Alessandro Maestri returns to the stadium where he used to take the mound, but this time around he will only visit the hill in the capacity of pitching coach for Team Europe in the CARNEXT SAMURAI JAPAN SERIES Global Baseball Games against the Japanese national team at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka. He said, “Isn't that crazy? This game is romantic and the fact that we are actually playing in the stadium for these two games. It’s something pretty cool. This is where I was able to reach the highest level. It always felt like home and also, you know here is where I met my wife. There are many other things even outside of baseball that you know come into play.”
It is indeed a homecoming for Alessandro Maestri in Japan as his former team the Orix Buffaloes welcome him back to Japan with open arms. Maestri continued, “Well, I've been talking to the team and they have invited me to throw the first pitch on March 9th. There's going to be an exhibition game. So it's also going to be exciting. I'm also pretty nervous about that...”
Regardless of his roller coaster emotions, Alessandro Maestri is proud to represent Italy as part of the Team Europe coaching staff. He commented, “That's very special and you have an obligation to represent the country well. I always feel the Italian roots in me every time I play abroad. I definitely still feel that and obviously now in the Global Games we're talking about European roots. All the players are really excited to be here and they really want to do their job.”
The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) OTT GameTime platform will broadcast live (and on-demand) the two CARNEXT SAMURAI JAPAN SERIES games between the Japanese national team - reigning Olympic and World Baseball Classic champion - and Team Europe.
Baseball fans will be able to experience the action live directly from the Kyocera Dome in Osaka for $7.99 via livestream of the two games scheduled on Wednesday, March 6th and Thursday, March 7th at 7 pm (local Osaka time) and 5 am (ET). After logging on to the WBSC OTT GameTime platform, purchase the Japan V. Europe Series Pass available here.
Forza #Europa!
by Roberto Angotti
