When Zach Dezenzo was invited to join Team Italy for the 2026 World Baseball Classic early in 2025, the opportunity attracted his interest immediately. What truly secured his commitment was a thoughtful and uniquely Italian gesture from Team Italy’s captain, Vinnie Pasquantino, last summer. During a visit to Houston’s Daikin Park in May, Pasquantino, a first baseman for the Kansas City Royals, personally ensured Dezenzo felt welcomed to the team with a meaningful gift.
Pasquantino aimed to verify Dezenzo’s inclusion on the Houston Astros’ MLB roster before presenting him with a traditional Italian emblem—a white tank top. This simple but significant item was sent from the visitors’ clubhouse with the message “Welcome to the team,” marking Pasquantino’s first such gift to a teammate and symbolizing a warm embrace of Dezenzo into the Italy squad.
I sent him over a white tank top that Italians are known for wearing,
Pasquantino said Thursday.
I found out that he was in [for the WBC], we confirmed that he was in, and I sent him over one from the visitors’ clubhouse.
It just said ‘Welcome to the team.’ That was my first gift to somebody for playing with this team. It’s cool that it happened in this building.
– Vinnie Pasquantino, Team Italy Captain
Dezenzo’s Humble Beginnings and Leadership’s Confidence
Despite being one of the less experienced players on Team Italy, Zach Dezenzo embraces his role with enthusiasm. At 25 years old, with only 53 MLB games and 160 career at-bats, Dezenzo isn’t yet a household name, but Pasquantino’s personal attention highlighted how vital he is to the team’s present and future. The tank top gift carries a deeper significance for Dezenzo, who keeps it safely stored at home, reminding him of his connection to the Italian squad.
To get that tank-top, with it to say, ‘Forza Italia!’, that was a pretty cool thing,
Dezenzo shared after Italy’s commanding 8-0 victory over Brazil.
Vinnie is just a great leader, a great person overall. He’s very unique as a person. I love being around him.
– Zach Dezenzo, Team Italy Player
A Youthful Team and Shared Energy With the Astros
Team Italy is characterized by a vibrant, youthful group of players who appreciate both tradition and camaraderie. Their dugout features an espresso machine and repeated shipments of olive oil and Parmesan cheese, adding authenticity to their Italian identity. Dezenzo sees clear parallels between the Italian team’s spirit and the dynamic young outfield waiting for him in Houston’s 2026 Astros squad, which includes teammates Cam Smith, Zach Cole, and Jake Meyers, who is nearing 30.
The team makeup here with Team Italy, we’re a younger squad, a younger group,
Dezenzo noted.
We definitely have a similar core of guys like that in Houston as well. I definitely see some parallels there for sure.
– Zach Dezenzo
Dezenzo’s Early Impact and Aspirations for the Season
Starting off the spring season as a contributor to Team Italy’s success, Dezenzo posted a hit, walk, RBI, and a run scored during Italy’s 8-0 win against Brazil. His performance demonstrated his determination to earn a regular role in the MLB this summer while channeling Team Italy’s spirited enthusiasm back to Houston, enriching the Astros with the same energy he experienced in the World Baseball Classic.
As Dezenzo works toward cementing his spot on the Astros’ roster, his unique path joining Team Italy serves as a reminder of how personal connections and cultural pride can shape an athlete’s journey. The story also reflects the growing diversity and international flavor present in baseball, as players like Dezenzo bridge their heritage and professional ambitions through events like the WBC.
😂 When Zach Dezenzo joined the team, Vinny Pasquantino made sure he got a proper welcome. pic.twitter.com/cbDEuuYAYK
— Chron (@chron) March 5, 2026
