Who Was Edoardo Bertonazzi in 2014?

A left-handed pitcher with a fastball that touched 95 mph and a slider that induced weak contact, Bertonazzi was already a standout in the Baltimore Orioles’ farm system when he earned his All-Star nod. Selected as a reserve for the American League squad, he became the first Italian-born player to make the team since 2006, when Giancarlo Stanton—also a lefty—represented the Florida Marlins.

What set Bertonazzi apart wasn’t just his velocity or command, but his story. Born in Bologna and raised in the small town of Faenza, he had spent years in Italy’s Serie A before signing with the Orioles in 2011. His path mirrored that of other Italian prospects like Giacomo Albertini (now a top prospect in the Toronto system) and Matteo Battaglia, who have since followed similar trajectories.

Key stats from his 2014 season:

• 5-4 record, 3.21 ERA in 13 starts for the Norfolk Tides (AAA)
• 104 strikeouts in 95.1 innings
• Led the International League in fastball velocity (94.7 mph)

The All-Star Game: A Night of Pressure and Promise

Bertonazzi entered the game in the seventh inning as a long reliever, facing the National League’s best lineup—including Joe Panik, Adrian Gonzalez, and Andrew McCutchen. His assignment: limit damage while proving he belonged among MLB’s elite.

He allowed two hits and struck out Bradley Wilson to end the inning. The performance was unremarkable by his standards—but in the high-pressure environment of the All-Star Game, it was enough. As Orioles pitching coach Richard Rodriguez told reporters afterward, “He handled himself like a pro. That’s what you want from a young guy in that moment.”

Context: Bertonazzi was one of three Italian-born players on the 2014 All-Star rosters (alongside McCutchen and Stephen Piscotty, whose father is Italian). The selection marked a turning point for Italian baseball, which had long struggled to produce MLB-ready talent.

What Changed After the All-Star Game?

Bertonazzi’s moment didn’t just make headlines in Italy—it changed the game. Within two years, Italy’s baseball academy system saw a 40% increase in youth enrollment, according to Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball. Clubs like Nettuno Baseball and Sanremo Baseball began offering scholarships to top prospects, directly mirroring Bertonazzi’s path.

Impact on Italian baseball development:

• 2015: Italy qualified for the World Baseball Classic for the first time, finishing 6th.
• 2017: Albertini signed with Toronto, becoming the first Italian-born player drafted in the first round since Bertonazzi.
• 2023: Italy’s national team won the European Championship, with four MLB-affiliated players on the roster.

Bertonazzi himself never reached the majors, but his legacy endured. In 2016, he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels, where he continued developing before retiring in 2019 due to shoulder issues. Today, he works as a pitching coach for Italy’s national team—a full-circle moment for a player whose All-Star appearance lit the fuse for a generation.

How Bertonazzi’s Story Compares to Italy’s Current Prospects

While Bertonazzi was a pioneer, Italy’s baseball pipeline has since produced a new wave of talent. Here’s how today’s prospects stack up against his achievement:

Expert take: “Bertonazzi opened doors, but today’s Italian prospects have the benefit of his trailblazing effect,” said MLB’s international scouting director. “The infrastructure is stronger, the exposure is global, and the players are coming in with better tools from the start.”

Where Is Edoardo Bertonazzi Now?

Ten years after his All-Star Game, Bertonazzi remains deeply involved in Italian baseball. As of 2024:

• Serves as a pitching consultant for the Italian national team.
• Runs a baseball academy in Faenza, training 40+ youth players.
• Actively mentors Albertini and Battaglia, who credit him with shaping their professional mindset.

When asked about his All-Star memory in a 2023 interview with RAI Sport, Bertonazzi said, “It wasn’t about the stats that night. It was about proving you could stand on that field and not just compete, but represent a country that had never had that moment before.”

“The All-Star Game changed everything. Before me, Italian kids dreamed of soccer or cycling. After? Baseball became a real option.”

What’s Next for Italian Baseball?

The question now isn’t if Italy will produce another All-Star, but when. With Albertini and Battaglia already in the majors, the next milestone could come as soon as 2025. Key developments to watch:

• 2024 MLB Draft: Italy has three prospects in the top 50, per MLB’s international rankings.
• World Baseball Classic 2026: Italy’s roster will include at least six MLB-affiliated players.
• Academy expansion: Federazione Italiana Baseball plans to open two new development centers by 2025.

Schedule note: The next major test for Italy’s pipeline is the 2025 European Baseball Championship, running June 15–29 in the Netherlands. Tickets for the final are on sale now.