LIVERZIANI REACHES 1,000-HIT MILESTONE IN ITALY

Claudio Liverziani of Foritudo Bologna became the seventh player in Italian League history to collect 1,000 or more hits in his career. The 34-year-old Liverziani reached the four-digit mark in a recent game against Palfinger Reggio Emilia by singling against former Boston Red Sox pitcher Abe Alvarez, who earned a 2004 World Series ring with the BoSox.


Liverziani made his Italian Series 1A debut with Novara in 1991 at age 16, and later spent two seasons in the Seattle Mariners organization in the late Nineties. After returning to Italy in 1999, the first baseman-outfielder played for four pennant winners, twice with Rimini and twice with Bologna. He’s also played for Italy’s National Team in three Olympic Games, three European Championships, the 2001 Baseball World Cup and the 2006 World Baseball Classic. Italy’s all-time hits leader, 44-year-old Roberto De Francheschi of De Angeles Godo, is at 1,514 safeties and counting.

Telemarket Rimini is still on top of the Italian League standings at 11-4, but Bologna is now just a game behind at 10-5 after reeling off five straight wins.