9.27.24
Episode 26
Italy’s Alex Liddi Talks Baseball United and Beyond
Mid East Falcons infielder Alex Liddi takes center stage in this episode as he shares his remarkable journey from Italy to becoming the first Italian player in Major League Baseball. He discusses the cultural nuances and challenges he encountered along the way and reflects on how his journey has paved the path for other players from Italy to pursue their dreams. With unwavering confidence, Alex talks about the promising direction of Baseball United under its leadership and ownership, expressing excitement about the league's potential to thrive. He also highlights the significance of the upcoming Baseball United Arab Classic (November 7-10, 2024), discussing the positive impact these events will have on players and the overall development of baseball in the Middle East.
What We Discuss
- 0:30 Intro
- 0:55 Growing up playing baseball in Italy
- 2:38 Being amazed by the scale of baseball in the USA
- 3:07 Alex’s favorite players as a kid
- 4:09 Signing with the Seattle Mariners and transitioning to pro baseball
- 4:58 Handling the pressure of being a top prospect
- 6:31 The influence of Marco Mazzieri on Alex’s career
- 10:49 What it meant to be the first MLB player born in Italy
- 14:37 Getting traded to the Baltimore Orioles
- 18:30 How baseball gave Alex the chance to travel the world
- 20:37 The current state of baseball in Italy
- 21:31 Impact of the All-Star Showcase
- 22:50 Alex’s reaction to the baseball atmosphere in Dubai
- 23:26 Confidence in Baseball United's leadership to elevate the league
- 24:41 Ownership’s role in bringing top-tier talent to the field
- 26:08 Hitting the first home run in Baseball United history
- 27:03 Reaction to the announcement of Baseball United Ballpark
- 28:15 The significance of the Baseball United Arab Classic (November 7-10, 2024)
- 28:47 Excitement for the Baseball United Cup and connecting with fans (February 22-March 1, 2025)
- 30:26 Looking forward to competing in Baseball United’s first season (October 23 - November 23, 2025)
- 31:09 A message to the fans
