The Reds hired Italian American and former IABF honoree Terry Francona as their new manager. Francona, 65, who stepped down as Guardians manager after the 2023 season, returns to the dugout having managed three teams over a 23-year career. He has a 1,950-1,672 record with the Phillies (1997-2000), Red Sox (2004-2011) and Guardians (2013-2023). He […]
To further connect to the Italian baseball landscape, the Italian American Baseball Foundation has launched a new “Italian Baseball Advisory Board” to bolster baseball development, college pipeline alignment, and scholarship potential for Italian natives. Former Team Italy Manager Marco Mazzieri leads this advisory board, which includes other well-known veterans from Italy who have a deep […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation will double down on its efforts to give Italian players opportunities to play college baseball and softball in the United States. IABF has established a new international strategic plan for its growing college pipeline for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. The process involves bolstering international leadership and partnerships, fostering […]
Samuel Aldegheri made history this season becoming the first Italian bord, raised and developed pitcher to play in the big leagues. For that, he will be recognized as a 2024 Italian American Baseball Foundation Future Star Award honoree. Aldegheri, who hails from Verona, Italy, debuted with the Los Angeles Angels in September and is a […]
CASTIGLIONE DELLA PESCAIA—In a transformational moment for the Italian American Baseball Foundation and the Francisco Cervelli Baseball Academy, the two organizations have combined efforts to enhance the baseball facility and focus on youth baseball development in Italy. Simone Piani Stadium in Castiglione della Pescaia will now be the home of the Francisco Cervelli-Italian American Baseball […]
It’s with great pride that the Italian American Baseball Foundation names Marco Mazzieri as an IABF Ambassador Award honoree. He will be recognized at the 2024 IABF Gala at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx. Mazzieri, who is running in an election to be President of the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball, managed Team […]
The following statement is from the international executive board of the Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF): “The IABF is endorsing Marco Mazzieri for president of the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball in the upcoming election. Marco’s extensive experience as a player and coach and his proven leadership skills make him the ideal candidate to guide […]
Thanks again for our record number of golfers who attended the outing this year. Relive the day with photos from Cono Corvino: https://bit.ly/4dYQpU1 Remember … next up: The IABF Gala on December 5. Get tickets today!
We are bullish on the impact of these Italian Heritage Games. No organization in the country has organized as many heritage-based games in as many cities and tied them directly to a scholarship fund that benefits college baseball and softball players. We also appreciate the relationships IABF continues to make in the process. Joining IABF’s […]
For his contributions to baseball in Italy, Italian American Don Landolphi is being recognized as an Italian American Baseball Foundation Ambassador Award honoree. He will be honored at the annual IABF Gala on December 5 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx. Don began his journey to Italy in 1973 as a coach selected to […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation was proud to sponsor the first New York State Baseball Hall of Fame youth tournament in upstate New York this past weekend. The Hall of Fame will recognize IABF at the 2024 induction ceremony. It was a perfect opportunity to help with baseball activity and continue to fulfill our mission […]
Another week, another Italian Heritage Game in MLB. IABF’s Chris Vaccaro represented the organization in St. Louis, which has a large Italian American population. Vaccaro spent time with Andre Pallante and Daniel Descalso from the Cardinals. Both have played for Team Italy and are very proud of their Italian heritage. We do this to raise […]
From the MLB Draft Pipeline to the MLB Top 100 Prospect list, Italian Americans rank among the top young players in the game. MLB.com released its latest Top 100 list, including these players with Italian heritage:
One of the most transformative baseball leaders, Riccardo Fraccari, has been selected as an Italian American Baseball Foundation Ambassador Award honoree in 2024. He will be recognized at that annual IABF Gala on December 5 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx. Fraccari, an Italian native, began his career in sports leadership with the Italian […]
Dom Balsamo, SVP of Global Media Partnerships at Major League Baseball, is this year’s Italian American Baseball Foundation Executive of the Year. He will be honored at the IABF Gala on December 5 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx. Balsamo started with Major League Baseball in 2001 and is in his 23rd season with […]
Thanks to the New York Yankees for celebrating Italian Heritage with another game focusing on our proud culture. IABF’s Joe Qualiano and Carmine Cangone were joined on the field before the game by Anthony Volpe and Sean Stellato. Volpe is a past IABF Future Star honoree. There are several more Italian heritage games this season.
College baseball coaching legend Paul Mainieri is this year’s IABF Collegiate Award honoree. With 1,500-plus wins, Mainieri is one of the winningest coaches in college baseball history. He has held head coaching positions at St. Thomas, Air Force, Notre Dame, and, most notably, LSU, where he led the Tigers to a College World Series in […]
It has been a special year for Red Sox radio broadcaster Joe Castiglione, from the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame and now the 2024 IABF Media Award. Both are for his service to broadcasting and baseball. Castiglione has been the Red Sox’s radio voice since 1983. He started his career […]
Izabella Cimino, a Division I softball player at Florida Atlantic University, is a past recipient of an IABF Scholarship. She was also selected to travel through the National Italian American Foundation’s “Voyage of Discovery” program in partnership with IABF. This is an essay about her experience. When NIAF awarded me this amazing opportunity to join […]
Sal Frelick is the latest ball player named an Italian American Baseball Foundation Future Star honoree. He will be recognized at the annual IABF Gala on December 5 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx. Frelick is Italian American through his mother’s heritage. Frelick played for Team Italy at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and […]
At least 34 players with Italian heritage were selected in the 2024 Major League Baseball draft, the most in a single draft to IABF’s knowledge. Top pick Travis Bazzana is Australian Italian. Chase Burns, the second overall pick, was born in Napoli. Jac Caglianone, the sixth overall pick, was last year’s IABF Future Star honoree. […]
PARMA, ITALY—A contingent of leaders from the Italian American Baseball Foundation traveled to Italy for several youth baseball clinics and transformational meetings, further extending the organization’s impact, growth, and potential abroad. As a board trustee of IABF, I chronicled the journey with video and images on social media throughout the week. This is a narrative […]
IABF was proud to sponsor a unique baseball experience for a group of U15 players from the United States recently in Grosseto, Italy. Thanks to a relationship between Marco Mazzeri and Doug Williams, players from the Francisco Cervelli Academy Team in Italy, the Peninsula Mets from the States, and the Czech National Team participated in […]
Spencer Jones is the latest ball player named an Italian American Baseball Foundation Future Star honoree. He will be recognized at the annual IABF Gala on December 5 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx. Jones is Italian American through his mother’s heritage. Jones, who was also named to the MLB Futures Game, is one […]
How lucky are these kids?! A huge thank you to IABF Advisory Board member Dom Scala for hosting another incredible week of the Scala Baseball Camp, sponsored by the IABF. Thanks to Mike Pagliarulo, an IABF Advisory Board member, for working the camp! IABF continues to offer baseball development opportunities for children in the United […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation had another incredible and impactful Italian Heritage Night at Nationals Park. The headline story: more than 1,000 tickets were sold for the event, the most yet and another increase for the third consecutive year! Each fan received a beautifully designed green, white, and red jersey giveaway with the silhouette of […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation has increased its college scholarship offering for the fourth consecutive year. One of IABF’s primary goals is to award scholarships to deserving student-athletes who express pride in Italian culture and heritage. The scholarships are open to Americans and international students from Italy committed to playing baseball or softball in college […]
Yankees legend Dave Righetti has been named the 2024 Italian American Baseball Foundation Achievement Award honoree. He will be recognized at the annual IABF Gala on December 5 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx. Righetti pitched for the Yankees from 1979-1990 and later with the Giants, Athletics, Blue Jays, and White Sox. He was […]
This year’s IABF Cigar Dinner was another fantastic event. Thanks to everyone who helped make it a success. We’ll see you at the IABF Golf Outing in September and the IABF Gala in December! Special thank you to John Franco for his support as well. ( Photos by Cono Corvino) See the full photo album!
Samuele Sbardolini is from Brescia, Italy, and played high school ball in Florida this season. Under the guidance of IABF board member Mark Cardillo, Samuele participated in a special IABF study-abroad program. My name is Samuele Sbardolini. I was born in Brescia and started playing baseball when I was three. I grew up and learned […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation will honor Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred at its annual gala in December. On December 5, at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx, Manfred will receive the IABF Excellence Award for his service to the game in recognition of his heritage. Commissioner Manfred is of Italian descent. On his mother’s […]
Jacopo Tamburini, from Bologna, Italy, is this year’s recipient of the Italian American Baseball Foundation and Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship. Each year, the two organizations partner on a scholarship-matching initiative for a student-athlete that upholds the core values of both non-profits. He will be recognized at the annual National Education & Leadership Awards in […]
The baseball world is mourning the death of Italian-American baseball executive Larry Lucchino, who had a legendary career running the Orioles, Padres, and Red Sox. He was 78. Most notably, he was the President/CEO of the Red Sox from 2002 to 2015 and helped lead Boston to three World Series titles. He also is the […]
IABF CIGAR DINNER: Join the Italian American Baseball Foundation on June 12 for our annual cigar dinner. This year’s event is hosted by Mets legend John Franco at Bourbon Street in Queens. GET TICKETS TODAY!
The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) and Elefterakis, Elefterakis, and Panek (EEP) have agreed to a partnership to support their collective efforts in youth baseball development. IABF has become one of the world’s premier heritage-based non-profit baseball organizations and is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of Italian American ball players while helping grow the […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation continues to grow and influence the game of baseball domestically and globally. The organization has been selected for induction into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024 for its efforts. The announcement was made by Rene LeRoux, Executive Director of the Hall. “The IABF is honored to […]
HOF: Congratulations to Italian American broadcaster Joe Castiglione on being named the 2024 Ford C. Fick Award honoree by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This legendary Boston radio man has been in the booth for 41 seasons and is still going strong. Congratulations on a legendary career, and welcome to Cooperstown! Read more about […]
Thank you to all 450 people who made this year’s IABF Gala a historic and memorable event. We are blessed to have so many people who believe in our mission and share in the love of both Italian heritage and the great game of baseball. Congratulations again to our honorees, Terry Francona, Torey Lovullo, Chris […]
There will be several moves in the MLB off-season, including Italian American players. Use this list to keep track!
Italian American Baseball Foundation President Joe Quagliano is proud to announce the appointment of John Viola to the IABF Advisory Board. Viola, known as a professional Italian American for his philanthropic and humanitarian support of many cultural initiatives related to Italian heritage, is the co-host of the Italian American Podcast and a former President of […]
Baseball fans in Italy were treated to the premier of “Mission Classic,” the documentary, in their home country this week. The Italian version of the film premiered at the 40th annual Milano Federation of International Cinema Television Sportifs Fest. It was shown at the Grande Auditorium Testori Palazzo Lombardia in Milano. Patrons of all ages […]
The Mission Classic documentary is available in a full-length one-hour release. The full running debuted during a sports film festival in Milan, and the film is available for worldwide distribution via YouTube. This project was produced by the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball and the Italian American Baseball Foundation. CLICK HERE to watch the […]
The full-length Mission Classic Italia Baseball film will debut at the 40th annual Milan International FICTS Fest. The Federation of International Cinema Television Sportifs is recognized by the International Olympic Committee for promoting the values of sport through footage. The screening on November 8 at 6.30 p.m. at the Testori Auditorium will feature an introduction […]
Dan Bonanno has played an integral role in the growth of baseball in Europe and Italy for more than 20 years. He will be honored with an IABF Ambassador Award during IABF’s annual gala on November 30. The Racine, Wisconsin native played ball at Grand Canyon University in Arizona before making his journey to play […]
The latest feature of the IABF and Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball strategic partnership was the debut of a College Pipeline Softball Showcase in October in Bollate, Italy. The showcase was organized and operated by Between the Lines (BTL), a St. Louis-based player development firm focused on technique, training, and creating exposure for players. […]
Thank you to the golfers and sponsors who made the 2023 IABF golf outing a success! Check out all golf outing images: https://bit.ly/3s2oaRp We’ll see you at the IABF Gala on November 30: https://lnkd.in/eET2e4Tr 🇮🇹 ⚾️ 🇺🇸
It’s live! The third and final part of the Mission Classic Docuseries produced by IABF and FIBS is now available for worldwide consumption. Part III takes you through Team Italy’s World Baseball Classic journey from battling in the first round in Taipei to – spoiler alert – advancing to the quarterfinals against Japan. This piece […]
In case you missed it, the Italian American Baseball Foundation was featured during ABC’s NYC Columbus Day Parade broadcast. Primetime viewing during the premier Columbus Day broadcast in America and the IABF’s story was told. Onwards … CLICK TO WATCH!
World Series-winning manager Terry Francona is the 2023 Italian American Baseball Foundation Tommy Lasorda honoree. He will be recognized at a ceremony in November. Tickets are officially on sale for the IABF gala, which will take place at Marina Del Ray in the Bronx. The Lasorda Award recognizes a player or coach’s dedication to the game, career […]
Torey Lovullo, the transformative manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is this year’s Italian American Baseball Foundation Achievement Award honoree. He will be recognized at a ceremony in November. Tickets are officially on sale for the IABF gala, which will take place at Marina Del Ray in the Bronx. Lovullo has been in Arizona since 2016 and […]
Sal Agostinelli is the international scouting director of the Philadelphia Phillies, and he is also IABF’s Executive of the Year and will be honored at the 2023 gala. Tickets are officially on sale for the November 30 event, which will take place at Marina Del Ray in the Bronx. He was elected to the Slippery Rock […]
One of the winningest coaches in any sport in NCAA history, Mike Candrea will be recognized with the inaugural IABF Collegiate Award in 2023. Tickets are officially on sale for the November 30 event, which will take place at Marina Del Ray in the Bronx. He retired in 2021 as the winningest softball coach in NCAA […]
Italian American and longtime Italian baseball player and coach Salvatore Varriale has been selected as the 2023 Italian American Baseball Foundation Ambassador Award honoree. Tickets are officially on sale for the November 30 event, which will take place at Marina Del Ray in the Bronx. Varriale played for several decades in Parma. He hit .321/.408/.537 with […]
University of Florida baseball star Jac Caglianone has been selected as the 2023 Italian American Baseball Foundation Future Star honoree and will be recognized at the IABF Gala in November. Tickets are officially on sale for the November 30 event, which will take place at Marina Del Ray in the Bronx. Caglianone, often compared to […]
New York broadcasting legend and Italian American Chris “Mad Dog” Russo will accept the 2023 Italian American Baseball Foundation Media Award at the annual IABF Gala in November. Tickets are officially on sale for the November 30 event, which will take place at Marina Del Ray in the Bronx. “My grandfather and father loved watching […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation recently awarded its 2023 baseball and softball scholarships and again increased the number of recipients this year. One of IABF’s premier tasks is to award scholarships to deserving student-athletes who express pride in Italian culture and heritage. The scholarships are open to Americans and international students from Italy committed to […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) and Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball (FIBS) have developed a baseball portal for international talent to apply for visibility with Italian clubs and an opportunity to play or coach professional baseball and softball in Italy. After players or coaches apply, their information is stored in a protected database […]
At least 25 Italian American players were selected by 16 teams in the 2023 MLB Draft. Good luck to these players as they begin their professional careers. Note: This list only features players with Italian surnames but does not consider all players who have mothers with Italian ancestry. IABF does not have a method to […]
IABF was proud to so sponsor awards day at the Dom Scala Baseball Camp again this year! Great job by Dom on another outstanding camp.
Thanks to everyone who came out for our annual IABF Cigar dinner! Special thanks to Mike Piazza for joining us as well. This year’s event at Bourbon Street in Bayside, NY was another testament to the growing following IABF continues to generate and the shared passion for our Italian heritage and love of baseball. We […]
Italian American Baseball Foundation leaders met with Supreme Court Justice and fellow Italian American Samuel Alito during their time in Washington, D.C. to celebrate Italian Heritage Day with the Nationals. Justice Alito is a noted baseball fan and roots for the Phillies. IABF President Joe Quagliano, Board Director Chris Vaccaro and Advisor Lou Bernardi presented […]
As you watch some incredible baseball in the 2023 College World Series take note of the Italian Americans on the field. There have been several on team rosters leading up to the final showdown between LSU and Florida. LSU Florida Oral Roberts Wake Forest TCU Tennesse Stanford Virginia
Thank you to the Washington Nationals for an incredible Italian Heritage Day experience! Every member of the IABF – Italian American Baseball Foundation board was involved on field from first pitch to the famed President’s Race to the lineup card delivery and so much more. These Italian Heritage Games across MLB are a moment to […]
Vincenzo Bruno has made his way to play baseball in the United States by way of Canada and Italy. The journey to pursue his dream on the diamond is commendable, which is why he was chosen for the prestigious Italian American Baseball Foundation and Sons of Italy Foundation scholarship. He was presented with the honor […]
Thanks to our passionate Italian American followers, the Mets listened and worked with IABF to bring back Italian Heritage Day. Join us on September 17 at Citi Field. The Italian community will receive special recognition during the game. A portion of every ticket sold goes to support the Italian American Baseball Foundation’S Scholarship Fund. We’re […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation is working with the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball to help with flood relief efforts in Emilia Romagna, Italy. We are devastated that Italians are suffering and several baseball facilities have also undergone severe damage. This fundraiser is to help support baseball facilities so that town people, especially children, […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation and Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball is organizing an Italian Baseball Fantasy Camp with Mike Piazza. We’d like to gather some feedback from prospective players. Please click to take our quick survey!
Nearly 10 percent of the MLB Top 100 Prospect List is comprised of Italian American players. Note: There may be other players who are Italian American on their mothers that we don’t know. Italian American prospects include … 25. Sal Frelick, Brewers 44. Logan O’Hoppe, Angels 49. Cade Cavalli, Nationals 64. Kyle Manzardo, Rays 66. […]
New York Yankees coach Danny Fiorito was the latest guest lecturer with the Italian American Baseball Foundation’s Student Leadership Council. Fiorito, who has quickly climbed the coaching ranks of the organization from Single-A and Double-A manager to a roving defensive instructor, offered insight into the trends of today’s game and practical wisdom on how to […]
For the last two seasons, the Italian American Baseball Foundation has tried to organize an Italian Heritage game with the New York Mets. Our organization has been behind the national surge in Italian recognition at ballparks across Major League Baseball. It only makes sense that the Mets would host a game considering the number of […]
Dreams do come true. Just ask Italian American and former Team Italy player Drew Maggi, who made his big league debut with the Pirates on April 26 after spending 13 years in the minor leagues. At 33 years old, he never held out hope that he would reach this level, and he experienced it with […]
It makes sense that the Yankees would have more Italian Heritage celebrations than any other club in the big leagues considering the amount of Italian immigrants that lived and passed through New York City. They will have not one, but five Italian Heritage games between September 5 and 10. You can purchase tickets directly through […]
Italian American and Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro earned his first Major League win last week. In his first season with the Royals, Quatraro was a third base coach with the Rays and hitting coach with the Indians prior to his new role. Congratulations and here’s to many more wins!
IABF board secretary Mark Cardillo organized a baseball trip for the Community School of Naples (Florida) where the Seahawks played three games against Italian baseball clubs in Nettuno, Parma and Milan. The game between CSN and Crocetta in Parma was sponsored by the IABF. “Thank you to the Italian American Baseball Foundation, a non-profit organization […]
The Joe DiMaggio Award Dinner for the Joe DiMaggio Scholarship Fund at the Columbus Citizens Foundation was proud to include the Italian American Baseball Federation as a partner at this years celebration. This year’s honorees included Team Italy manager and Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza and past CCF President Lou Tallarini, who, along with […]
Several Italian Americans have been named to the MLB Top 100 to open the 2023 season: 14. Justin Verlander 29. J.T. Realmuto 31. Pete Alonso 37. Gerrit Cole 54. Brandon Nimmo 74. Anthony Rizzo 79. Aaron Nola 96. Joe Musgrove
The Nationals are the latest MLB club to announce an Italian Heritage Night. Come to Washington on June 20 to celebrate with IABF. Click for tickets. Everyone who purchases a ticket through this link will receive an exclusive Italian Heritage Day commemorative item. More information will be sent out to eligible buyers 24 hours prior […]
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. Each of the six canvas pieces at the Lasorda Legacy Park in Yaphank, New […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation is beyond proud of the effort from Team Italy during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. We have seen the growth of this team as a partner on this journey from the Mission Classic trip in Italy to training camp in Arizona through these historic games across the globe. We believe […]
IABF is saddened by the loss of Italian American great Joe Pepitone, who played with the Yankees, Astros, Cubs and Braves from 1962-1973. Pepitone was a three-time all-star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner. He hit 219 home runs and recorded 721 RBI in his career.
The following was written by IABF Trustee Chris R. Vaccaro …. I’ve been caught up all day with how important today’s Team Italy win was for what we’re trying to build in Italy and what we’re fighting for among Italian Americans. We understand baseball in Italy is a niche, and harnessing our interests in Italian […]
“Mission Classic,” a three-part docuseries featuring an inside look at the Italian National Baseball Team before and during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, is now LIVE! Part 2 is about a Team Italy mini camp and send-off dinner in Arizona. This piece was produced in partnership by the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball and […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation brought a unique group of people together to celebrate Team Italy’s impending journey to the World Baseball Classic. The 2023 WBC send-off dinner was held at Tomaso’s in Phoenix. It was one of the largest gatherings of Italian Americans in baseball, and featured several high profile people like Team Italy […]
“Mission Classic,” a three-part docuseries featuring an inside look at the Italian National Baseball Team before the 2023 World Baseball Classic, is now LIVE! Part 1 is about the trip to Italy in November featuring MLB players and coaches. This piece was produced by the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball and the Italian American […]
IABF will return to Miami in 2023 for another Italian Heritage celebration. Purchase an Italian Heritage ticket to get an Italian Heritage Celebration Marlins T-shirt. A portion of each ticket will benefit IABF. Get tickets: http://bit.ly/3KtLGh7
Columbus Citizens Foundation and Italian American Baseball Foundation partner to present award and honor Italian American legend This year’s recipients of the Joe DiMaggio Award are Baseball Hall of Famer and New York Mets legend Mike Piazza and real estate executive and former CCF President Lou Tallarini. They will be honored at a ceremony at […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation awards college scholarships to deserving student-athletes who express pride in our culture and heritage. The 2023 application process is now officially open. The organization’s goal is to honor graduating high school seniors or current college players. The scholarships are open to Americans and international students from Italy. The deadline to apply […]
With less than a month to go for Team Italy before the start of 2023 World Baseball Classic Group A action in Taichung, Taiwan, Azzurri manager Mike Piazza leads a promising squad of players to success 20 teams are participating in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, which begins on March 8, 2023 and finishes on March […]
Francesco Bonvini is taking the next step in his baseball career by playing at the College of Staten Island on a scholarship. A previous recipient of an Italian American Baseball Foundation scholarship, Bonvini, an Italian native from Parma, is living out his dream of playing baseball in America. He played last season at Kingsborough Community […]
The Tampa Bay Rays have named the minor league on-field coaching for the 2023 season. Italian American and Team Italy coach Blake Butera has been named as an assistant field coordinator. He spent last season as the manager for Class-A Charleston. Read more: http://bit.ly/3HsCbvJ
The Italian American Baseball Foundation is partnering with the Columbus Citizens Foundation to present the Joe DiMaggio Award. This year’s honorees will be Baseball Hall of Famer and Team Italy Manager Mike Piazza and Lou Tallarini, President of Real Property Investors and a former CCF President and Chairman. Join us on April 4 at the […]
Italian American Sal Bando played 16 seasons of Major League Baseball and turned in legendary stays in both Oakland and Milwaukee. He died recently at 78 and IABF is sad about the loss of this legendary player. Bando was a three-time World Series Champion and four-time all-star, who moved into the front office after his […]
The Detroit Tigers and Toledo Mud Hens announced that Italian American Anthony Iapoce has been hired as the 2023 manager of the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens. Iapoce, who was most recently a minor league hitting coordinator with the Boston Red Sox, and hitting coach with the Chicago Cubs, is a past honoree of […]
Bally Sports West, in partnership with the Los Angeles Angels, announced Wayne Randazzo as the Club’s new play-by-play announcer on Angels telecasts. Randazzo, a proud Italian American, is also the voice of IABF at the organization’s annual gala. “I’m incredibly grateful to the Los Angeles Angels and Bally Sports West for the wonderful opportunity to be the […]
Mike Piazza accepting the 2022 Tommy Lasorda Award on behalf of Team Italy. He was introduced by Frank Catalanotto. Michael Kay accepting the 2022 IABF Media Award. He was introduced by Tom Verducci. Mike Pagliarulo accepts the 2022 IABF Achievement Award SVP of MLB International Jim Small was honored with this year’s IABF Executive of […]
The Arizona Fall League wrapped up its play in November and several Italian Americans played in the league. Have a look at the participants and keep an eye on them during the 2023 season … Glendale Desert Dogs: Jake Gozzo – Reds, Vin Timpinelli – Reds Salt River Rafters: Blair Calvo – Rockies, Mike Antico […]
YES Network covered the 2022 IABF Gala and featured the event on its Yankees Magazine program with Nancy Newman. The piece highlighted Michael Kay’s IABF Media Award and showed many family photos linking generations of his family’s Italian heritage on his mother’s side.
Thank you to @MLBNetwork, who covered the 2022 IABF Gala and reported on the impact Mike Piazza and Team Italy are having on the game.
The Italian American Baseball Foundation joined the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball on a historic trip to Italy called Mission Classic, which was meant to provide a culturally significant experience for Italian National Team players and coaches in advance of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. This journey was captured by Sky Sport in a […]
Italian on his mother’s side, Brian Sweeney was recently hired as the pitching coach of the Kansas City Royals by Italian American manager Matt Quatraro. Sweeney was most recently the bullpen coach of the Cleveland Guardians on Italian American Terry Francona’s staff. “I heard this in Cleveland: Combining tradition, experience and innovation really is the […]
Italian American Chris Antonetti, Guardians President of Baseball Operations, was named Major League Baseball Executive of the Year. He was recognized at the General Manager meetings in November. “There were so many teams, so many organizations, so many executives that were incredibly deserving,” said Antonetti. Fellow Italian American Jerry Dipoto, Mariners president of baseball operations, […]
If you attended the 2022 Italian American Baseball Foundation Gala in Brooklyn this year you would have noticed a full tent designated for media interviews. The foundation was fortunate to draw several media outlets this year to cover the event and tell other baseball stories about the increasingly hot off-season. These outlets included SNY, YES […]
Marco Landi, head of communications and marketing for the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball, was surprised when the Italian American Baseball Foundation named him as the inaugural recipient of its Ambassador Award. Landi, who has been integral in the international expansion of IABF, was presented the honor at the seventh annual IABF Gala in […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation and Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball signed a memorandum of understanding to further the strong and growing partnership between both organizations. Joe Quagliano, President and Founder of IABF, and Andrea Marcon, President of FIBS, signed shared copies of the document prior to the 2022 IABF Gala at Giando on […]
IABF celebrated its 7th annual gala at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn on December 1, 2022. Honorees included Mike Piazza, who received the Tommy Lasorda Award, Michael Kay, who received the IABF Media Award, Jim Small, who received the IABF Executive of the Year Award, Mike Pagliarulo, who received the IABF Achievement Award and […]
Congratulations to Blake Butera on being named Carolina League Manager of the Year for his efforts with the Charleston RiverDogs, the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. This is the second time he has won the honor. Butera is an assistant with Team Italy in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. From the RiverDogs … […]
We’ll keep an eye on all off-season moves involving Italian American players. Trey Mancini Signs with Cubs Past IABF honoree Trey Mancini has a new home after signing a two-year deal with the Cubs. He recently helped the Astros win a World Series in 2022. He spent the bulk of his career in Baltimore where […]
Italian American and Guardians manager Terry Francona led the youngest team in baseball to a division title and he was honored as the American League Manager of the Year for his effort. This is the third time he has won the honor. “It’s a huge honor,” Francona said, “And I don’t take that ever lightly.” […]
The Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball (FIBS) kicked off its 2022 Mission Classic on Tuesday, November 8 in Rome. The purpose of the trip is to bring Team Italy players and coaches from the 2023 World Baseball Classic roster together to bond on Italian soil to inspire them about their roots and heritage in […]
Congratulations to Marco Ragionieri, who has decided to continue his academic and baseball career at Arizona Western College! Marco, who hails from Parma, took part in the IABF-FIBS college showcase with Between the Lines and landed a scholarship from the exposure. Bravo, Marco!
The Kansas City Royals congratulated Drew Butera on a great career insinuating he retired, but he established that in January when he was hired as the bullpen catcher for the Angels. Congrats on a successful 12-year career AND on transitioning to the coaching ranks!
Matt Quatraro is the latest Italian American to manage a club in Major League Baseball. The Rays announced his hiring in October. Most recently a bench coach in Tampa, he signed a three-year contract with an option for 2026. He was also a hitting coach with the Indians from 2014-2017. An All-American player at Old […]
Alessandro Volpe is the first benefactor of the recent college showcase hosted by Between the Lines and sponsored by the Italian American Baseball Foundation. Congrats, Alessandro! 🇮🇹 ⚾️ 🇺🇸 He has committed to play at Division I Lindenwood University. Good luck on your college career, Alessandro!
Phillies prospect and Team Italia player Vito Friscia is the 2022 IABF Future Star honoree. He will be honored at the annual IABF Gala in Brooklyn on December 1. Journal ads and sponsorship opportunities are available. Friscia, a Long Island native, is a Triple A catcher in the Phillies organization. A product of Hofstra University, he […]
Are you following IABF on Instagram @IABF_official? If not, you should. We were just ranked as one of the top Italian American Instagram accounts in the community by America Domani! Click link to read more and see the full list.
Congratulations to Joe Quagliano and Carmine Gangone, co-founders of IABF, on being named Italian Americans of the Year by the Italian American Heritage Club of Hunterdon County!
Another incredible year as the Italian American Baseball Foundation was represented in New York City’s Columbus Day Parade. Thank you to our board and supporters for being part of this proud tradition.
The Italian American Baseball Foundation is proud to sponsor the Long Island Hot Stove Baseball Columbus Day Tournament! Learn more about LI Hot Stove.
There are Italian American players or coaches on all 12 teams in the Major League Baseball postseason.Based on our knowledge, this is one of the largest numbers of Italian Americans to play in the MLB postseason in the modern era. It’s an exciting time of year. Kicking off Italian American Heritage Month with the MLB postseason […]
IABF board trustee Chris Vaccaro was on the “Out in the Field” podcast last week to talk about the organization, growing the game in Italy and so much more.
Former big leaguer Mike Pagliarulo has been chosen as the 2022 IABF Achievement Award honoree. A longtime supporter and friend of the Italian American Baseball Foundation, Pagliarulo will be honored at the annual IABF Gala in Brooklyn on December 1. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Pagiliarulo spent 11 years in the big leagues […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation continued its path towards youth baseball development and college scout exposure by sponsoring the 2022 Brooklyn Bash in September. The showcase featured eight teams, including LI Storm, NY Crush, Sayo Grays, NY Gothams, Cage Warriors, NYC Freedom and Brooklyn Patriots. Coaches from 10 local colleges used the tournament to scout […]
Jim Small, Senior Vice President of International at Major League Baseball, is the 2022 Italian American Baseball Foundation Executive of the Year. He will be honored at the IABF Gala on December 1 in Brooklyn. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Small, who has deep Italian roots and whose family changed their last name […]
Timed with the start of Italian American Heritage Month, the Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) launched its new Student Leadership Advisory Council (SLAC) on Saturday, October 1. The council was joined by Gianmarco Faraone, the National Team and Coaching Staff Coordinator for the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball (FIBS). Faraone spoke about his journey […]
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.
Thank you, Nationals, for an incredible experience on #ItalianHeritage Night! IABF officials Joe Quagliano, Carmine Gangone and Chris Vaccaro were joined on field by GM Mike Rizzo, young pitcher Cade Cavalli and coach Gary DiSarcina. They’re all very proud of their Italian American heritage. IABF felt it was necessary to have representatives from the Italian Embassy to […]
Diamondbacks manager and Italian American Torey Lovullo had the option picked up on his contract. Lovullo was hired in 2017 by Arizona and with 390 victories is the winningest in team history. The California native played eight years in the big leagues and began coaching at the major league level in 2011 with Toronto and […]
Steve Napolitano has been a generous friend of the Italian American Baseball Foundation since its formation in 2016. This year he helped the organization by hosting the annual IABF golf outing at Engineers Country Club on Long Island. During the dinner hour of the outing IABF announced that one of its annual scholarships will be […]
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. […]
Celebrate Washington D.C.’s Italian culture as the Nationals host their inaugural Italian Heritage Night with IABF! Show your Italian and Nationals pride by donning your Nationals-themed Italian Heritage Day promotional tee. For more information or to purchase a group of 20 or more, please contact Jen Rushe at 202.640.7471 or email [email protected]. Get tickets here!
The third annual Italian American Baseball Foundation golf outing was held at the historic Engineers Country Club on Long Island. Several former major league players were on hand to support the foundation including John Franco, Mike Pagliarulo, Shawn Chacon, Jeff Manto and Jim Leyritz. The outing was made possible thanks to the generosity of IABF […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation is presenting Mike Piazza and the Italian National Baseball Team with its highest honor, the Tommy Lasorda Award. Piazza and several members of the 2023 Italian World Baseball Classic team will accept the honor at the 2022 IABF Gala on December 1 at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn, NY. [...]
IABF supported the Fred L Mazzilli Foundation at its annual fundraiser on Tuesday at Hard Rock Cafe in the Bronx. IABF President Joe Quagliano, VP Carmine Gangone and Treasurer Joseph DiMartino attended and are seen here with Lee Mazzilli.
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 […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) sponsored a college showcase featuring the 18u Italian National Team. The showcase was coordinated through Between the Lines, which offers remote-in live video technology for college coaches to access several camera angles and metrics. The 18u team, which travels to Florida for the World Cup in September, flew to […]
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 […]
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!
The Italian team that made it all the way to Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series was treated to a visit and tour at nearby Lycoming College. Lycoming coach Rick Oliveri and freshman Matt Guido are proud Italian Americans and spoke to the young student-athletes about their school, heritage and made connections through […]
Italian American Dave Righetti was named to the Team USA coaching staff for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He will be the bullpen coach on Mark DeRosa’s staff. Righetti pitched 16 seasons in the big league, was AL Rookie of the Year, threw a no-hitter, selected for two all-star games and was named AL Reliever […]
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 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.
Underscoring its commitment to education, the Italian American Baseball Foundation has announced its 2022-2023 college scholarship recipients and has nearly tripled its giving from last year’s inaugural class of students. Scholarship recipients are college baseball or softball players with Italian heritage and hold a strong academic standing. Every scholarship recipient wrote a personal statement about […]
Congratulations to Italian American Mark DeRosa on being named manager of Team USA at this 2023 World Baseball Classic! “I’m completely honored and humbled to be named the manager of Team USA,” DeRosa said. “Competing in the 2009 World Baseball Classic for Team USA was one of the greatest experiences of my baseball journey. Getting […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation is advancing its mission of youth development by launching a new Student Leadership Advisory Council armed with a purpose of creating opportunities for students to learn and develop their potential and interests in baseball and international relations specific to Italian culture. This council will help high school and college students […]
IABF was proud to have its brand associated with Valor Sports, PAL and the NYPD Columbia Association. The forces joined together for a free clinic benefitting 75 students from ages 6-16 at Randall’s Island. Thank you to Lou Bernardi for the leadership in organizing the event, and to past IABF honoree and hall of fame […]
Thank you to the Colorado Rockies for hosting Italian Heritage Night this week! Special thanks to IABF Advisory Board Member David Piacenti for organizing the event and for caring deeply about his heritage and our mission.
IABF is proud to partner with Juan Romero Baseball on another youth baseball camp sponsorship in Florida. This continues to underscore our mission of youth development and IABF has ran or sponsored camps impacting thousands of kids since our inception in 2016.
Thank you to Somerset Patriots Baseball for one of the best Italian American Heritage Nights you’ll see anywhere in the country. IABF President Joe Quagliano and Board Trustee Chris Vaccaro were on field to celebrate the occasion. Vaccaro addressed the crowd about the purpose and mission of IABF. It was special to honor current players […]
Some of the biggest names dealt at the MLB trade deadline were Italian Americans. Trey Mancini and Andrew Benintendi are the top names looking to help their new teams. Here’s a look at all eight players: Harrison Bader – traded to Yankees from Cardinals for James Montgomery Andrew Benintendi – traded to Yankees from Royals […]
Italian Heritage nights across MLB have been plentiful in 2022. The Padres hosted their event on July 29. Fans got special hats with the Italian flag and were able to take a photo with a unique Padres logo made with Italian colors. IABF board trustee Chris Vaccaro was in town to present Rocco Baldelli with […]
The Marlins hosted Italian Night again this season and the sales and promotional teams did not disappoint. IABF was mentioned proudly on the scoreboard and IABF President/Founder Joe Quagliano and Secretary Mark Cardillo were on field to present recognition plaques to Daniel Castano, Dylan Floro and Don Mattingly (honorary Italian!).
For the second straight year, the Italian American Baseball Foundation and Long Island Baseball partnered on a youth baseball camp. The camp will have two Italian American instructors: Long Island Ducks player LJ Mazzilli (Tuesday) and former big leaguer Frank Catalanotto (Wednesday). Special thank you to Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads for visiting the camp […]
The Phillies hosted Italian Night on July 22. IABF organized the game, which is one of nearly one dozen across Major League Baseball in 2022.
There were at least 30 players with Italian heritage selected by at least 20 different teams during the 2022 MLB Draft. This total does not account for players who are Italian on their mother’s side. Good luck to these players as they begin their professional careers: Mikey Romero, Red Sox, first round, 24th overall Hunter […]
Congratulations to the following MLB All-Stars with Italian heritage … American League -Andrew Benintendi -Gerrit Cole -Jordan Romano National League -Pete Alonso -Joe Musgrove
Congratulations to Italian American baseball executive Larry Lucchino on his induction to the Padres Hall of Fame! Larry was President of the Padres from 1995 through 2001 and instrumental in turning around the franchise and having Petco Park built. He was added to the teams hall of fame display behind left-center field at Petco Park.
Italian American softball star Ericka Piancastelli earned MVP honors at the first FTX MLB Home Run Derby. The marketing event is part of efforts to grow the game internationally. Piancastelli, a guest at the 2017 IABF Gala, recorded 31 points as part of the winning Yankees team that outhit the competition.
Congratulations to Anthony Volpe (Yankees), Cade Cavalli (Nationals) and Logan O’Hoppe (Phillies) (Italian on his mother’s side!) for earning a spot in this year’s #MLB All-Star Futures Game. The future is bright for Italian American players. UPDATE: Check out some pics from Volpe and O’Hoppe in LA.
As part of our commitment to youth development, the Italian American Baseball Foundation was a proud sponsor of the Dom Scala Baseball Camp. Scala, a former Yankee bullpen coach from 1978-1986 and a Pirates’ scout from 1987-1993, he was honored as the 2021 IABF Achievement Award winner. The IABF logo is also on this year’s […]
Italian native Daniel Monti attended an IABF sponsored college showcase in the spring and landed a baseball scholarship to Sonoma State University in California. Monti played previously at Odessa College in Texas. Last season he hit .352 in 39 games with 4 home runs, 35 RBI, 37 runs scored and 11 stolen bases. One of […]
It was a very special afternoon in Glendale, NY on Sunday, June 26 as Phil Rizzuto Corner was officially approved and named. Rizzuto, a proud Italian American, helped the Yankees win seven World Series titles between 1941 and 1956. He was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994. The Glendale native played at […]
UPDATE: Pasquantino’s first home run was a home run! The Royals called up Vinnie Pasquantino on Monday, July 27. Referred to as the Italian Nightmare thanks to a nickname from Royals legend George Brett, Pasquantino is the fourth ranked prospect in the Royals’ organization and ranked No. 98 in the MLB Top 100 list. He […]
Mike Bianco has been a Division I baseball coach since 1998 but captured his first national championship this year when he led Ole Miss to a College World Series win over Oklahoma. Bianco, who is approaching 1,000 career victories, led the Running Rebels to a College World Series in 2014, but did not win a […]
Join us this October as we celebrate IABF’s Joe Quagliano and Carmine Gangone with the Italian American Heritage Club of Hunterdon County for their contributions to our culture! 🇮🇹 ⚾️ 🇺🇸
The Italian American Baseball Foundation board received the first Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball NFTs as part of FIBS’ new Honor Club. Joe Quagliano, Carmine Gangone, Joe DiMartino, Mark Cardillo, Natalie Spedaliere, Chris Vaccaro and Frank Catalanotto are all members of the honor club and are grateful for the digital collectible and gesture from their friends […]
IABF President and Founder Joe Quagliano was on the “Out in the Field” Podcast to talk all things IABF, Anthony Volpe and Team Italia. Watch and listen ….
The perfect social media post. The Yankees shared a post featuring Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo with a commonly used Italian hand gesture and text that read, “Buona Notte.” We love it.
Ralph Russo was born in New York City and raised by a long line of Italian American baseball fans. He credits baseball with being his touchstone and link to family over a lifetime. In the spirit of giving back, and as a “COVID project,” he turned his large collection of Italian American baseball cards into […]
Vincent DiGeronimo is a sport and recreation management major at Temple University. He will serve as the summer intern for the Italian American Baseball Foundation in 2022. He’ll work with the organization on several tasks related to Italian heritage games, sponsorship and development and other management items defined by board leadership. “I am a huge […]
There are six Italian Americans on the top 100 MLB prospect list, and nearly 30 who crack the top 25 prospect lists in their respect organizations. IABF looks forward to their progress as we must rally around the next generation of professional ball players with Italian heritage in order to grow the game with the […]
From the doc website … Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra is one of baseball’s greatest. He amassed ten World Series rings, 3 MVP awards and 18 All-Star Game appearances. He caught the only perfect game in World Series history. Yet for many his deserved stature was overshadowed by his simply being himself and being more recognized more […]
IABF is a proud sponsor of this year’s Dom Scala Youth Baseball Camps. Learn more and sign up today!
We’re back again this summer with the Italian American Baseball Foundation / Long Island Baseball youth camp … check flyer for info and register today! Stay tuned for updates on IABF pro guests too. 🇮🇹 ⚾️ 🇺🇸
The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) and Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) fraternal organization have partnered on a scholarship matching program to recognize one student-athlete each year who meets the requirements in the classroom, on the field and in heritage. Each year the IABF […]
It’s been one heck of a first season for IABF Ambassador Frank Catalanotto at Hofstra University. In year one, he managed the Pride to a Colonial Athletic Association championship, its first in school history and they’ve been playing baseball in Hempstead, NY since 1938. The third-seed in the tournament, Hofstra earned a 7-6 win over […]
REST IN PEACE: The IABF is sad to learn of the passing of Italian American player and coach Joe Pignatano. He was 92.A Brooklyn native, he played for his hometown Dodgers from 1957 through 1960 and later with the Kansas City Athletics, San Francisco Giants and New York Mets.Pignatano won a World Series with the […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation had a busy May 23 in New York City. IABF leaders met with Jim Small, the SVP of MLB International, about goals and objectives of the organization. That night they capped off the day with a board meeting at the ballpark. Board members met at a suite at Yankee Stadium […]
Congratulations to Diamondbacks manager and Italian American Torey Lovullo on reaching the most wins by any manager in franchise history. He has been the manager in Arizona since 2017. He played in the big leagues fro 1988 through 1999.
The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) hosted its first Bay Area Collegiate Games in April. Underscoring the mission of IABF, this international showcase brought players from Italy to compete against colleges on the west coast in hopes of landing scholarships and growing the cultural connection between both countries in the spirit of baseball. Special thank […]
If you loved Larry Baldassaro’s book “Baseball Italian Style,” then you’ll really love his new website that catalogs interviews he did with many great Italian American ball players. Check it out and listen.
Italian American baseball writer and researcher Larry Baldassaro has won the 2022 Society of American Baseball Research Award for his book about the life and career of Tony Lazzeri. Josh Chetwynd, Lyle Spatz and Steve Steinberg will also be recognized for their baseball research. Baldassaro is a professor emeritus of Italian at the University of […]
Shannon Russo was one of IABF’s inaugural scholarship winners in 2021. Playing softball at Raritan Valley Community College, she has six hits in eight games and is hitting .273. She also has 3 RBI and has scored 2 runs in the early part of the season. Good luck to Shannon the rest of the year!
IABF has a big year planned … mark your calendars with out cigar social, youth clinic and golf outing! More information about registration and other events soon.
We’re so proud of Francesco Bonvini, our 2021 IABF Scholarship winner and a pitcher/infielder at Kingsborough Community College, for being named CUNYAC Pitcher of the Week! Francesco, who hails from Parma in Italy, pitched 3.0 innings, striking out six while surrounding just one run against D2 Morris last week. Outstanding!
You won’t find a nicer man in baseball than Mike Pagliarulo. He was also a great ball player and is proud of his Italian American heritage. For that, he was honored by Il Circolo in South Florida as one of an honoree at their annual gala. Pagliarulo who played 10 years in the Major Leagues […]
A group of Italian ball players are coming to America to grow the game and bridge cultures through baseball as part of the first IABF Bay Area Collegiate games. The IABF San Francisco Bay Area Collegiate Games begin on April 20, 2022 and continue through April 27, 2022. The IABF All-Stars will compete against Holy Names University, San Jose State University, Sonoma […]
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS: If you know someone interested in sports management, marketing or business administration, have them apply to our IABF Summer Internship Program! Apply here: https://bit.ly/3MFgJFg
Congratulations to University of New Haven coach and Italian American Chris Celano on reaching 400 career wins. The Long Island native played professionally in Italy where he was a member of the 1999 Italian League Champion Rimini Pirates.
Caliendo Sports International Baseball is organizing a youth baseball development trip to Italy sponsored by the Italian American Baseball Foundation. Peter Caliendo is a veteran international baseball clinician and IABF is dedicated to youth baseball development for Italians and Americans. Mike Taverna, a supporter and member of IABF, as well as an assistant baseball coach […]
Phil Cuzzi may be a Major League Baseball Umpire but he’s also a deeply passionate man who has devoted time and energy to building the Robert Luongo ALS Fund. IABF board members were in attendance to support Cuzzi and his mission. You can too … donate at WeFightALS.org. Cuzzi, a New Jersey native, is also […]
ESPN released its list of the Top 100 MLB Players of All-Time last week. Four Italian-Americans made the cut. Rightfully so, Joe DiMaggio (16), Yogi Berra (39), Mike Piazza (81) and Roy Campanella (83) are listed. All four legends are inductees of the Baseball Hall of Fame, of course.
Proud Italian American Anthony Iapoce has joined the Boston Red Sox as senior hitting coordinator in their player development department. He was previously the hitting coach of the Rangers (2016-2018) and Cubs (2019-2021). Iapoce was also a special assistant to the GM in Chicago from 2013-2015, where he oversaw the organization’s minor league hitting program. […]
SPECIAL ASSISTANT: IABF Ambassador and MLB veteran Mike Pagliarulo has been hired as special assistant to Nationals GM Mike Rizzo. There’s no coincidence that IABF played a role in collecting Pags and Rizzo, who was honored as IABF’s Executive of the Year in 2021. With collaboration through our heritage and culture, the possibilities are endless. […]
The 2022 Italian American Baseball Foundation Scholarship application is now officially open. The IABF awards college scholarships to deserving student-athletes who express pride in our culture and heritage. All awardees must follow the application process. The IABF’s goal is to honor graduating high school seniors or current college players. An IABF scholarship committee will select […]
CAMP VIBES: Great way to kick off the New Year by sponsoring the winter Juan Romero Baseball Camp. IABF’s Florida connections continue to grow and we are proud to support youth baseball development.
And we thought the IABF Media Award was the highest honor Tom Verducci would receive this month … but he had another major accomplishment come his way when he was inducted to the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame! Congrats and thanks for making us proud, Tom!
IABF on MLB Network: Thanks to MLB Network for featuring the 2021 IABF Gala. There’s nothing better than shedding light on the pride and passion we have for our Italian American heritage and the great people who help grow the game we love. Bravo! CLICK TO WATCH! 🇮🇹 ⚾ 🇺🇸
Thanks to @NancyNewmanYES and @GeorgePisanti from @YESNetwork on the terrific feature in Yankees Magazine about our 2021 IABF Gala! CLICK TO WATCH!
What a night to honor our heritage and the game we love. Special thanks to our executive board for making the 2021 IABF Gala possible. And once again congrats to Trey Mancini, Mike Rizzo, Tom Verducci, Anthony Volpe and Dom Scala on their honors!
It came to our attention that a professional baseball player liked a comment on social media that highlighted a slur towards Italians. Even worse, the slur was directed at an Italian American baseball writer. The Italian American Baseball Foundation is appalled by this blatant anti-Italian discrimination. There is no place for any racism of any kind in […]
The Fall 2021 issue of Metro Baseball Magazine has a feature story about the Italian American Baseball Foundation and the exciting year of events we had, plus our goals for expansion and future growth. Read the feature below …
Bravo, Trey! We knew this honor was inevitable thanks to Trey’s incredible perseverance and drive. AL Comeback Player of the Year for one of the proud Italian Americans in the game. Reminder that Trey is also the 2021 IABF Tommy Lasorda Award winner and will be honored at our Gala on December 2. Come celebrate […]
Special thanks to the Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York City for hosting an Italian American Baseball Foundation panel discussion to celebrate Italian American Heritage Month. The panel included former big leaguers John Franco, Frank Catalanotto and Mike Pagliarulo, as well as Mets broadcaster Wayne Randazzo. It was moderated by IABF board director Chris Vaccaro. […]
Thanks to Joe Piscopo for hosting IABF board director Chris Vaccaro on AM 970 The Answer. Chris and Joe spoke about the upcoming IABF Gala and the growth of the organization. Listen to the segment HERE.
Columbus Day was special. The Italian American Baseball Foundation marched proudly In Manhattan’s Columbus Day Parade. It was amazing to see so many friends of IABF as we continue to grow our brand on such a big Italian American stage.
TWe’re excited to announce that Yankees prospect Anthony Volpe will be at the IABF Gala in December to accept the first IABF Future Star Award! Tickets/sponsorships: https://bit.ly/3BcLb3C
For the first time in its history, the Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) has awarded college scholarships to deserving student-athletes. Three scholarships have been awarded in the fall 2021 semester. Scholarship honorees include Francesco Bonvini, Franco Logozzo and Shannon Russo. Bonvni, who is from Parma in Northern Italy, is playing baseball at Kingsborough Community College […]
More than 75 golfers joined IABF for its second annual golf outing at Ramsey Golf and Country Club in New Jersey. The organization appreciates all of its supporters, sponsors and attendees. Next up: The annual IABF Gala on December 2 at Giondo’s in Brooklyn.
The Italian American Baseball Foundation and National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame have formed a partnership based on their collective interests in promoting and building Italian American heritage through sports. Both organizations have agreed to a partnership founded in education and community. The immediate goal will be to host youth baseball and softball clinics […]
Recorded during the IABF Cigar Dinner at Roslyn Social, the organization is featured on the latest episode of The Sinatra Dinner Hour on Sole Free Radio. Host Harlan Friedman is joined by Roslyn Social owner Nick Luisi, IABF friend and former big leaguer Tino Martinez and IABF board trustee Chris Vaccaro to talk about the […]
Italian American and IABF honorary member Mike Pagliarulo was inducted to the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame on August 15, 2021. Pagliarulo, who was an instructor at this summer’s IABF Youth Clinic and a special guest at the IABF Cigar Dinner, played in the big leagues from 1984 to 1995 and helped the […]
Thank you to the Marlins for the incredible hospitality at Italian Heritage Night. The IABF was featured on field before the game and fans were treated to a special Marlins Italian shirt. Special thanks to Jess Crosson for the help with arranging the outing. Also great to see Cubs hitting coach and proud Italian American […]
YES! IABF is featured on this week’s episode of Yankees Magazine via YES Network. The feature opens with coverage of Joey Gallo’s fondness for his Italian American heritage and transitions to a profile about our cigar dinner and rapid domestic expansion. What’s better than baseball and Italian American culture? Nothing! Special thanks to George Pisanti […]
Rocky Colavito received the ultimate honor when a statue was erected in Cleveland’s Little Italy to honor his legacy. The event took place on Colavito’s 88th birthday and he was in attendance to celebrate the monumental occasion. “Cleveland is my favorite city in the world,” he said. “I am thankful God chose me to play […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation hosted its second annual cigar dinner on August 6 at Roslyn Social on Long Island. Special guests and former big leaguers Tino Martinez and Mike Pagliarulo spent the night mingling with attendees and doing a Q&A about their careers. This was the first live event for IABF since pre-pandemic and […]
In a perfect Italian American scenario, the New York Yankees added two successful players who are proud of their heritage at the trade deadline. Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo make their way to the Bronx and have embraced the enviornment. “I remember coming here with the Rangers and thinking, ‘wow, this would be a cool […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation co-hosted a summer baseball clinic with Long Island Baseball on Long Island in July 2021. Guest instructors and former big leaguers Frank Catalanotto, Mike Pagliarulo and Chris Colabello joined more than 50 campers to teach fundamentals for four days.
The Italian American Baseball Foundation board has voted Joseph DiMartino as its new treasurer. He will serve a three-year term in the position. DiMartino is Managing Director, Head of Repo Trading at MUFG Securities Americas. He is also a member of the Columbus Citizens Foundation and its scholarship committee, a member of the Order of […]
The Italian American Baseball Foundation has launched its first college scholarship program. The foundation will award college scholarships to deserving student-athletes who express pride in our culture and heritage. The goal is to honor graduating high school seniors or current college players. All awardees must follow the application process. An IABF scholarship committee will select the […]
Frank Catalanotto, a founding board member of the Italian American Baseball Foundation and an ambassador to the organization, who enjoyed a 14-year Major League Baseball career, has been named the 15th head baseball coach at Hofstra University, it was announced today by Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. Catalanotto played 14 major […]
More than 15 Italian Americans were selected by teams in this year’s MLB Draft. The highest drafted was Frank Mozzicato, who was taken seventh overall by the Royals. The Italian American Baseball Foundation wishes all of these players the best of luck as their professional baseball journey begins. *Frank Mozzicato, Royals, 1st round, 7th overall […]
Trey Mancini hit 59 total home runs in this year’s MLB Home Run Derby to finish second to Pete Alonso. Mancini, this year’s IABF Tommy LaSorda Award winner, is an inspiration for battling cancer just 16 months ago, and making it back in time for the start of the 2021 season. His goal was to […]
So many Italian Americans will take the field and bench as the 2021 MLB All-Star Game takes place in Denver. Among the stars on the field are Joey Gallo (Rangers), Nathan Eovaldi (Red Sox), J.T. Realmuto (Phillies), Mike Zunino (Rays) and Gerrit Cole (Yankees). Coaching in the game are Terry Francona (Indians), Chad Mottola (Rays) […]
Who’s coming to Miami? The Marlins are hosting Italian American Heritage Night on August 13 in support of the Italian American Baseball Foundation. Purchase an Italian Heritage ticket package that includes an exclusive Italian Heritage Marlins t-shirt. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will benefit the Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF). Several seating […]
Tony Morante is a living legend and began working for the New York Yankees in 1958. First as an usher, then in ticket sales and from 1985 through 2018 was the Director of Yankee Stadium Tours. He also recently became a member of the Italian American Baseball Foundation and we spoke with him about his […]
Congratulations to the Throgs Neck Thunder 13u squad for winning the second annual 14u Back on the Field Classic. The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) was a proud sponsor again with Van Nest Tournaments. IABF is proud to support youth baseball development across the United States and Italy.
The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) was a sponsor for this year’s Juan Romero All Skills Baseball Camp in Florida this year. Romero uses the sponsorship to help provide scholarships to local youth baseball players, and to conduct his annual camp that focuses on fundamentals for all positions and players. IABF officer Mark Cardillo was […]
Tennessee head baseball coach Tony Vitello has been named the 2021 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Mike Martin National Coach of the Year. Vitello becomes just the second head coach in program history to earn National Coach of the Year honors, joining legendary Vols’ skipper Rod Delmonico, who was named National Coach of the Year by Baseball […]
Longtime college baseball coach Dom Scala will be recognized with the 2021 IABF Achievement Award at a ceremony in December. Scala, who has been involved with baseball for over 45 years, is the former longtime head coach of Adelphi University baseball on Long Island where he was 432-331-5 and won three conference titles and three […]
Tony LaRussa is now the second winningest manager in baseball history. With the White Sox victory on Sunday, June 6, the hall of fame manager surpassed John McGraw with win No. 2,764. “It’s real emotional for me that it started here and it’s ended up here,” he said after the game. After coming out of […]
LSU’s victory against Texas A&M on May 21 marked career win No. 1,500 for coach Paul Mainieri, who became just the fifth coach in NCAA Division I Baseball history to win 1,500 games and a national championship. After the game, Mainieri reflected on the significance of the win. He ranks No. 11 all-time in NCAA baseball […]
Baseball writer and sportscaster Tom Verducci has been named the first recipient of the Italian American Baseball Foundation Media Award. He will be honored at a ceremony in New York in December. Verducci is a longtime writer for Sports Illustrated and studio analyst for Fox Sports and MLB Network. He is a three-time recipient of […]
Mike Rizzo, the President and General Manager of the Washington Nationals, is this year’s Italian American Baseball Foundation Executive of the Year. He will be honored at a ceremony in New York in December. “We could not think of a more deserving executive to receive this honor,” said IABF President/Founder Joe Quagliano. “He has reached […]
Wearing his cornicello last night, Joe Musgrove threw the first no-hitter in Padres history. Congrats and thanks for repping our heritage every time you touch the mound. “My favorite gift was my Italian horn [when he was 14], and I still wear it to this day,” he said in a story from 2017. “It’s a […]
USA Baseball named Italian American Mike Scioscia its manager for the 2021 Professional National Team on Tuesday. A three-time World Series Champion as both a manager and a player, Scioscia will look to lead Team USA to a berth in the Tokyo Olympic Games this summer. “I am extremely honored and excited to lead Team […]
Anthony Causi will be remembered forever at Yankee Stadium. The New York Post photographer, who died from COVID-19 complications, now has a plaque in his honor in the first base photowell at The Stadium. Causi’s family was on-hand for the ceremony. “A passionate talent, who always got his shot,” the plaque reads. “He captured history with […]
Baltimore Orioles first baseman / outfielder and Italian American Trey Mancini has been an inspiration. After battling cancer, he is back on the field in 2021 and will be honored by the Italian American Baseball Foundation as the Tommy Lasorda Award recipient at this year’s awards gala. “It is our honor and privilege to recognize […]
Former Team Italy catcher Vinny Rottino is joining the Brewers’ broadcast team for pre and post game analysis. Rottino, who was on the 2009 WBC Italian team, is a Racine native. “I grew up a Brewers fan and I was lucky enough to get a shot to play for the Brewers,” Rottino told Milwaukee magazine. […]
After beating Sacred Heart last week, Hofstra coach John Russo earned his 180th career victory as Pride head coach and is now the all-time winningest coach in program history. Congratulations, John! IABF is proud of players and coaches at all levels working hard to advance the game and serve as positive examples.
The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) has appointed Chris R. Vaccaro as a member of its advisory board. Vaccaro, a journalist, author and professor from Long Island, with deep passion for Italian American culture, will help the IABF on a number of opportunities and functions related to communications, growth and fundraising. He joins an advisory […]
Can you believe it has been 15 years since Team Italia played in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006? At The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Italia beat Australia 10-0 in their first game, but lost to Venezuela, 6-0, and to the Dominican Republic, 8–3, and did […]
All-star pitcher and Italian American Jake Odorizzi signs a two-year deal with the Houston Astros. He played three seasons for the Twins, and was 22-18 with a 4.11 ERA.
Italian American Chris Denorfia, who played for Team Italy in the 2009 and 2013 WBC, was named manager of the Hartford Yard Goats, the Double A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. He was hired in 2020, but his managerial debut will happen this year due to delays from the pandemic. Denorfia played for the Reds, […]
