From Italy to Erie: How a SeaWolves infielder’s Classic experience prepared him for season

John Valente would love to play in a World Series one day.

He’d like to see if the atmosphere and excitement compare to what he experienced in the World Baseball Classic.

“It was unreal. It was the best baseball experience of my life so far,” Valente said. “Especially with us moving on from pool play and playing in front of 65,000 people at the Tokyo Dome. From what I’ve been hearing from guys that have been in the World Series, it tracks with that.”

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Valente, 27, played for Team Italy during the Classic and will suit up for the SeaWolves this season. He spent 2021 in Erie and all of 2022 in Triple-A Toledo.

Instead of getting upset about being back in Erie, Valente is ready to lead.

“I played with a lot of these guys the past few years whether it was in West Michigan or Erie or spring training, and it’s a great group,” Valente said. “Our success starts with Gabe (Alvarez). He makes things a lot easier. I met him in spring training last year and I’m excited to play for him and see what he’s all about.”

The SeaWolves open the season with three games in Akron starting Thursday at 6:35 p.m. After two off days, the ‘Wolves play their home opener at UPMC Park on Tuesday at 6:05 p.m. against Altoona.

Playing for Italy

Valente has a special connection to Italy as his grandmother, Angelina Valente, was born in Calitri, a small town. She moved to the United States in the 1950s but still beams with pride when talking about being from Italy.

“When my grandmother found out I was going to play for Italy, she was smiling from ear to ear,” Valente said. “She has been like a mother to me in my life, especially the past few years but really my whole life.”

Angelina Valente has been a big supporter of John throughout his baseball career and took on even more of a mother role a few years ago when his mother, Donna Valente, passed away from an illness.

Team Italy officials reached out to Valente to play in the Olympics, but with the pandemic at its height, it was a struggle for him to get dual citizenship. After that didn’t work out, Valente reached out to Team Italy before the World Baseball Classic.

“The rules were a little more lenient for the World Baseball Classic. You didn’t need dual citizenship but just trace ancestry and I can definitely do that,” Valente said. “It worked out great because I knew a lot of guys on the team, including a college roommate of mine, Joe LaSorsa.”

Valente, who grew up in New York City, also had the chance to play for former Mets star Mike Piazza, who managed Italy.

Valente played in three games and went 1-for-7, but that one hit was huge for the Italians. In the 10th inning of a pool play game against Cuba, Valente ripped an RBI single up the middle to give Italy the lead for good.

“I’m definitely going to stay involved with Team Italy, and we even said as a group that we all want to be back together for the next World Baseball Classic in 2026,” Valente said.

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Leading the SeaWolves

Erie has a young roster this year with no one above 27 years old. Valente is one of the experienced veterans at 27 years old and getting plenty of Triple-A time.

“It was awesome being in Toledo and baseball doesn’t change from Double-A to Triple-A,” Valente said. “It’s more about development than anything else. I think being back in Erie and getting more at-bats and time in the field is a great thing and I can’t wait to get started.”

Valente, who carries the nickname “Johnny 300” because he hits .300 every year, was a 21st round pick by the Tigers in the 2018 draft out of St. John’s.

He hit .301 with 22 extra-base hits and 22 RBIs during 66 games in Erie in 2021 before hitting .293 with 18 extra-base hits and 26 RBIs for the Mud Hens last year.

“A lot of leadership on and off the field,” SeaWolves manager Gabe Alvarez said about Valente. “He’s a guy that has done it before and at a higher level. He brings a lot of experience and he’s a pro. We’re very fortunate to have Johnny.”