Baseball History

Larry Baldassaro Gave Italian Americans in Baseball a Voice

Larry Baldassaro, a professor, historian, and author, devoted his life to documenting Italian Americans in baseball and preserving their stories. His books, interviews, teaching, and service connected heritage, education, and the game, leaving an enduring legacy for students, readers, and baseball history.

IABF 10th Anniversary Logo Reveal

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Ten years of impact have established the IABF’s foundation for the next decade. Its intact logo represents identity and community, while Azzurri blue reflects Italian heritage. Four stars symbolize education, connection, heritage, and diplomacy, the values guiding future growth.

Remembering Rocky Colavito

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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.

IABF Inducted into New York State Baseball Hall of Fame

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It was a distinct honor for the organization to be inducted into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing the board’s work to grow baseball in Italy and honor Italian Americans. The induction, shared with notable baseball figures, inspires continued cross-cultural work.

Riccardo Fraccari Named 2024 IABF Ambassador Award Honoree

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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.

Cuggiono, Italy Mural Honors Yogi Berra, Joe Garagiola, Frank Crespi and Jim Pisoni

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A mural in Cuggiono, Italy, honors former Major League players Yogi Berra, Joe Garagiola, Jim Pisoni, and Frank Crespi, whose families came from the area to St. Louis. The story also recalls three Italian American soccer players from The Hill who helped the United States defeat England 1-0 at the 1950 World Cup.

Baseball Executive Larry Lucchino Dies at 78

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Larry Lucchino, the Italian-American baseball executive who led the Orioles, Padres, and Red Sox, has died at 78. As Red Sox president and CEO from 2002 to 2015, he helped Boston win three World Series titles and drove the development of Camden Yards and Petco Park.

IABF Selected for NYS Baseball Hall of Fame

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation will be inducted into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame in November 2024. The honor recognizes its board’s work building a scholarship fund, running clinics in Italy, organizing Italian heritage games, partnering with Italy’s federation, and hosting a major gala.

Italian American, Red Sox Broadcaster Joe Castiglione Named Ford C. Frick Award Honoree

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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!

Salvatore Varriale Named 2023 IABF Ambassador Honoree

Awards Baseball History Coaching IABF International Baseball Italy Sal Varriale

Salvatore Varriale, an Italian American player and coach, will receive the 2023 IABF Ambassador Award. A Parma legend and former national-team coach, he won numerous domestic and European titles, represented Italy at four Olympics, and was inducted into the Italian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019.

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