MLB

Red Sox Legend Joe Castiglione Named 2024 IABF Media Award Honoree

It has been a special year for Red Sox radio broadcaster Joe Castiglione, from the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame and now the 2024 IABF Media Award. Both are for his service to broadcasting and baseball. Castiglione has been the Red Sox’s radio voice since 1983.

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.

Italian Americans Have Historic MLB Draft Day

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

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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.

2023-2024 Italian American Hot Stove Report

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There will be several moves in the MLB off-season, including Italian American players. Use this list to keep track! Dom Fletcher traded to White Sox from Arizona Diamondbacks Adam Ottavino re-signed one-year deal with New York Mets Matt Festa signed minor league deal with San Diego Padres Trey Mancini signed minor league deal with Miami.

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.

Dan Bonanno Named 2023 IABF Ambassador Honoree

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Dan Bonanno has played an integral role in the growth of baseball in Europe and Italy for more than 20 years. He will be honored with an IABF Ambassador Award during IABF’s annual gala on November 30. The Racine, Wisconsin native played ball at Grand Canyon University in Arizona before making his journey to play professionally in Italy.

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.

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.

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