Italian American Heritage

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 Hosts Inaugural Bocce Tournament

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The IABF Bocce tournament at Bocce Social on Long Island was a great success! BIG thank you to Paul D’Arienzo for organizing. Special Thanks to all of our generous sponsors, our host Mike Lisi and the crew at Bocce Social and all of our bocce players. Carmine and Sons Pizzeria & Sports Bar provided an awesome lunch. Andiamo!

Italian American Baseball Foundation Awards Record $105,000+ in Scholarships to 24 Student-Athletes in 2026

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation awarded 24 college student-athletes more than $105,000 in 2026 scholarships, its largest single-year total since launching the program in 2021. The awards bring cumulative scholarships to nearly $250,000 during IABF’s 10th anniversary year.

IABF Featured in New York Post

IABF Italian American Heritage Scholarships Youth Softball

Holy Ciao! THIS is what IABF is all about. Creating opportunities for student-athletes. Making connections. Allowing people to follow their dreams and be proud of their heritage through baseball and softball. It’s a selfless endeavor that we put so much effort into, and seeing these results makes it all worth it. Bravo, Rachele!

IABF Playbook Event Generates Ideas, Passion and Growth Potential

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The inaugural IABF Playbook event at Carmine & Sons Pizzeria in Brooklyn brought together Italian Americans united by baseball and heritage. The gathering advanced the Foundation’s mission, connected it with a growing audience, and encouraged conversations and ideas focused on expanding opportunities for future generations.

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.

Italian American Baseball Foundation Announces Updated Executive Leadership as Organization Celebrates 10th Anniversary

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) has announced an updated executive leadership slate, marking an important step forward as the organization prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026 and expand its mission-driven work connecting Italy and the United States through baseball and softball.

Italian American Managers Continue to Shape MLB’s Modern Leadership Era

Blake Butera Chris R. Vaccaro Coaching College Baseball FIBS Giants Italian American Heritage Italy MLB Nationals Team Italy tony vitello

Major League Baseball’s evolving leadership landscape is highlighted by the hires of Blake Butera and Tony Vitello. The Italian Americans reached management through different paths—player development and college coaching—signaling MLB’s growing emphasis on leadership, culture, relationships, and innovation beyond professional playing experience.

Rocco Maniscalco Headlines Italian Americans in 2026 MLB Draft Class

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Italian American prospects Rocco Maniscalco, Andrew Costello, Jason DeCaro, and Dominic Santarelli rank among MLB Pipeline’s Top 100. Their hitting, pitching, defensive ability, power, and international performances have positioned them as notable candidates in the 2026 MLB Draft cycle.

2025 IABF Gala Brings Another Sold-Out Celebration of Italian American Pride and Baseball Tradition

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The 2025 IABF Gala drew more than 425 guests to Marina del Rey to celebrate Italian American heritage, baseball, and the organization’s mission. Honorees included Francisco Cervelli, Phil Cuzzi, Roman Anthony, John Ricco, Alanna Rizzo, Ned Colletti, Billy Martin, Joe Urso, and Sam Militello.

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