Professional Baseball

Terry Francona Named American League Manager of the Year

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.

Joe Castiglione Finalist for Frick Award

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Italian American broadcaster Joe Castiglione was named a finalist for the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford Frick Award. Castiglione has called Boston Red Sox games since 1983, and the award recognizes broadcasting excellence, game reverence, fan popularity, and peer respect.

Vito Friscia Named IABF Future Star Award Honoree

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Phillies prospect and Team Italia player Vito Friscia was named the 2022 Italian American Baseball Foundation Future Star honoree. The Long Island native and Hofstra product is a Triple-A catcher who played for Italy at the 2021 European Championship, hitting three home runs.

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.

Mike Pagliarulo Named 2022 IABF Achievement Award Honoree

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Former big leaguer Mike Pagliarulo was selected as the 2022 IABF Achievement Award honoree. He was recognized for his support of the Italian American Baseball Foundation after an 11-year major league career, a 1991 World Series title with the Twins, coaching with Miami, and work with Washington.

O’Hoppe Makes MLB Debut, Gets First Hit

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Called up one day, makes his debut and gets his first hit in his first at-bat the next … welcome to the #BigLeagues , Logan O’Hoppe! Nice work by the top prospect in the #Angels organization and one of the top 65 prospects in all of #baseball . Italian on his mother’s side, we’re proud of Logan! Read more from MLB.com .

Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo Earns Contract Option

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The Arizona Diamondbacks picked up manager Torey Lovullo’s contract option. Hired in 2017, Lovullo has won 390 games, the most in franchise history. The California native played eight major-league seasons and began coaching at that level with Toronto in 2011 before joining Boston in 2012.

Michael Kay Named 2022 IABF Media Award Honoree

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Longtime New York Yankees’ broadcaster Michael Kay will be honored with the Italian American Baseball Foundation Media Award at the annual IABF Gala in December 2022. Kay is Italian on his mother’s side. A Bronx native, Kay is best known as the play-by-play broadcaster of the Yankees and host of CenterStage on the YES Network.

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