Although efforts to popularize baseball in Italy failed to gain traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the sport eventually established a foothold in the country after American soldiers brought the game with them during World War II, playing during their free time and attracting the interest of the local population.

While there have only been seven Italian-born Major Leaguers, some of the biggest stars in baseball history can trace their roots back to Italy, including National Baseball Hall of Famers such as Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Mike Piazza, Tony Lazzeri, Roy Campanella, Craig Biggio, Ron Santo and Phil Rizzuto, not to mention a trio of Hall of Fame managers -- Tommy Lasorda, Tony La Russa and Joe Torre.