Vinnie Pasquantino never forgets his roots, thanks to his grandfather Denny. “My grandpa is always asking about Italy,” Vinnie said. While Denny is proud of his grandson’s role as first baseman for the Kansas City Royals, he lights up when Vinnie dons the Team Italy uniform for the World Baseball Classic.
Denny is obsessed with the tournament. He asks Vinnie when it starts and where they’ll be playing, thinking it’s in Italy rather than Houston. This connection is special. For many players in the WBC, it’s a chance to honor their heritage. Vinnie, born in Richmond, Virginia, feels this deeply. “It’s an opportunity to play for my family,” he shared, emphasizing pride in his heritage.
He’s not alone in feeling this way. Team Italy includes 21 players born in the U.S. Among them is Aaron Nola, born in Baton Rouge, who shares similar ties. Many players in this tournament represent countries linked to their ancestry. For instance, Rowdy Tellez, who was born in Sacramento, proudly plays for Mexico, honoring his grandfather’s legacy.
In fact, Mexico’s roster showcases a rich diversity, drawing contributions from U.S.-born players. Tellez proudly stated, “We’re very proud Mexicans. I will always represent Mexico.” This sentiment resonates with Taijuan Walker, who plays for Mexico to honor a grandmother he never truly knew.
Every WBC since 2006 has seen U.S.-born players join other teams, adding a unique flavor to the tournament. These athletes often face no backlash, unlike Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu, who faced criticism for representing China.
Eligibility rules for the WBC encourage players to embrace their lineage. They can represent a country if they’re citizens, legal residents, or have familial ties. This opens doors for more athletes. For example, Logan Allen’s connection to Panama comes through his parents, while Austin Bergner explored his eligibility for Colombia after a nudge from a teammate.
Language barriers are common within these teams. Tellez notes the friendly banter that arises from differences in language skills. Team Mexico boasts 13 U.S.-born players, communicating in both Spanish and English for smooth teamwork.
Pasquantino had to investigate his eligibility and traveled to Italy to dig into his family’s background. “I drank a lot of wine,” he joked, embracing Italian culture. A surprising find: His name’s top Google search used to be linked to a legal case involving avoiding taxes—a far cry from his successful baseball career today.
Pasquantino reflects on the challenges and joys of representing his heritage, showcasing how sports can bridge gaps between cultures and generations. The World Baseball Classic is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of shared histories and family pride.
The WBC continues to be a powerful reminder of how heritage shapes identity, fostering connections among players from around the world.
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Kansas City Royals, MLB, World Baseball Classic
