As the World Baseball Classic begins this week, Team Italy will take the field with more than talent and national pride. For veteran reliever Adam Ottavino, it will also include a deeply personal symbol wrapped around his waist.
Ottavino recently shared a collaborative Instagram post with Pioneer Belts, revealing a custom-made belt designed specifically for him to wear during the tournament. The belt, created by Pioneer Belts founder Matt Hadden, stands out immediately for its simple but meaningful design.
The belt is entirely white, intentionally chosen so Ottavino’s children could turn it into a canvas.
“When @adamottavino told me he wanted to do an all white belt and have his kids draw on it,” Hadden wrote on Instagram. “I was instantly excited… and the little ones didn’t disappoint. Good luck this year Adam.”
Across the belt are handwritten messages and playful drawings from Ottavino’s children, including a flower, a school bus, and colorful scribbles that reflect the creativity and personality of the young artists behind them. The belt also features Ottavino’s number “0” in Azzurri blue, tying the personal design to Italy’s national colors.
The result is a unique blend of family, culture, and baseball.
For Ottavino, who will pitch out of the bullpen for Italy in Pool B, the belt represents more than a piece of equipment. It serves as a reminder of the people supporting him at home while he competes on the international stage.
Italy opens World Baseball Classic play Saturday, March 7, in Houston against Brazil at 1 p.m. EST, kicking off a challenging pool that also includes Great Britain, Mexico, and the United States.
While fans will watch Ottavino for his trademark sweeping slider and veteran presence on the mound, they may also notice the belt around his waist. In a tournament built around representing heritage and national pride, the custom design reflects something equally central to Italian culture.
Family.
And for Ottavino, that family will be with him every time he takes the mound.
