News

Former MLB Pitcher, Port Authority Police Officer Anthony Varvaro Dies

Anthony Varvaro lived two dreams. He was a pro baseball player and a police officer. The Italian American died suddenly in a car accident on his way to a Sept. 11 memorial ceremony in New York City. Varvaro, 37, became a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officer after pitching for the Mariners, Braves and Red Sox.

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation sponsored a college showcase featuring Italy’s 18u National Team. Coordinated through Between the Lines, the event provided coaches with remote access to player video, camera angles and metrics, while compiling data to support development and potential U.S. college opportunities.

Celebrating 125th Anniversary of Ed Abbaticchio’s Pro Baseball Debut

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ED ABBATICCHIO DAY: On this day 125 years ago Ed Abbaticchio made his professional baseball debut. It’s believed that Ed was the first Italian American to play pro baseball when he debuted for the Phillies on September 4, 1897. He went on to play for 14 seasons and helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win a World Series in 1909.

Cavalli, Volpe, Friscia Advance to Next Level

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Big couple weeks for Italian American players! Cade Cavalli was called up to the Washington Nationals, Anthony Volpe was called up to Triple A in the Yankees organization and Vito Friscia was called up to Triple A in the Phillies organization. Good luck to each in the next chapter and thanks for making us proud!

Lycoming Baseball Welcomes Italian LLWS Team

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The Italian team that reached the Little League World Series in Williamsport visited nearby Lycoming College. Coach Rick Oliveri and freshman Matt Guido, both proud Italian Americans, discussed the school, heritage and baseball with the young student-athletes.

Dave Righetti Named to Team USA WBC Coaching Staff

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Italian American Dave Righetti was named bullpen coach on Mark DeRosa’s Team USA staff for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Righetti pitched 16 major-league seasons, won AL Rookie of the Year and Reliever of the Year twice, threw a no-hitter and coached the Giants from 2010 to 2017.

Red Sox Host Massive Italian Heritage Night

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Another successful Italian Heritage Night for IABF! About 700 fans received commemorative Italian jerseys and were treated to pre-game music at Fenway. IABF board members Joe Quagliano, Carmine Gangone and Chris Vaccaro were in attendance. Special thank you to Travis Pollio from the Red Sox for organizing the event.

IABF’s Heritage Night Games Featured on American Domani

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IABF’s Heritage Night Games Featured on American Domani. IABF’s work creating Italian Heritage Night games across the country is featured on America Domani . The story was written by IABF board trustee Chris R. Vaccaro. The article centers on IABF’s Heritage Night Games Featured on American Domani and presents the available facts.

IABF Awards Eight College Scholarships

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation announced its 2022–2023 college scholarship recipients, nearly tripling its giving from the inaugural class. The awards recognize college baseball and softball players of Italian heritage with strong academic standing, including repeat recipient Francesco Bonvini of Kingsborough Community College.

Italian American Mark DeRosa Named Team USA Manager for World Baseball Classic

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Italian American Mark DeRosa was named manager of Team USA for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. DeRosa called the appointment an honor and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, recalling his experience competing for Team USA in the 2009 tournament and expressing enthusiasm about leading its star-studded roster.

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