10th Anniversary IABF Gala

DECEMBER 10, 2026 @ 6:30 PM
IABF NEWS

News

Italian Pitcher Matteo Marelli Signs with New York Mets

July 5, 2026, was a historic day for Matteo Marelli and Italian baseball. The Milanese pitcher, born in 2006, has signed with the New York Mets. The athlete, a native of Senago—where he developed as a player until 2023—has officially become the sixth Italian to join the American Minor Leagues in 2025, following: Giacomo Taschin (his.

2025 IABF College Baseball and Softball Scholarships Announced

The Italian American Baseball Foundation has increased its college baseball and softball scholarship offerings for the fifth consecutive year. This year, we reached 20 recipients, who were reviewed and approved by the IABF Scholarship Committee. Each student-athlete combines a strong academic standing and is playing college baseball.

Cervelli-IABF Academy U19 Wins Euro Pony League

The Francisco Cervelli IABF Academy’s U19 team won the European Pony League title and earned a place in this summer’s World Series in Texas. IABF praised the players, coaches, parents, and supporters for advancing education, motivation, and cultural expansion through baseball.

Cervelli-IABF Academy Wins U14 European Pony League Title

The Francisco Cervelli IABF Academy won the U14 Pony League European Zone 2025 in Prague, while the Under 16 won bronze in the Colt category. In addition to the team victory, the Italian team earned important individual awards: Ruben Paviotti was awarded best pitcher, while Tommaso Destro won MVP honors.

Jac Caglianone Named Ambassador of the Italian American Baseball Foundation

New York, NY – April 8, 2025—The Italian American Baseball Foundation named Jac Caglianone its official ambassador, recognizing his talent, Italian heritage, and commitment to growing baseball. He will promote youth programs, scholarships, and opportunities connecting Italian American players with the global baseball community.

IABF Hosts Yankees Spring Training Game, Honors Joe Urso at First Tampa Social

The Italian American Baseball Foundation celebrated its first Tampa Social by honoring University of Tampa baseball coach Joe Urso with an IABF Ambassador Award. The event brought together guests, sponsors, and supporters who share the foundation’s commitment to Italian heritage and baseball.

Remembering Rocky Colavito

Rocky Colavito, one of the finest Italian American baseball players of the 20th century and a Cleveland Hall of Fame inductee, died at 91 at his Pennsylvania home. He hit 374 home runs, appeared in nine All-Star Games, and hit four homers in one game.

Relive the 2024 IABF Gala

The Italian American Baseball Foundation held its ninth gala with record attendance and support, honoring leaders including Rob Manfred, Marco Mazzieri, and Riccardo Fraccari. The event recognized achievements across baseball and helped generate record scholarship numbers through the support of the board, sponsors, and attendees.

Dom Scala Voted to IABF Executive Board

Dom Scala, a former Yankees player and coach, New York State Baseball Hall of Famer, and longtime Adelphi University coach, has joined the IABF Executive Board as a voting member. The longtime advisory board member is expected to contribute to IABF’s future growth.

Marco Mazzieri Elected President of FIBS

The Italian American Baseball Foundation congratulated Marco Mazzieri on his election as President of the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball. IABF supported his vision for transforming and growing baseball in Italy and thanked outgoing president Andrea Marcon for his eight years of service.