MONDOVÌ, Italy – The international “4XBaseball” tournament officially began on Sunday, March 29th, with an opening ceremony at the JFK Mondovì baseball field in Passionisti. The event, dedicated to the memory of Michele Rosso, a pivotal figure in bringing baseball to the Piedmont region, promises a week of spirited competition and a celebration of the sport’s 50-year history in the area.
Rosso, a pioneering sports administrator, introduced baseball to Piedmont in the late 1970s, founding a local sports association that has grown over the years to provide athletic opportunities for the community. The tournament serves as a tribute to his legacy and a look toward the future of baseball in Italy.
The opening ceremony featured a performance by Molinoir, a locally-based artist with an international profile, and was meticulously organized by Future Advanced of Milan, with Fabrizio Mezzo overseeing the event’s details. The ceremony centered around the story of a young person discovering baseball and finding direction and identity through the sport.
Teams participating in the tournament, which runs from March 30th to April 3rd across venues in Mondovì and Turin, include the Under-18 national selections from Italy, Argentina, and France. Players from the JFK Mondovì U12 team accompanied the national squads onto the field, alongside representatives from the Italian Association of Baseball for the Blind (AIBXC) and the Dr-Agon association, which supports young people with neurodevelopmental disorders. This inclusion underscores the tournament’s commitment to solidarity and inclusivity.
The event also featured appearances by Major League Baseball legends Luis Sojo and Omar Vizquel, who addressed the crowd. A video message from Francisco Emanuele Cervelli, manager of the Italian national team – fresh off a semifinal appearance in the World Baseball Classic – was also broadcast. The presence of these high-profile figures highlights the growing international recognition of Italian baseball.
Several local dignitaries were also in attendance, including Piedmont Region Sport Assessor Paolo Bongioanni, Province of Cuneo President Luca Robaldo, Mondovì Sport Assessor Alessandro Terreno, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo council member Ezio Raviola, and Fondazione CRC Vice President Elena Merlatti. Silvio Carletto, President of Visit Piemonte, provincial councilors Rocco Pulitanò and Pietro Danna, Ezio Tino representing the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), and Rocco Violi from Banca Alpi Marittime were also present, demonstrating broad support for the tournament.
The entire initiative is supported by the Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo.
Tournament Schedule
Monday, March 30th – Turin, Via Passo Buole field
- 4:00 PM: Italy vs. France
- 7:00 PM: France vs. Argentina
Tuesday, March 31st – Mondovì, municipal field
- 5:00 PM: Italy vs. Argentina
Wednesday, April 1st – Turin, Via Passo Buole field
- 4:00 PM: France vs. Argentina
- 7:00 PM: Argentina vs. Italy
Thursday, April 2nd – Mondovì, municipal field
- 5:00 PM: Argentina vs. France
Friday, April 3rd – Mondovì, municipal field
- 2:00 PM: Championship Game (1st-2nd place)
- 5:00 PM: Closing Ceremony and Awards
The 4XBaseball Tournament represents more than just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of community, a tribute to a visionary leader in Michele Rosso, and a showcase for the future of baseball in Italy. The tournament provides a platform for young athletes to compete at an international level and for the sport to gain further recognition within the country.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the performances of the Italian team, hoping to capitalize on their recent success in the World Baseball Classic. The participation of Argentina and France adds an exciting international dimension to the competition, promising a high level of play and a memorable experience for fans.
The next confirmed action is the opening game between Italy and France on Monday, March 30th, at 4:00 PM local time (UTC+2) in Turin. For the latest updates, schedules, and results, follow the official channels of the Italian Baseball Federation (FIBS) and JFK Mondovì.
What are your predictions for the tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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