In collaboration between the area baseball clubs and Team Italy, six Open Drafts are planned throughout the various regions of the country. Each club may recommend up to four players, two of whom are guaranteed participation in the Open Draft and two reserves who will be called to participate if the numbers permit.
The Open Drafts are reserved exclusively for boys and girls born in 2012 and 2013 who possess both the technical ability and competitive experience.
The first three Open Drafts are listed below:
- April 25, 2024 in Bologna (Centro Tecnico Casteldebole, via Bottonelli 70)
- April 27, 2024 in Anzio (via dell’Oratorio Santa Rita 1)
- May 1, 2024 in Novara (Porta Mortara, via Giuseppe angolo via Spreafico).
Open Drafts are from 10 am to 6 pm with a lunch break. Players and their families must provide their own meals.
Team Italy U12 manager Stefano Burato will be assisted by coaches Simona Conti, Christian Tosini, Deborah Zanetti, Alessandro Rosa Colombo and athletic trainer Moses Serino. Steel Sports, official Team Italy Partner, will bring coaches Steve Jones, Keith Osik and Mike LaBella to speak with the players and their family members between 1-2 pm.
Clubs will receive a personalized email with their respective Open Draft day and location along with the deadlines and information necessary to report the names of recommended players, who must be in compliance with the 2024 membership, and attach the required medical certificate of competitive fitness and release form signed by the players’ parents.
Players must wear their respective club's uniform and bring their own glove, bat and protective gear.
by Marco Landi and Roberto Angotti
