Italian American Heritage

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo Receiving 2023 IABF Media Award

Chris Russo will receive the 2023 Italian American Baseball Foundation Media Award at the IABF Gala on November 30 at Marina Del Ray in the Bronx. The longtime broadcaster, known as “Mad Dog,” has led influential sports radio and television programs, including Mad Dog Unleashed and High Heat.

Italian Americans Are Hot Commodity During 2023 MLB Trade Deadline

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Italian Americans were in high demand during the MLB trade deadline this year, like most seasons. At least 10 Italian Americans were traded, and one deal included a swap of one for another when Aaron Civale was dealt for Kyle Manzardo. Here’s a full list of deals from July 30 through August 1: *Chicago White Sox traded RHP Lucas Giolito.

25 Italian American Players Selected in 2023 Major League Baseball Draft

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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 track this data.

IABF Hosts Cigar Dinner with Mike Piazza

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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.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Meets with IABF Leadership

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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.

Italian Americans in 2023 College World Series

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Italian Americans appeared across several rosters and coaching staffs during the 2023 College World Series. LSU and Florida each featured multiple players, while Oral Roberts, Wake Forest, TCU, Tennessee and Stanford also had Italian American athletes or coaches represented; Virginia had none listed.

IABF Hosts Meaningful and Productive Italian Heritage Day in Washington DC

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation participated in Washington Nationals Italian Heritage Day, with board members taking part in on-field activities and meeting members of Congress. A portion of ticket sales supported the IABF Scholarship Fund and highlighted baseball’s growth in Italy and Italian American heritage.

Vincenzo Bruno Named IABF-Sons of Italy Scholarship Recipient

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Vincenzo Bruno received an Italian American Baseball Foundation and Sons of Italy Foundation scholarship after pursuing baseball from Italy through Canada to the United States. He maintains a 4.0 GPA, has represented Italy internationally, and plans to honor his family and Italian community.

Mets to Host Italian Heritage Day with IABF on September 17

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The Mets worked with the Italian American Baseball Foundation to bring back Italian Heritage Day at Citi Field on September 17. The Italian community will receive special recognition, and a portion of each ticket sold will support the Foundation’s Scholarship Fund.

Italian Americans Make MLB Top 100 Prospect List

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Italian American players make up nearly 10 percent of MLB’s Top 100 Prospect List. The listed prospects are Sal Frelick, Logan O’Hoppe, Cade Cavalli, Kyle Manzardo, Brayan Rocchio, Gordon Graceffo, Zach Neto, and Matt Liberatore, with additional players possibly unidentified through their mothers.

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