A symbol of Milan: Ivan Guerci, captain and legend, leaves us at 62 years old
Milanese baseball has lost one of its most loved and respected symbols: Ivan Guercihistoric captain of Milano Baseball, passed away at the age of 62 after a long battle with illness. An ordeal that he faced with the courage and determination that have always characterized his life, on and off the pitch. Guerci leaves an unfillable void, but also a legacy of passion, loyalty and an attachment to the shirt that made him a true legend for the club and for all those who knew him.
Long career and absolute loyalty: 718 matches for the rossoblù
From 1982 to 2003, Guerci wore the Milan shirt 718 gamesbecoming the player with the most appearances in the club’s history. During his career, he won two Italian Cups, two Cup Winners’ Cups and a Super Cup, engraving his name in the club’s most glorious moments. With 2426 turns at bat741 hits and 23 home runs, Guerci was not only a charismatic leader, but also one of the most incisive players of Milano Baseball. “For me, baseball was everything,” he often said, “a way of life, a path of growth.”
Guerci arrived at Milan from Inter Mars, accompanied by his father, an important figure in the world of Milanese baseball. His growth was constant, so much so that soon Carlo Passarotto, Milan’s historic coach, decided to give him a starting place. Since then, his career has been a continuous climb towards excellence, until he became one of the points of reference of the great Mediolanum by Mazzottiwith which he won the first Cup Winners’ Cup in Sweden, hitting the decisive goal that changed the fate of the match against Rotterdam.
The challenges and triumphs of a determined captain
Despite the triumphs and moments of glory, Guerci’s career was also marked by difficult moments. When the historic team disbanded in 1994, Guerci did not abandon the club: he dropped to the third series to help Milan rise again, demonstrating once again his loyalty and determination. He returned to Serie A with the club in 1997, facing moments of crisis and category changes with the same passion and seriousness that had always distinguished him.
Ivan Guerci represented the soul of Milano Baseball for over two decades, not only as a player but also as a moral guide for subsequent generations. His experience as a coach, after retiring from the field, demonstrates how deep-rooted his commitment to the club and young people was. A commitment that continued until the end, when already ill, he continued to follow the games and training sessions, encouraging the new players and passing on to them his love for baseball.
A champion even off the pitch
Ivan was also a family man: his wife was at his side during his long illness Barbara and children Aurora e Samuelto whom he has always shown great affection and protection. Even in the most difficult phases of the illness, Guerci did not stop following the team and actively participating in the life of the club. On September 1st, shortly before the worsening of his condition forced him to retire, he showed up at the Kennedy field to follow Milan’s last home match against Crocetta, a final proof of how baseball was an integral part of his life .
Also passionate about fishing, Guerci was a sunny figure, always ready to raise a smile. His cheerfulness and fighting spirit will remain etched in the memories of all those who had the privilege of knowing him. “In a little while I’ll have to go into the middle of the field and say goodbye,” he told his teammates with a sad smile a few months ago. A phrase that today sounds like his last, affectionate farewell to the world of baseball.
Numbers that tell of an extraordinary career
Ivan Guerci’s numbers testify to an extraordinary career: 718 games, 741 valid jokes, 2426 turns at bat, 23 home runs. But, as he himself stated, it was not the statistics that defined his success, but rather his passion and deep bond with the club and his teammates.
«Baseball is a family, but also a way of life», Guerci recalled, addressing young people who were approaching this sport. His life was the concrete demonstration of this thought. And even if he never wore the national team shirt – a regret, but never a reason for bitterness – his contribution to Italian baseball was invaluable.
A legacy of values for the new generations
In recent years, Ivan had dedicated himself to the growth of young talents, working alongside the coaches in the Milan Baseball youth teams and sharing his experience with them. Faithful to his critical and perfectionist spirit, he did not hesitate to encourage young athletes, reminding them of the importance of dedication and commitment. Even in recent years, when the disease was already putting him to the test, he followed the training sessions and matches, intervening with advice and suggestions, but always with a smile.
Milano Baseball’s last promotion to Serie A, which occurred when his health was already compromised, was a moment of great satisfaction for him. He celebrated with his teammates, certain that the club would have a bright future. If not for him, for the young people who represent the new generation of Milanese baseball.
Conclusion: a difficult farewell but full of gratitude
Ivan Guerci was much more than a player for Milano Baseball: he was a symbol, a captain and an example of dedication and passion. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. «Goodbye Ivan, we prefer to remember you for the joy you gave us, on and off the field», reads the farewell message from Milano Baseball, an affectionate and grateful greeting that summarizes the thoughts of the entire sporting community.
His memory will remain indelible, an example for the new generations, a symbol of loyalty and passion that will continue to inspire Milano Baseball and all those who love this sport.
