A Championship Pedigree in Blue

As Italy prepares for its debut in the 2026 World Baseball Classic against Brazil on Saturday, the team isn’t just bringing a high-level roster to the table – it’s fielding a coaching staff with a remarkable collective resume. Members of the staff have participated in over twenty World Series championships, signaling a new era for Italian baseball.

Among the experienced coaches joining manager Francisco Cervelli is Allard Baird, 64, who will serve as first base coach. Baird’s career includes roles as general manager of the Kansas City Royals and vice president of the Boston Red Sox, where he secured three World Series titles. He now divides his time between the United States and Italy, as well coaching Fiorentina.

Baird on Representing Italy

“I sense I have a responsibility. Italy immediately loved me: if I can reciprocate even just a little the treatment I received in Italy, then I feel I’m doing the right thing.”

Allard Baird

Baird’s connection to baseball began with his family. “My grandfather and my entire family were baseball fans, and like most American kids, I started playing at a very young age and became a Boston Red Sox fan, because in New England, where I grew up, they had a strong fan base in the Northeast. And since the winters there are very cold, we couldn’t wait for the warm baseball season to begin.”

A Winning Legacy

Baird reflected on his time with the Red Sox, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and strong teamwork.

“Winning in Boston, on my childhood team, meant a lot to me, but it also meant a lot to my wife, who’s from there, to my mother and my family. And we were fortunate enough to win three World Series while I was there.”

Allard Baird

He attributes their success to continuous improvement and a capable support system. “There were so many years where we hadn’t won. So, like in life, you try to get better, you learn from the things you didn’t do so well and you build on those. I had several capable people around me. We went to the World Series four times and won three.”

Bridging the Cultural Gap

Baird addressed the differences in baseball culture between Europe and the United States, highlighting the importance of media exposure. “I would rather say it’s a question of media exposure. If I turn around and look at the Italian dugout, I see kids who have the same passion for baseball as the players in the United States. But in Europe it’s not an event that takes place every day during the summer, you see it on different broadcasters, it’s played in colleges, with minor leagues and major leagues and this makes things more difficult. But the European players, also love it with incredible passion.”

He explained his move to Italy as a result of a desire for a different pace of life. “Years ago I was forced by the owner of my franchise to take a holiday. At first I didn’t like it, but my wife did. I went to Rome and Florence, the people impressed me. As much as I wanted to travel fast, they invited me to slow down. And in 2024 I decided that five months of my life, every year, I would spend there”.

He values the strong sense of family he’s found in Italy. “The sense of family, which is also the underlying relationship for building a strong team.”

Cervelli’s Leadership and Italy’s Goals

Baird praised manager Francisco Cervelli’s ability to connect with players from diverse backgrounds.

“Francisco is a multicultural communicator: he can talk to anyone, he is positive, he trusts his coaches, he loves his players and he knows they come first. He brings a great perform ethic.”

Allard Baird

Baird also highlighted his involvement in the US Olympic team’s gold medal win. “I had the honor of being part of the US national team selection committee when we won the gold medal. Today I am even more proud to be part of the group that will try to bring Italy back to the Games.”

Looking ahead to the World Baseball Classic, Baird emphasized the importance of a strong work ethic. “Start with work ethic, the rest will follow.”

FAQ

• What is Allard Baird’s role with Team Italy? He is the first base coach.
• How many World Series championships does the coaching staff have collectively? Over 20.
• Who is the manager of Team Italy? Francisco Cervelli.