1. Overview
Christopher Daniel Cooper (1978-2023) was an American professional baseball pitcher. Born on October 31, 1978, Cooper embarked on a diverse career that spanned Minor League Baseball in the United States, Independent League Baseball, and a significant period playing professionally in Italy. His career also included representing the Italy national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic, a testament to his Italian heritage. Cooper died on March 12, 2023, at the age of 44, due to a heart attack. This article details his early life, professional journey across various leagues, and his contributions to international baseball.
2. Early Life and Background
Christopher Daniel Cooper was born on October 31, 1978, in the United States.
2.1. Education
Cooper pursued his formal education at the University of New Mexico. It was from this institution that he entered the professional baseball landscape.
3. Professional Career
Christopher Daniel Cooper's professional baseball career encompassed various leagues, from the minor league system in the United States to independent circuits and professional play in Italy.
3.1. Minor League Baseball
Cooper began his professional journey after being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 35th round of the 2001 MLB Draft. Following his time with the Indians' organization, he transitioned to the New York Mets farm system, where he continued to develop his pitching skills until 2006.
3.2. Independent League Baseball
In 2007, Cooper played in Independent League Baseball, specifically joining a team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. This period provided him with continued opportunities to compete professionally before his move to Italy.
3.3. Professional Career in Italy
After playing in the Atlantic League in 2007, Cooper moved to Italy to continue his professional baseball career. His decision to play in Italy was influenced by his Italian descent, which also made him eligible to represent the country internationally.
4. International Career
Christopher Daniel Cooper became an integral part of the Italy national baseball team, representing the nation in prestigious international tournaments due to his Italian heritage.
4.1. World Baseball Classic Participation
Cooper notably participated in two editions of the World Baseball Classic (WBC), representing the Italy national baseball team.
In the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Christopher Daniel Cooper was part of the Italian roster. The players on the team included:
- Leonardo Zileri
- Jack Santora
- Mike Costanzo
- Nick Punto
- Andrea De Santis
- Vinny Rottino
- Alex Liddi
- Mark DiFelice
- Alex Maestri
- B. J. LaMura
- Chris Denorfia
- Peter Ciofrone
- Frank Catalanotto
- Cody Cillo
- Dan Serafini
- Kasey Olenberger
- Davide Dallospedale
- Christopher Daniel Cooper
- Valentino Pascucci
- Roberto Corradini
- Tiago da Silva
- Mario Chiarini
- Giuseppe Mazzanti
- Jason Grilli
- Luca Panerati
- Adam Ottavino
- Lenny DiNardo
- Francisco Cervelli
The coaching staff for the 2009 team was:
- Manager: Marco Mazzieri
- Coaches: Mike Hargrove, Tom Trebelhorn, Alberto D'Auria, William Holmberg, Mike Piazza, Gilberto Gerali
Cooper also played for the Italy national baseball team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. The roster for this tournament featured:
- Jack Santora
- Anthony Granato
- Mike Costanzo
- Juan Carlos Infante
- Nick Punto
- Lorenzo Avagnina
- Chris Denorfia
- Alex Liddi
- Alex Maestri
- Alessandro Vaglio
- Brian Sweeney
- Pat Venditte
- Marco Grifantini
- Chris Colabello
- Nick Pugliese
- Dan Serafini
- Christopher Daniel Cooper
- Tyler LaTorre
- John Mariotti
- Luca Panerati
- Tiago da Silva
- Jason Grilli
- Drew Butera
- Matt Torra
- Anthony Rizzo
- Mario Chiarini
- Tim Crabbe
- Stefano Desimoni
The coaching staff for the 2013 team was:
- Manager: Marco Mazzieri
- Pitching Coach: William Holmberg
- Coaches: Frank Catalanotto, Alberto D'Auria, Gilberto Gerali, Mike Piazza, Tom Trebelhorn
5. Death
Christopher Daniel Cooper died on March 12, 2023. His death was attributed to a heart attack. He was 44 years old at the time of his passing.