As previously announced at the recently by the Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS) Federal Council, the newest member of the Team Italy baseball coaching staff is Robert "Bobby" Cramer. The former left-handed MLB pitcher was born in 1979, grew up in Orange County, California and attended Fullerton College before transferring to Cal State Long Beach. Entering the world of European baseball for the first time after serving as an MLB international ambassador pitching instructor for the past six years, Bobby Cramer received accolades for his success as the Asian MLB pitching coordinator from 2014 to 2017.
Selected in 2001 MLB draft by the Seattle Mariners, Bobby Cramer underwent Tommy John surgery before playing in Devil Rays organization in 2005. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the minor leagues with the Oakland Athletics in 2007 before playing for Aguilas de Mexicali in Mexico, the Orange County Flyers in California under manager Gary Carter, and Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rico. After winning 13 games pitching for Quintana Roo Tigres in Mexico in 2010, Bobby Cramer was rushed him back to A’s Triple-A Sacramento before making his MLB debut at age 31 on September 13, 2010. He remained in the Big Leagues in 2011 and made a total of 9 pitching appearances for Oakland (2-2, 2.53 ERA in 32 innings pitched).
After more experience pitching in Mexico, Bobby Cramer ventured to Japan to play for Yokohama Bay Stars (2012-13) before returning south of the border for stints with Broncos de Reynosa and Yaquis de Obregon. He was recruited by MLB to serve as pitching coach and instructor in Taiwan and China in 2014. Using the modern technology available to measure the growth and development of players internationally coupled with a passion for the game, Bobby Cramer brings his invaluable expertise to the Team Italy coaching staff. Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
