Team Italy pitcher Samuel Aldegheri signed by Philadelphia Phillies

Following in the footsteps of the recent MLB signings of fellow Italian-born and developed pitchers Daniele Di Monte (Detroit Tigers) and Matteo Bocchi (Chicago Cubs), 17-year-old Azzurri lefty Samuel Aldegheri has signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Expected to report to the Phillies Spring Training Facility in Clearwater, Florida, he will be in close proximity to Team Italy’s Nick Fanti, who is currently on Philadelphia's Class-A Advanced affiliate Clearwater Threshers pitching roster.

Mentored at a young age by Team Italy U12 manager Stefano Burato, Samuel Aldegheri began playing baseball in San Martino Buon Albergo at age five. Growing up in the Verona area, he made his debut for the Serie B Verona Dynos before moving up to the ladder to Serie A2 and ultimately joining his older brother Mattia Aldegheri on Serie A1’s ParmaClima before being signed by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Heralded by Team Italy manager Gilberto “Gibo” Gerali as being a top prospect, Samuel Aldegheri made a good first impression on Phillies scout Claudio Scerrato after pitching for the Azzurri during Prague Baseball Week last year. Having made his first appearance for Team Italy in the 2013 U12 World Championship, Samuel Aldegheri continued to represent his country in the 2017 U18 World Cup and again in the 2018 U18 European Championship.

At the recent MLB Elite European Development Tournament try-out in Bologna, Samuel Aldegheri was ripe for the picking and signed shortly thereafter by the Philadelphia Phillies. His dream of playing baseball professionally has come true. He said, “Baseball has become a way of life for me. I wake up every morning thinking about playing and training.” Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti