The 44-year-old Italian American pitcher, who led Team Italy to two European Baseball Championship titles, died of a heart attack. Azzurri coach and former teammate Jack Santora shed light on how important it was for Chris Cooper to represent Team Italy in international competition and in day-to-day life.

Azzurri manager Mike Piazza thanks the Team Italy players and staff, while Kansas City Royals infielder Nicky Lopez talks about the victory that has been sought after for months.

After suffering a 2-0 shutout to Panama the day prior at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, the Italians returned for a win-or-go home game under the lights against Kingdom of the Netherlands on Sunday, March 12, 2023 and punched their ticket to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic in Tokyo after defeating the Dutch 7-1

After suffering a 11-7 loss to host Chinese Taipei at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium the night prior, Team Italy returned for a day game against Panama on Saturday afternoon, March 11, 2023 and lost its second World Baseball Classic Pool A game by a score of 2-0.

Prior to the first pitch of the Team Italy's must-win game against Panama in the 2023 World Baseball Classic in Taiwan, Azzurri manager Mike Piazza spoke at a Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium press conference

After the 6-3 extra-inning victory over Cuba the night prior, Team Italy returned under the lights at a sold-out Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taiwan and lost its first WBC game to host Chinese Taipei by a score of 11-7 on Friday, March 10, 2023

Some of the WBC's first game's stars talk about their feelings and the team's spirit

Making their WBC Pool A debut against Cuba at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taiwan on Thursday night, March 9, 2023, the Italians defeated Cuba 6-3 in 10 innings. Team Italy returns for a clash against host Chinese Taipei under the lights on Friday, March 9, 2023 at 6 am (EST).

Created by the Italian American Baseball Foundation and curated by Chris Vaccaro, Team Italy's Mission Classic episode one is now available for viewing on the IABF YouTube Channel

Team Italy manager Mike Piazza appeared with Kingdom of the Netherlands pitching coach Bert Blyleven and Panama supporter Mariano Rivera at the National Baseball Hall of Fame sponsored 2023 World Baseball Classic Press Conference at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium on Tuesday, March 7, 2023