In an interview by Corrado Benedetti for the Italian Baseball and Softball Federation website, Jon Berti looks back on a professional career that ended in a particularly meaningful way – representing Italy at the 2026 World Baseball Classic and celebrating his family heritage on the international stage.
The 36-year-old Michigan native, whose family roots trace back to Veneto, retired after more than 15 years in professional baseball. His MLB career included 514 games with the Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, along with time in the Cleveland organization. He finished with a .256 batting average, 24 home runs and 128 RBIs.
Berti described playing for Italy as the ideal conclusion to his career. At the 2026 World Baseball Classic, he started 4 games at second base and hit .375, including a home run that helped give Italy a 2–0 lead against Mexico. He had already joined the Italian group during its early camp in Port Charlotte, Florida, where he was impressed by the talent and enthusiasm of the country's younger players.
The experience also strengthened Berti's personal relationship with Italy. Italian media explored his family's Veneto origins, while Berti appeared on national television during the tournament. He said the attention made his family proud and increased his desire to visit and explore the places connected to his ancestry.
Among a career filled with milestones – his first MLB hit and home run, Miami's 2023 playoff run and reaching the 2024 World Series with the Yankees – Berti placed the World Baseball Classic alongside his most meaningful memories.
He also credited his wife with encouraging him to participate.
Now retired, Berti plans to focus on his wife and daughter, complete his college degree and enjoy the family time that professional baseball often made difficult – carrying with him a final chapter written in Italy's colors.
