Italy

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

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.

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.

Italian American Baseball Foundation Leads Impactful Italian Baseball Development Trip

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CASTIGLIONE DELLA PESCAIA – July 2025 – The Italian American Baseball Foundation hosted clinics and events across Italy, drawing more than 100 players and launching its first Coaches Clinic. The trip strengthened baseball development and cultural ties while supporting future projects with FIBS ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Marco Mazzieri Elected President of FIBS

Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball FIBS IABF International Baseball Italy Marco Mazzieri Player News Softball Team Italy

The Italian American Baseball Foundation congratulated Marco Mazzieri on his election as President of the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball. IABF supported his vision for transforming and growing baseball in Italy and thanked outgoing president Andrea Marcon for his eight years of service.

Italian American Baseball Foundation Launches Baseball Academy Partnership with Francisco Cervelli

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation and Francisco Cervelli Baseball Academy have joined forces to enhance Simone Piani Stadium in Castiglione della Pescaia and expand youth baseball development in Italy. The facility will host camps, tournaments and cultural programs, with an opening set for September 21.

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, Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek Law Announce International Youth Development and Baseball Partnership

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) and Elefterakis, Elefterakis, and Panek (EEP) have agreed to a partnership to support their collective efforts in youth baseball development. IABF has become one of the world’s premier heritage-based non-profit baseball organizations and is dedicated to inspiring the next generation.

Mission Classic Film Premiers at Milan Sports, TV Film Festival

Chris R. Vaccaro Featured IABF International Baseball Italy Media Milan Mission Classic Team Italy Youth Baseball

The Italian version of Mission Classic premiered at Milan’s 40th annual FICTS Fest, where audiences joined a Q&A with Team Italy coach Michele Gerali. Produced by the Italian American Baseball Foundation and FIBS, the project followed a year of filming and editing across four countries and 10 cities to create a feature film and docuseries.

Full Mission Classic WBC Documentary Released

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The Mission Classic documentary is available in a full-length one-hour release. The full running debuted during a sports film festival in Milan, and the film is available for worldwide distribution via YouTube. This project was produced by the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball and the Italian American Baseball Foundation.

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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