News

IABF Featured on Out in the Field Podcast

IABF board trustee Chris Vaccaro appeared on the “Out in the Field” podcast to discuss the organization, the growth of baseball in Italy, and other topics. The podcast conversation highlighted the foundation’s work and its broader interest in developing the game.

Mike Pagliarulo Named 2022 IABF Achievement Award Honoree

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Former big leaguer Mike Pagliarulo was selected as the 2022 IABF Achievement Award honoree. He was recognized for his support of the Italian American Baseball Foundation after an 11-year major league career, a 1991 World Series title with the Twins, coaching with Miami, and work with Washington.

IABF Sponsors Brooklyn Bash College Showcase

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation sponsored the 2022 Brooklyn Bash to support youth baseball development and college scouting exposure. Eight teams competed, while coaches from 10 local colleges evaluated players. The Brooklyn Patriots won the showcase.

MLB’s Jim Small to Receive IABF Executive of the Year Award

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Jim Small, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President of International, was named the 2022 Italian American Baseball Foundation Executive of the Year. He will be honored at the December 1 IABF Gala for leading MLB’s global growth, international scheduling, talent development, and World Baseball Classic efforts.

IABF Debuts Student Leadership Advisory Council with Virtual FIBS Discussion

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Timed with Italian American Heritage Month, the Italian American Baseball Foundation launched its Student Leadership Advisory Council on October 1. The council hosted Gianmarco Faraone of Italy’s Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball to discuss baseball development, professional leagues, and opportunities for student-athletes.

O’Hoppe Makes MLB Debut, Gets First Hit

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Called up one day, makes his debut and gets his first hit in his first at-bat the next … welcome to the #BigLeagues , Logan O’Hoppe! Nice work by the top prospect in the #Angels organization and one of the top 65 prospects in all of #baseball . Italian on his mother’s side, we’re proud of Logan! Read more from MLB.com .

IABF Organizes Italian Heritage Night at Nationals Park

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IABF officials, Nationals personnel and Italian Embassy representatives celebrated Italian Heritage Night as a cultural exchange highlighting Italian American heritage, diplomacy and international relations. The event included an Italian-style ceremonial “play ball,” and organizers looked forward to similar experiences in 2023.

Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo Earns Contract Option

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The Arizona Diamondbacks picked up manager Torey Lovullo’s contract option. Hired in 2017, Lovullo has won 390 games, the most in franchise history. The California native played eight major-league seasons and began coaching at that level with Toronto in 2011 before joining Boston in 2012.

IABF Names Scholarship in Honor of Steve Napolitano’s Dedication to Organization

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Steve Napolitano has supported the Italian American Baseball Foundation since its formation in 2016 and hosted its annual golf outing at Engineers Country Club on Long Island. During the outing, IABF announced that an annual scholarship would be named in honor of Steve and his family.

Michael Kay Named 2022 IABF Media Award Honoree

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Longtime New York Yankees’ broadcaster Michael Kay will be honored with the Italian American Baseball Foundation Media Award at the annual IABF Gala in December 2022. Kay is Italian on his mother’s side. A Bronx native, Kay is best known as the play-by-play broadcaster of the Yankees and host of CenterStage on the YES Network.

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