Samuel Aldegheri makes MLB debut with Angels against Mariners

Samuel Aldegheri made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Angels against the Seattle Mariners in Anaheim, California. He became the first Italian born and raised player to pitch in the majors, a significant milestone for Italian baseball. Despite his historic debut, Aldegheri faced challenges on the mound, allowing seven runs, with only two being earned, over five innings of play. He struck out three batters but also gave up seven hits, including a two-run homer to Julio Rodriguez. Aldegheri's journey to the majors began with Parmaclima Baseball Club in Italy before he was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an international free agent in 2019. His family arrived at the ballpark just in time to witness his debut, highlighting the support he received from loved ones. Aldegheri expressed his happiness about the opportunity, acknowledging the nerves that came with pitching in the big leagues for the first time. The game itself was a tough outing for Aldegheri, as he struggled early on, allowing multiple runs due to defensive errors and timely hitting from the Mariners. Angels manager Ron Washington noted that Aldegheri made adjustments after the first inning, managing to get through five innings despite the rough start. This performance, while not ideal, showcased his potential and resilience as a young pitcher. Aldegheri's debut is a source of pride not only for him and his family but also for Italy, as he hopes to inspire young athletes in his home country. He emphasized the importance of believing in one's dreams, reflecting on the significance of his achievement in the context of Italian baseball history.