Move over, soccer! In the coastal town of Nettuno near Rome, baseball reigns supreme ⚾️ – a legacy born from WWII soldiers and nurtured for 80+ years. Discover how America’s favorite pastime became Italy’s most unexpected love story.
From Soldiers to Stadiums
When Allied troops liberated Nazi-occupied Italy in the 1940s, they left more than freedom: They planted baseball’s seeds. "It’s a collective passion," says Mario Trinci, catcher and son of Nettuno Baseball Club’s founder, as he walks through the club’s museum filled with war-era photos and gleaming trophies 🏆.
More Than a Game
Club manager Roberto De Franceschi describes baseball as "part of our DNA." The town’s four clubs and 1,200+ players prove it – from kids learning to slide into home plate to pros keeping the legacy alive. 🎉
Next time you think Italian sports, remember: There’s a seaside town where "strike three" echoes louder than "goal!" 🌊
