10th Anniversary IABF Gala

DECEMBER 10, 2026 @ 6:30 PM
IABF NEWS

Professional Baseball

IABF Hosts Annual Golf Outing at Engineers Country Club

The third annual Italian American Baseball Foundation golf outing took place at Engineers Country Club on Long Island, with former major league players John Franco, Mike Pagliarulo, Shawn Chacon, Jeff Manto and Jim Leyritz attending. IABF also supported Anthony Vavaro’s family with matched raffle proceeds.

Former MLB Pitcher, Port Authority Police Officer Anthony Varvaro Dies

Anthony Varvaro lived two dreams. He was a pro baseball player and a police officer. The Italian American died suddenly in a car accident on his way to a Sept. 11 memorial ceremony in New York City. Varvaro, 37, became a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officer after pitching for the Mariners, Braves and Red Sox.

Celebrating 125th Anniversary of Ed Abbaticchio’s Pro Baseball Debut

ED ABBATICCHIO DAY: On this day 125 years ago Ed Abbaticchio made his professional baseball debut. It’s believed that Ed was the first Italian American to play pro baseball when he debuted for the Phillies on September 4, 1897. He went on to play for 14 seasons and helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win a World Series in 1909.

Cavalli, Volpe, Friscia Advance to Next Level

Big couple weeks for Italian American players! Cade Cavalli was called up to the Washington Nationals, Anthony Volpe was called up to Triple A in the Yankees organization and Vito Friscia was called up to Triple A in the Phillies organization. Good luck to each in the next chapter and thanks for making us proud!

Red Sox Host Massive Italian Heritage Night

Another successful Italian Heritage Night for IABF! About 700 fans received commemorative Italian jerseys and were treated to pre-game music at Fenway. IABF board members Joe Quagliano, Carmine Gangone and Chris Vaccaro were in attendance. Special thank you to Travis Pollio from the Red Sox for organizing the event.

Italian Americans are Hot Commodity at MLB Trade Deadline

Several prominent Italian American players changed teams at the MLB trade deadline, including Trey Mancini, Andrew Benintendi, Harrison Bader, Joey Gallo, Jake Odorizzi, Logan O’Hoppe, JoJo Romero, Lou Trivino and Curt Casali. Their trades involved the Astros, Yankees, Dodgers, Braves and other clubs.

At Least 30 Italian Americans Selected in 2022 MLB Draft

At least 30 players with Italian heritage were selected by at least 20 teams in the 2022 MLB Draft, including Mikey Romero by the Red Sox in the first round and Hunter Barco by the Pirates in the second. The list includes players chosen through the 20th round.

Italian Americans Make 2022 MLB All-Star Game

Italian Americans Make 2022 MLB All-Star Game. Congratulations to the following MLB All-Stars with Italian heritage … American League -Andrew Benintendi -Gerrit Cole -Jordan Romano National League -Pete Alonso -Joe Musgrove. The article centers on Italian Americans Make 2022 MLB All-Star Game and presents the available facts and context.

Larry Lucchino Inducted to Padres Hall of Fame

Italian American baseball executive Larry Lucchino was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame. He served as the Padres’ president from 1995 through 2001, helped turn around the franchise and was instrumental in building Petco Park, where his plaque was added.

Volpe, Cavalli, O’Hoppe Make MLB All-Star Futures Game

Congratulations to Anthony Volpe (Yankees), Cade Cavalli (Nationals) and Logan O’Hoppe (Phillies) (Italian on his mother’s side!) for earning a spot in this year’s #MLB All-Star Futures Game. The future is bright for Italian American players. UPDATE: Check out some pics from Volpe and O’Hoppe in LA.