The Italian American Baseball Foundation will honor Team Italy with its 2026 Excellence Award at the organization’s 10th Anniversary Gala on December 10, recognizing the Azzurri’s historic run to the World Baseball Classic semifinals.

Led by manager Francisco Cervelli and captain Vinnie Pasquantino, Italy delivered a series of memorable performances on the international stage. The team upset the United States, defeated Mexico behind Pasquantino’s three-home-run game and earned a quarterfinal victory over Puerto Rico to secure Italy’s first-ever appearance in the semifinals.

The tournament run brought together players from both sides of the Atlantic, united by their Italian heritage and a shared commitment to representing the country. Their success gave fans in Italy and throughout the Italian American community a milestone to celebrate while bringing greater attention to Italian baseball.

The Excellence Award recognizes both Team Italy’s achievement on the field and the pride and connection the team inspired beyond it. Those values reflect IABF’s mission to strengthen ties between baseball communities in the United States and Italy.

Team Italy will be celebrated alongside fellow honorees as IABF marks a decade of supporting baseball, education and Italian American heritage.

Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available for the December 10 gala.