worth a look
