Player News

IABF Mourns Loss of Sal Bando

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.

Anthony Iapoce Named Manager of Toledo Mud Hens, Triple-A Affiliate of Tigers

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The Detroit Tigers and Toledo Mud Hens announced that Italian American Anthony Iapoce will manage the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate in Toledo during the 2023 season. Iapoce most recently served as a minor league hitting coordinator with the Boston Red Sox and previously was a hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs.

Wayne Randazzo is New Angels TV Play-By-Play Voice

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Bally Sports West and the Los Angeles Angels named Wayne Randazzo the club’s new play-by-play announcer. Randazzo brings nearly 20 years of local and national broadcasting experience, including four seasons calling New York Mets games, while continuing his Friday Night Baseball role with Apple TV+.

2022 IABF Gala Speeches

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The 2022 IABF Gala honored Mike Piazza, Michael Kay, Mike Pagliarulo, Jim Small, and Vito Friscia with awards recognizing Team Italy, media, achievement, international leadership, and future potential. Frank Catalanotto, Tom Verducci, and others introduced the honorees.

Italian Americans Participate in Arizona Fall League

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The Arizona Fall League concluded in November after featuring several Italian American players. Participants included Jake Gozzo and Vin Timpinelli with the Glendale Desert Dogs, Blair Calvo and Mike Antico with Salt River, Bryce Teodosio with Scottsdale, and Jonah Dipoto and Alex Isola with Surprise.

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.

IABF, BTL Showcase Nets Another Scholarship

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Congratulations to Marco Ragionieri, who has decided to continue his academic and baseball career at Arizona Western College! Marco, who hails from Parma, took part in the IABF-FIBS college showcase with Between the Lines and landed a scholarship from the exposure. Bravo, Marco!

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.

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