Baseball is just a sport...but it's fun to 'live and die' a little each day with your team.....It's wonderful that the world has caught 'baseball fever' with this quirky sport.....

I can see young kids from all around the world particpating in this great game.......or maybe not

Back in 1984 the Lost Angeles Olympics were the games where baseball was introduced as a part of the whole experience!!

The opening ceremonies were held before the first pitch of a double header!!

Italy, Chinese Tapei, the US and Canada were on the schedule that night....

I browsed thru the catalogue and saw some names like Mark Mcguire, Will Clark, Chris Gywnn and Barry Larkin.....A bunch of college kids that were supposed to be pretty good...

The first game was fantastic......During the intermission between games I took a walk to grab a drink and use the restroom.....

As I approached the facilities I saw the Italian team congregated
by the elevators, signing autographs and taking time to mingle...

I wanted to show my appreciation for the show they put on. As I walked by one of the players I patted him on the shoulder and said, "Nice game!" For a split second I thought this guy wouldn't understand what I was talking about.....He turned and said to me, in English better than mine...."Thanks alot!!!"



It wasn't until later on that I found out that many college and minor league players used their dual citizenship to play for their 'home' countries!!!!

To this day, when I see a foreign baseball player being interviewed, I laugh and remember that day back in 84.

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One other nice coincidence about that '84 team was a kid by the name of Flavio Alfaro..He was a neighborhood kid that played with my brother....He brought his silver medal back to the 'hood and let everyone share it!!! A very nice gesture!!