Italian coach to train with Dawgs' staff

Michele Berni, an accomplished coach with Sale Baganza, a Series A2 team in the Italian Baseball League, will join the Dawgs and Dawgs Academy in June 2020. Photo: Okotoks Dawgs

March 6, 2020

Official Okotoks Dawgs Press Release

OKOTOKS, AB – Michele Berni, an accomplished coach with Sale Baganza, a Series A2 team in the Italian Baseball League, will join the Dawgs and Dawgs Academy in June 2020.

Berni described his goals in working with Dawgs Summer Collegiate and Academy Coaches and players as follows: “…to be a better coach…to be able to improve my methods of teaching, observing and hands on work with a technical staff of a high level as with (the) Dawgs program. It is important for me to share techniques to my players and have them be confident and experience success.”

Berni became aware of the Dawgs program dating back to Dawgs Coach David Robb’s experience managing the Italian National 18U Team in 2000, as well as Coach Robb’s assignments with Parma and Rovigo of the Italian Professional League. One of Coach Robb’s players on the National Team, Leonardo Zilieri, later enjoyed success playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic and now coaches with Berni on the staff of Sala Baganza.

Coach Berni’s connection with the Dawgs Program did not end there. His brother, a former player in the Italian League, was transferred for work to Calgary last summer and was able to experience games at Seaman Stadium. That sparked discussions with his brother back in Italy about what the Dawgs program and facilities had to offer and ultimately resulted in Coach Berni seeking an invitation to work with Dawgs Coaches and players.

Dawgs Managing Director, John Ircandia, had this to say: “The Dawgs are thrilled to welcome Coach Berni to our staff this June. He will get valuable exposure to the leading edge techniques of both our summer collegiate and academy coaches. I am constantly in awe of the high regard Italian Baseball holds for our Dawgs’ Hall of Famer, David Robb. Clearly, Dave has created an incredible coaching legacy not only with the Dawgs and Mesa JC in Arizona, but internationally as well. The Dawgs will embrace this opportunity to teach and to learn. Again, benvenuto Michele Berni.”

The 2020 season when the Dawgs defend their WCBL Championship gets underway on the road on May 29th with the Home Opener scheduled for June 3rd followed by a home stand at Seaman Stadium through June 6th. Season tickets are now on sale with game day tickets being available starting April 1st, 2020. Call the Dawgs office at 403.262.3294.