ZooKeepers coach hired to scout for Italy in WBC

ASHEBORO — Italy was one the biggest surprises at this year’s World Baseball Classic and Asheboro ZooKeepers manager Mark Weidemaier was a key reason why.

Weidemaier was an advance scout for the Italy National Baseball Team. In this role, the ZooKeepers skipper is assisting Team Italy’s coaching staff by scouting opponents, preparing detailed reports and analyzing player tendencies throughout the tournament.

Advance scouts provide critical information that helps shape game plans, including insights on pitching matchups, offensive approaches, defensive alignments and situational strategies.

With the World Baseball Classic featuring many of the top professional players from across Major League Baseball and leagues around the world, the opportunity to contribute during the competition is a significant honor.

“It’s been a privilege to do the advance scouting for Team Italy here in the WBC,” Weidemaier said. “I am thankful to my former boss with the Los Angeles Dodgers and current Team Italy GM, Ned Colletti, for bringing me on board with this special group of players and coaches.”

Italy had great success in bracket play as the Italians went a perfect 4-0, including wins over Brazil and Great Britain before shocking Team USA 8-6 and rolling past Mexico 9-1.

In Saturday’s quarterfinal matchup, Italy recorded an 8-6 victory over Puerto Rico to send the Italians into the WBC semifinals, which was played Monday night. 

The entire Asheboro ZooKeepers organization is proud to see its leadership represented at the international level.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Mark and well deserved,” ZooKeepers General Manager Korey Dunbar said. 

“Having our manager contribute to a national team while the World Baseball Classic is taking place speaks to his baseball knowledge and the respect he has earned throughout the game.”

The experience gained during the World Baseball Classic will bring valuable perspective back to Asheboro as preparations continue for another summer of baseball at McCrary Park.