Vital Verbert

Vital Verbert pitched for the Belgian national team. In a 1953 match against Italy, he broke his jaw in the 3rd inning after being hit by a ball. He remained in the game, pitching a complete game, but taking a 7-3 loss against a stronger Italian squad. He was hospitalized after the contest. In the first European Championship, held in 1954, he started the opener against Italy. In that historic start, he fared okay (5 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 R, 3 ER) before Jos Robijn relieved; Verbert then moved to left field. He went 0 for 4 at the plate against Mariano Casaldi and Carlo Tagliaboschi.

Sources: Baseball in Europe by Josh Chetwynd, Italian Baseball and Softball Federation