On Italy's sun-kissed coast near Rome, Nettuno stands out as the only city in the country where baseball, not football, reigns supreme. Here, the crack of the bat echoes through history.
The roots of this passion stretch back to 1944, when Allied forces liberated Nazi-occupied Italy and brought baseball to the town. What began as a wartime pastime took hold of Nettuno's spirit and turned into an 80-year love affair.
"Baseball is more than a game; it's our collective passion," says Mario Trinci, catcher and son of Nettuno Baseball Club's founder, Guglielmo. Alongside club manager Roberto De Franceschi, Mario guides visitors through the stadium museum, where war-era photographs tell stories of those early games.
Glittering cases showcase countless trophies won over the decades, each a chapter in Nettuno's evolving baseball narrative. For locals, the sport is a bridge between generations and a magnet for sports fans, travelers, and digital nomads seeking an offbeat Italian adventure.
Whether you're a sports fan, history buff or traveler, Nettuno's diamond by the sea offers a unique glimpse into how baseball became this seaside town's heartbeat.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
