⚾ Dream of a place where sneakers hit nothing but baseballs by the beach? Welcome to Nettuno, Italy’s hidden sports gem just 70 km south of Rome. Forget calcio (that’s soccer) – here, baseball stole the show 80 years ago.
It all started in WWII when Allied soldiers brought their love for baseball to the Italian coastline. Locals watched in awe as soldiers knocked homers under the Mediterranean sun. Fast-forward decades, and the passion hasn’t faded one bit.
Today, Mario Trinci – catcher and son of Nettuno Baseball Club founder Guglielmo – shows visitors around the club’s vintage stadium museum. Walls lined with war-era photos tell the tale of first games under olive trees, while trophy cases flex the club’s crown as Italy’s baseball powerhouse.
Manager Roberto De Franceschi adds that baseball in Nettuno is more than a sport; it’s community glue. From summer youth leagues to local food stalls serving fresh espresso and pizza between innings, the game weaves tradition with a relaxed coastal vibe.
For young fans in South and Southeast Asia, Nettuno’s story is a reminder: every passion has a starting pitch. Whether you’re into cricket in Chennai, sepak takraw in Kuala Lumpur, or baseball by the Adriatic, sports can unite cultures and keep history alive. 🌍💫
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
