ROME — Coaching Italy’s national baseball team fits in perfectly with Mike Piazza’s current lifestyle.
The Hall of Fame catcher and his family have been living in Italy for several years since Piazza’s brief stint as owner of a local soccer club.
Speaking at his introduction at the Italian Olympic Committee on Friday, Piazza says “my heart is in Italy now. … Italy is a part of me.”
The 51-year-old Piazza, who was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, is of Italian ancestry. While his contract expires at the end of next year, Piazza is expected to manage Italy at least through the 2021 World Baseball Classic.