9 Best Italian Baseball Players

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Best Italian Baseball Players: Celebrating Italy’s Diamond Greats

While baseball may not be as deeply ingrained in Italian culture as soccer, Italy has produced a number of talented players who have made significant contributions to the sport both domestically and internationally. These players have excelled in various leagues, showcasing their skills on a global stage and representing Italy with pride.

This list celebrates the 9 best Italian baseball players, honoring those who have achieved greatness and left a lasting impact on the game.

#9: Alex Maestri (2006 – Present)

Position: Pitcher
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 180 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Teams: Rimini Baseball Club, Chicago Cubs (Minor Leagues), Orix Buffaloes (NPB), Brisbane Bandits (ABL), Rojos del Águila de Veracruz (Mexican League), Sydney Blue Sox (ABL), and various other international teams

Alex Maestri began his professional career with the Rimini Baseball Club in Italy before signing with the Chicago Cubs organization in 2006, where he played in the minor leagues. He later became the first Italian-born player to pitch in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with the Orix Buffaloes.

Maestri’s career also includes stints in the Australian Baseball League (ABL) with the Brisbane Bandits and Sydney Blue Sox, as well as in the Mexican League with Rojos del Águila de Veracruz. His diverse career across multiple countries and leagues has made him a significant figure in the growth of Italian baseball internationally.

Notable Accomplishments:

• First Italian-born player to pitch in Japan’s NPB
• Played in leagues across five different countries

---

#8: John Franco (1984 – 2005)

Position: Pitcher
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 170 lbs
Bats/Throws: Left/Left
Teams: Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Houston Astros

John Franco is one of the most accomplished relief pitchers in MLB history, known for his pinpoint control and devastating changeup. Franco spent the majority of his career with the New York Mets, where he became the team’s all-time saves leader.

Over his 21-year career, Franco amassed 424 saves, the most by any left-handed pitcher in MLB history, and was a four-time All-Star. His consistency and leadership on and off the field made him a respected figure in baseball, and his Italian heritage has been a source of pride for the Italian-American community.

Notable Accomplishments:

• All-time saves leader for the New York Mets
• 4-time All-Star, 424 career saves (most by a left-handed pitcher)

---

#7: Chris Denorfia (2005 – 2015)

Position: Outfielder
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 200 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Teams: Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs

Chris Denorfia was a reliable and versatile outfielder throughout his MLB career, known for his solid hitting, speed, and defensive ability. Denorfia, who played for several teams, had his most productive years with the San Diego Padres, where he became a fan favorite for his hustle and consistency.

Over his career, Denorfia hit .272 with 41 home runs and 196 RBIs. His contributions extended beyond the stats, as he was known for his work ethic and professionalism, making him a respected player in every clubhouse he was part of.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Career batting average of .272, 41 home runs
• Known for his hustle and consistency in multiple roles

---

#6: Mike Piazza (1992 – 2007)

Position: Catcher
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics

Mike Piazza is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitting catchers in baseball history. With 427 career home runs, including 396 as a catcher, Piazza holds the record for the most home runs by a catcher in MLB history.

Piazza was a 12-time All-Star and 10-time Silver Slugger Award winner, known for his powerful bat and ability to hit in clutch situations. He had his most significant impact with the New York Mets, where he became a beloved figure and helped lead the team to the 2000 World Series. Piazza’s Italian heritage has been a source of pride, and he remains one of the most prominent Italian-American players in baseball history. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 12-time All-Star, 10-time Silver Slugger
• Holds the record for most home runs by a catcher (396)

---

#5: Tony Lazzeri (1926 – 1939)

Position: Second Baseman
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 170 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Teams: New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants

Tony Lazzeri was a key member of the legendary New York Yankees teams of the 1920s and 1930s, known as “Murderers’ Row.” As one of the first Italian-American stars in Major League Baseball, Lazzeri paved the way for future generations of Italian players.

He was a clutch hitter with a career batting average of .292, 178 home runs, and 1,194 RBIs. Lazzeri was also known for his exceptional defensive skills at second base. He played a pivotal role in the Yankees’ success, winning five World Series titles with the team. Lazzeri was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991, recognizing his contributions to the game.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 5-time World Series champion with the Yankees
• Career .292 batting average, 1,194 RBIs

---

#4: Frank Catalanotto (1997 – 2010)

Position: Outfielder / Infielder
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 190 lbs
Bats/Throws: Left/Right
Teams: Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets

Frank Catalanotto was a versatile and consistent hitter throughout his 14-year MLB career. Known for his ability to play multiple positions and his solid bat, Catalanotto was a valuable asset to every team he played for.

He posted a career batting average of .291, with over 1,100 hits and 84 home runs. Catalanotto was especially known for his approach at the plate, often serving as a reliable contact hitter who could get on base and move runners along. His Italian heritage and contributions to baseball have made him a respected figure within the Italian-American community.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Career batting average of .291, with over 1,100 hits
• Versatile player, contributing in both outfield and infield positions

---

#3: Francisco Cervelli (2008 – 2020)

Position: Catcher
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 210 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Teams: New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins

Francisco Cervelli was known for his defensive prowess, leadership behind the plate, and his infectious enthusiasm for the game. Over his 13-year career in Major League Baseball, Cervelli was highly regarded for his ability to handle pitchers and his strong defensive skills, including an exceptional arm.

He was part of the New York Yankees team that won the World Series in 2009 and later became a key player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he enjoyed his most productive years offensively. Cervelli’s passion for the game and his roots in both Italy and Venezuela have made him a notable figure in international baseball circles.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2009 World Series champion with the Yankees
• Known for his strong defense and leadership behind the plate

---

#2: Alex Liddi (2011 – 2013)

Position: Third Baseman / First Baseman
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 225 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Teams: Seattle Mariners

Alex Liddi made history as the first Italian-born and developed player to make it to Major League Baseball when he debuted with the Seattle Mariners in 2011. Known for his power at the plate and versatility in the field, Liddi brought a new level of visibility to Italian baseball on the global stage.

Although his time in MLB was brief, Liddi has had a successful career in international leagues, including stints in Mexico, Japan, and the Italian Baseball League. His trailblazing career has inspired many young Italian players and helped to grow the sport in Italy.

Notable Accomplishments:

• First Italian-born and developed player in MLB
• Played professionally in Mexico, Japan, and Italy

---

#1: Jason Grilli (2000 – 2017)

Position: Pitcher
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 235 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Teams: Florida Marlins, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves

Jason Grilli, known as “The Grinder,” enjoyed a long and successful MLB career as a relief pitcher, known for his fiery competitiveness and resilience on the mound. Grilli was a key closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates during their resurgence in the early 2010s, earning an All-Star selection in 2013.

He saved 79 games during his career, including a career-high 33 saves in 2013. Grilli’s dedication to the game and his leadership in the bullpen made him a valuable player for multiple teams over his 15-year career. Proud of his Italian heritage, Grilli has also been an ambassador for baseball in Italy, helping to promote and grow the sport there.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2013 All-Star, career-high 33 saves in 2013
• Played 15 seasons in MLB with 79 career saves