2026 SIGNING TRACKER: C Samuele Bruno

KITCHENER - The Kitchener Panthers are proud to announce the signing of the versatile Italian import Samuele Bruno.

Bruno has spent the last several years playing in Italy's top baseball league, Serie A.

He hit a career .288 in 89 games playing for four teams in Serie A. This includes hitting .286 in 18 games in 2024 with Grosseto.

This spring, he played for Hastings College (NAIA) in Nebraska, where he hit .350 in 45 games.

Hastings' season ended Friday with a loss in the Great Plains Athletic Conference tournament.

"Samuele's versatility on the field will play a big factor for us this year," said general manager Shanif Hirani. "Being able to catch, as well as play the infield and the outfield will be extremely valuable.

"He has high level experience playing in Italy and is coming off a successful collegiate career. I'm excited to see that translate with us this season."

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SAMUELE BRUNO

Bats/Pitches: R/R

Hometown: Nettuno, Italy (IMPORT)

Birthdate: July 23, 2003

Pronunciation: Sam-WELL-eh BRUNO