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Pasquantino Laughs Off Stephen A. Smith's World Baseball Classic Criticism
The Kansas City Royals first baseman brushed aside ESPN commentator's claims that he was "betraying the country" by playing for Italy.
Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:08pm
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Vinnie Pasquantino, a Virginia native who played for Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, laughed off criticism from ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that he was "betraying the country" by suiting up for the Italian team. Pasquantino, whose family history allowed him to represent Italy, said he found Smith's comments "amazing" and "great for the game" to be discussed on that stage, even if some of Smith's takes were "wrong." Pasquantino's joyful performance and Italy's surprising run to the semifinals captured the hearts of many fans during the tournament.
Why it matters
Pasquantino's decision to play for Italy despite being born in the U.S. sparked debate around national team eligibility rules and the growing globalization of baseball. His ability to brush off criticism and focus on the positive experience highlights the tournament's ability to bring people together through the shared love of the game.
The details
Pasquantino, a 28-year-old first baseman for the Kansas City Royals, was allowed to play for Italy due to his family history, though he was born in Virginia. He was a key contributor to Italy's surprise run to the World Baseball Classic semifinals, where they ultimately fell to Venezuela. Pasquantino's enthusiastic celebrations and leadership on the team made him a fan favorite, but ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith criticized Pasquantino for "betraying the country" by playing for Italy instead of the U.S.
- Italy's World Baseball Classic run came to an end on March 20, 2026.
- Pasquantino's comments about Stephen A. Smith's criticism came after Italy's semifinal loss.
The players
Vinnie Pasquantino
A 28-year-old first baseman for the Kansas City Royals who was born in Virginia but played for Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to his family history.
Stephen A. Smith
An ESPN commentator who criticized Pasquantino for "betraying the country" by playing for Italy instead of the United States.
What they’re saying
“I think Stephen A. Smith, I think he called me a — I think he said I was betraying the country or something. I thought that was amazing.”
— Vinnie Pasquantino, Kansas City Royals first baseman
“He kept saying how I was from Richmond, Virginia.”
— Vinnie Pasquantino, Kansas City Royals first baseman
What’s next
Pasquantino will now return his focus to the upcoming MLB season with the Kansas City Royals, where he'll look to carry over the joy and enthusiasm he displayed while representing Italy in the World Baseball Classic.
The takeaway
Pasquantino's ability to brush off criticism and focus on the positive experience of playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic, despite being born in the U.S., highlights the tournament's power to bring people together through their shared love of the game. His joyful performance inspired fans and showed that national team eligibility rules can foster greater global appreciation for baseball.
