Blind Baseball Community mourns the passing of Alberto Mazzanti

The Italian Blind Baseball Association (AIBxC, a WBSC Associate Member) announced the passing of former President Alberto Mazzanti.

Born in 1942, he had a brief baseball playing career as a second baseman and a successful run as an executive. His nickname in Italian baseball was Chessman.

Having been on the 1971 Baseball European Championship Organising Committee, Mazzanti became first a fan, then an executive of Fortitudo Bologna. He served as Secretary General (1973) and General Manager (1974-1982). He also contributed as the Baseball National Team Head of Delegation from 1977 to 1980. FIBS appointed him the head of the Tee Ball project in 1984

"Baseball lost a man of vision. I lost a friend," commented WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. "The WBSC will honour his legacy supporting the Blind Baseball Development "

Mazzanti was among the founders of the Italian Blind Baseball Association (AIBxC). He succeeded Alfredo Meli as President in 2011 and served until October 2025, when Eva Trevisan succeeded him and named Mazzanti Honorary President.

"It was a privilege to know Alberto. His passing leaves a profound void," commented Trevisan. "Alberto welcomed me to the Blind Baseball family. He trusted me and supported me as the person best suited to develop Alfredo Meli's project further. He will be missed, but his dedication and commitment will inspire us. I will do my best to honour his memory."

The Italian Baseball Softball Federation (FIBS) inducted Mazzanti to the Hall of Fame with the class of 2019.