IABF

Italian Americans Have Historic MLB Draft Day

At least 34 players with Italian heritage were selected in the 2024 Major League Baseball draft, including first-round picks Travis Bazzana, Chase Burns, and Jac Caglianone. At least one Italian American was chosen in every round except the ninth, and 22 of 30 MLB teams drafted at least one Italian American.

IABF Makes Global Impact with Italian Baseball Development Programs, Returns from Transformational Trip to Castiglione della Pescaia and Parma

Castiglione della Pescaia Chris R. Vaccaro Clinics Grosetto IABF International Baseball Italia Italian Baseball Italy Marco Mazzieiri parma Team Italy Youth Baseball

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.

IABF Sponsors U15 Baseball Exhibition Between U.S., Italian and Czech Players

Cultural Exchange IABF International Baseball World Baseball Classic Youth Baseball

IABF sponsored a baseball exhibition tournament in Grosseto, Italy, for U15 players from the Francisco Cervelli Academy Team, the Peninsula Mets, and the Czech National Team. The event reflected cooperation between coaches Marco Mazzeri and Doug Williams and honored their shared mentor, Lambert Ford.

Spencer Jones of the New York Yankees will be Honored with 2024 IABF Future Star Award

Awards Featured Future Star Award Gala IABF IABF Future Star New York Yankees Player News Spencer Jones Yankees

Spencer Jones is the latest Italian American Baseball Foundation Future Star honoree and will be recognized at the annual IABF Gala on December 5 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx. The Yankees prospect, who played in the MLB Futures Game, was informed by IABF President Joe Quagliano and Vice President Carmine Gangone.

IABF Sponsors Dom Scala Baseball Camp

Clinics Coaching IABF Italian American Heritage Youth Baseball

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 Leads Italian Heritage Night in Washington, D.C., Sells 1,000 Tickets

Community Events IABF Italian American Heritage MLB Scholarships

The Italian American Baseball Foundation’s Italian Heritage Night at Nationals Park sold more than 1,000 tickets, setting a record for the event for the third consecutive year. Fans received Italy-themed jerseys, while Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo discussed his heritage; proceeds supported the IABF Scholarship Fund.

IABF Awards Record Funding Levels for Scholarship Program

Baseball College Baseball College Softball Gala IABF Scholarships

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.

Dave Righetti Named 2024 IABF Achievement Award Honoree

Awards Dave Righetti Gala IABF New York Yankees Player News Righetti

Yankees legend Dave Righetti will receive the 2024 Italian American Baseball Foundation Achievement Award at the IABF Gala on December 5 in the Bronx. A former two-time All-Star and 1981 AL Rookie of the Year, he later helped the Giants win three World Series as pitching coach.

Images: 2024 IABF Cigar Dinner

Awards Cigars Community Events Fundraising Gala IABF John Franco

The IABF Cigar Dinner was described as another successful event, with thanks to everyone who contributed. The organization announced plans to reunite supporters at its Golf Outing in September and Gala in December, while offering special appreciation to John Franco for his support.

Italian Ball Player Reflects on IABF Study-Abroad Experience

College Baseball IABF International Baseball Player News Scholarships

Samuele Sbardolini of Brescia, Italy, completed a Florida high-school baseball season through an IABF study-abroad program supported by Mark Cardillo. A sports scholarship enabled him to attend the Community School of Naples, play all 26 games, and compete against strong teams and pitchers throwing 85 to 95 mph.

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