Club Italia LA28 pitchers and catchers had the historic opportunity to access training resources and activities like never before at the Kansas City Royals training facility in Surprise, Arizona, thanks to Nick Leto.
The Royals’ minor league operations director, who is entering his 18th season with the KC franchise, has always been an advocate for the growth and development of baseball in Italy. A friendship born from working closely with the late, great FIBS Hall of Fame member Bill Holmberg at the Tirrenia Academy in 2006 and 2007.
The Development Director of Team Italy Gianguido Pomawho conducted the camp in Arizona, greatly appreciated the hospitality reserved for Club Italia players and the unlimited access to the state-of-the-art facility. “I want to publicly thank Nick and the Royals and let it be known how much the players and staff appreciated the opportunity to train with professional athletes and coaches in a top-notch facility.”
Nick Leto he was kind enough to share his idea and his love for Italian baseball in an exclusive interview with Roberto Angotti
When did you first discover the prospects of baseball in Italy?
“In 2006 the Italian national team organized a camp in Orlando when I was working for the Atlanta Braves. That was my first experience with Italian baseball. I really opened my eyes working at the MLB European Academy in Tirrenia, Italy, in 2007. The rest is history, as they say, but Bill Holmberg was very influential in my introduction to Italian baseball.”
How has your experience in Italy put you in touch with your family roots and improved your professional career?
“My family roots are Sicilian. I haven’t had the opportunity to go there yet, but I would like to. I grew up in an Italian-American family. We were a working class family who didn’t have the opportunity to visit or explore Italy. It was enlightening for me to be with Italians and hear them talk. I learned how they live and think. Thanks to these experiences I was able to better see my Italian roots. It helped me understand why my family did things a certain way. It’s been really fun for me to compare some of these things. I really respect Italian culture: family comes first. A lot of this comes very naturally to me.”
When did you first discover the prospects of baseball in Italy?
“In 2006 the Italian national team organized a camp in Orlando when I was working for the Atlanta Braves. That was my first experience with Italian baseball. I really opened my eyes working at the MLB European Academy in Tirrenia, Italy, in 2007. The rest is history, as they say, but Bill Holmberg was very influential in my introduction to Italian baseball.”
How has your experience in Italy put you in touch with your family roots and improved your professional career?
“My family roots are Sicilian. I haven’t had the opportunity to go there yet, but I would like to. I grew up in an Italian-American family. We were a working class family who didn’t have the opportunity to visit or explore Italy. It was enlightening for me to be with Italians and hear them talk. I learned how they live and think. Thanks to these experiences I was able to better see my Italian roots. It helped me understand why my family did things a certain way. It’s been really fun for me to compare some of these things. I really respect Italian culture: family comes first. A lot of this comes very naturally to me.”
How has your partnership with the Italian Baseball Softball Federation evolved?
“It would take a while to tell the whole story, but it starts with Bill Holmberg and continues today with Samuel Aldeghieri and the list goes on. Today, the camp at Club Italia LA28 thanks to Andrea Marcon and Gianmarco Faraone. I can’t name everyone and every experience I’ve had over time, but it’s been very meaningful and I’m grateful for everything. I really enjoyed creating these new relationships. More than anything, I want to help Italian players in any way I can. I want to help grow the game of baseball in Italy. I will try to do anything to help players and coaches by progressing the game.”
What did the Club Italia LA28 pitchers and catchers experience at the Royals Spring Training Facility last week?
“It was probably different for everyone. For the younger ones, experiencing a professional baseball facility was and is important. For more experienced players, I think it’s been good to be able to use some of our resources. We gave them the opportunity to do quality work on the field, in the weight room and in the training room. We are committed to teamwork and unity.”
What are the next activities planned between the Kansas City Royals and the Italian Baseball Softball Federation in the future following the MOU signed by FIBS President Andrea Marcon?
“This is a work in progress and nothing specific has been outlined at this time. We’ll also look at some thoughts as we go along. I really just want to help players grow and play an important role in them being the best versions of themselves, individually and as a team.”
Any final thoughts on the growth and development of baseball in Italy in light of the recent success of LA Angels pitcher Samuel Aldegheri?
“It gives me chills just thinking about it. He is a special boy with a great future ahead of him. I really enjoyed following his development. He has a mind and heart for the game. It doesn’t surprise me that’s where he is and what he’s accomplished. He will do special things in this game. He’s a special boy from a special family.”
Do you have any Club Italia LA28 favourites?
“I see potential in many of them. Matteo Bocchi had a huge heart for the game. Enrico Zanchi has great enthusiasm. Mattia Aldegheri has an excellent work ethic. Ettore Giulianelli is a special talent with a promising future. Claudio Resca, Giacomo Taschin, Diego Gergolet, Matteo Marelli, Mattia Bernardis have real potential. Gabriele Angioi and Andres Annuiziata are players who have shown they have the ability to do great things. I was very impressed with the entire group that stopped by Surprise last week.”
Forza #Italia!
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Photos of Club Italia LA28 pitchers and catchers at the Kansas City Royals training facility in Surprise, Arizona (GCPFilms.com)
Roberto Angotti
