The Italian Baseball Softball Federation (FIBS) has appointed Ned Colletti as the General Manager for Italy at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Colletti, who was born in 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, has a wealth of experience in Major League Baseball (MLB). He graduated from Northern Illinois University and began his career with the Chicago Cubs in 1982. Later, he joined the San Francisco Giants as assistant general manager in 1996 and moved on to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2005, where he stayed until 2014.
During his time with the Dodgers, Colletti led the team to over 750 wins and six playoff appearances. His leadership helped set attendance records, drawing an average of 3.6 million fans each season. In 2010, the Dodgers were named Organization of the Year.
After his tenure with the Dodgers, Colletti moved into broadcasting as a baseball analyst for SportsNet LA. He also shares his insights as a professor of Sports Management at Pepperdine University and wrote a memoir about his experiences called The Big Chair.
FIBS introduced Colletti in an online press conference. FIBS President Marco Mazzieri expressed his excitement about Colletti’s involvement, noting their friendship since they first met during the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Mazzieri mentioned the significance of having strong relationships within the team, especially with Francisco Cervelli, who will manage Italy in 2026.
Colletti is enthusiastic about his role. He stated, “I love baseball. I will be in Arizona for the entire Spring Training, scouting players and attending MLB games. In the summer, I plan to travel to Italy.” Cervelli, who is set to relocate to Italy soon, also highlighted the importance of connecting with players to build a strong team.
Cervelli shared his ambitious goals, hoping to lead Italy not just in the World Baseball Classic but also to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. He emphasized the need to assemble the best team possible and develop local talent for the future.
Colletti confirmed that they would focus on Italian players who have thrived in the U.S. and expressed a commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. Mazzieri concluded by encouraging players to aspire to join the national team, promising support for Colletti and Cervelli without interfering in their decisions.
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