HOUSTON – Vinnie Pasquantino, a key bat in the Italian lineup at the World Baseball Classic, has extensive international experience, having played in tournaments in Japan and Taiwan, as well as in the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM).
The Kansas City Royals slugger, participating in his second Classic, discussed his international career on Tuesday ahead of Italy’s crucial Group B matchup against the United States in Houston. Pasquantino specifically recalled his time in LIDOM during the 2021-22 season, the winter before his Major League debut with the Royals.
Clásico Mundial de Béisbol 2026
Grupo A (San Juan) presented by Discover Puerto Rico
Grupo B (Houston) and Grupo D (Miami) presented by Capital One
Unprompted, Pasquantino addressed fans of the Dominican Republic’s Tigres del Licey, delivering a message directly to their supporters:
“I’d like to quickly speak to the people of the Dominican Republic,” Pasquantino said. “Please invite me back someday. I’m looking straight into the camera. I apologize for how poorly I played in that league. They sent me off that island very quickly because of how bad I was doing. So, I’d like to return someday and show that I can perform.”
during the 2021-22 season, Pasquantino appeared in eight games for Licey. He hit .133 (4-for-31) with one home run, two RBIs, and three runs scored before being released.
Despite the short stint, Pasquantino clearly harbors no ill will towards the club and hopes to prove himself there one day.
“Go Licey. Licey Champion,” Pasquantino said in Spanish. “It was an honor to represent Licey. The Dominican Republic was great.”
