News

Attention Italian American Mets Fans

For two seasons, the Italian American Baseball Foundation sought an Italian Heritage game with the New York Mets but received little communication and only an offer to purchase group tickets. While other clubs support such events, the Yankees host five Italian Heritage nights, prompting the IABF to demand better representation in Queens.

Drew Maggi Makes MLB Debut After 13 Years in Minors

Drew Maggi Italian American Heritage MLB Pirates Player News Professional Baseball Team Italy

Italian American former Team Italy player Drew Maggi made his MLB debut for the Pirates on April 26 at age 33 after 13 years in the minor leagues. He struck out in one at-bat, but the emotional moment was celebrated by his family, fans and manager Derek Shelton.

Yankees Celebrating Italian Heritage During Five Games in 2023

Community Events Fundraising IABF Italian American Heritage MLB

The New York Yankees will host five Italian Heritage games from September 5 through 10. Ticket proceeds will partly benefit the Italian American Baseball Foundation, and special event tickets include a Yankees hat featuring the Italian flag, a hot dog, and a drink. IABF also offers suite tickets for September 8.

Matt Quatraro Earns First MLB Win

Italian American Heritage MLB Player News Professional Baseball

Italian American Matt Quatraro earned his first Major League victory as manager of the Kansas City Royals. In his first season with Kansas City, Quatraro joined the club after serving as a third base coach with the Tampa Bay Rays and a hitting coach with the Cleveland Indians.

IABF Sponsors Italian Baseball Game for Florida High School Team

Community Events IABF International Baseball Youth Baseball

IABF board secretary Mark Cardillo organized a Community School of Naples baseball trip featuring games against Italian clubs in Nettuno, Parma and Milan. The IABF sponsored the CSN-Crocetta game in Parma, which Cardillo said exemplified the foundation’s mission.

Mike Piazza, Lou Tallarini Presented with 2023 Joe DiMaggio Award

Fundraising IABF Scholarships Team Italy Youth Baseball

The Joe DiMaggio Award Dinner for the Joe DiMaggio Scholarship Fund included the Italian American Baseball Federation as a partner. Honorees Mike Piazza and Lou Tallarini were recognized, while proceeds support scholarships, youth development and baseball’s growth in Italy.

Italian Americans Named to MLB Top 100

Featured IABF Italian Americans MLB MLB Top 100 Player News Professional Baseball

Eight Italian Americans appeared on the MLB Top 100 list to open the 2023 season: Justin Verlander ranked 14th, followed by J.T. Realmuto at 29, Pete Alonso at 31, Gerrit Cole at 37, Brandon Nimmo at 54, Anthony Rizzo at 74, Aaron Nola at 79 and Joe Musgrove at 96.

Washington Nationals Hosting Italian Heritage Night on June 20

Fundraising IABF Italian American Heritage MLB

The Nationals will host Italian Heritage Night in Washington on June 20 with the Italian American Baseball Foundation. Ticket buyers receive a commemorative item, while part of sales benefits IABF; group purchasers can contact Logan Davis for assistance.

IABF Honors Tommy Lasorda’s Legacy at Long Island Baseball Facility

Baseball Baseball History Chris R. Vaccaro IABF Italian American Heritage Long Island Team Steel Tommy Lasorda Youth Baseball

To further its commitment to Tommy Lasorda and what he meant to the game of baseball, the Italian American Baseball Foundation helped facilitate the placement of canvas art featuring Lasorda at the practice facility named in his honor on Long Island.

Thank You to Team Italy for a Memorable World Baseball Classic Performance

IABF International Baseball Team Italy World Baseball Classic

The Italian American Baseball Foundation praised Team Italy’s effort during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, recognizing its growth from the Mission Classic in Italy through Arizona training camp and historic games worldwide. The foundation also thanked Andrea Marcon and Mike Piazza for advancing Italian baseball.