1983 European Championship

From BR Bullpen

The 1983 European Championship was held from July 28 through August 7, 1983 in Florence, Italy. It was used as a qualifier for the 1984 Olympics and was won by host Flag of Italy Italy. Flag of Netherlands Netherlands finished second, with Flag of Belgium Belgium taking Bronze. Flag of Spain Spain, Flag of Sweden Sweden and Flag of France France rounded out the standings.

Italy's roster included Roberto Bianchi, Giuseppe Carelli and Mike Romano. The Netherlands included Marcel Joost, Paul Smit, Eddy Tromp and Bart Volkerijk.

Italy won 32-0 against France, 24-0 against Spain and 21-0 against Sweden. They even scored 26 runs in their first two against the Netherlands, usually Europe's top team.

Bianchi hit .487 with 3 HR and 15 RBI to win the best hitter award. Luigi Colabello, David Farina and Michele Romano each won two for Italy.

Sources include Baseball in Europe by Josh Chetwynd

Also see 1983 European Championship (Rosters)