MLB

Joe Pepitone, 1940-2023

The Italian American Baseball Foundation mourned Joe Pepitone, an Italian American great who played for the Yankees, Astros, Cubs and Braves from 1962 through 1973. A three-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, Pepitone hit 219 home runs and recorded 721 RBI.

IABF Mourns Loss of Sal Bando

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Italian American Sal Bando, who died at 78, played 16 Major League Baseball seasons with notable careers in Oakland and Milwaukee. A four-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion, he later served eight years as the Brewers’ general manager.

Brian Sweeney Named Pitching Coach of Kansas City Royals

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Brian Sweeney, Italian on his mother’s side, was hired as the Kansas City Royals’ pitching coach by manager Matt Quatraro. Sweeney previously served as the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen coach under Terry Francona and said Kansas City would combine tradition, experience and innovation.

Chris Antonetti Named MLB Executive of the Year

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Chris Antonetti was named Major League Baseball Executive of the Year at the November General Manager meetings. The Guardians president previously won the award in 2017, while Mariners president Jerry Dipoto finished third. Guardians manager Terry Francona had also been named American League Manager of the Year.

IABF Hot Stove Report

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The offseason includes several notable moves involving Italian American players. Trey Mancini signed a two-year deal with the Cubs after helping Houston win the 2022 World Series, while Nathan Eovaldi joined Texas on a two-year, $34 million contract and Brandon Nimmo remained with the Mets on an eight-year, $162 million deal.

Terry Francona Named American League Manager of the Year

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Terry Francona, manager of the Cleveland Guardians, led baseball’s youngest team to a division title and was named American League Manager of the Year for the third time. Francona called the recognition a huge honor, and the achievement was celebrated as a distinction shared by Italian American managers and coaches.

Butera Retires, But was Already Angels Bullpen Coach

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The Kansas City Royals congratulated Drew Butera on a great career insinuating he retired, but he established that in January when he was hired as the bullpen catcher for the Angels. Congrats on a successful 12-year career AND on transitioning to the coaching ranks! Congrats on a great career, Drew! pic.twitter.

Italian American Matt Quatraro Named Manager of Kansas City Royals

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Matt Quatraro is the latest Italian American to manage a club in Major League Baseball. The Rays announced his hiring in October. Most recently a bench coach in Tampa, he signed a three-year contract with an option for 2026. He was also a hitting coach with the Indians from 2014-2017.

Italian Americans Set to Star in MLB Postseason

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There are Italian American players or coaches on all 12 teams in the Major League Baseball postseason, representing one of the largest such groups in the modern era. The Italian American Baseball Foundation is tracking their progress during Italian American Heritage Month, celebrating every World Series participant.

MLB’s Jim Small to Receive IABF Executive of the Year Award

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Jim Small, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President of International, was named the 2022 Italian American Baseball Foundation Executive of the Year. He will be honored at the December 1 IABF Gala for leading MLB’s global growth, international scheduling, talent development, and World Baseball Classic efforts.

IABF NEWS