Before the 2026 World Baseball Classic began, nine members of the Fountain Hills Italian Interest Group attended the exhibition game between Team Italy and the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa.
The group of nine watched Team Italy pull off a 9-4 upset victory over the Cubs, according to group president Steve Baggio.
Team Italy has multiple active MLB players on their roster, most notably Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola and Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. They are managed by former MLB catcher Francisco Cervelli.
