Team Italy

Larry Baldassaro Gave Italian Americans in Baseball a Voice

Larry Baldassaro, a professor, historian, and author, devoted his life to documenting Italian Americans in baseball and preserving their stories. His books, interviews, teaching, and service connected heritage, education, and the game, leaving an enduring legacy for students, readers, and baseball history.

IABF Officials Travel to Florida to Support Italy National Program Ahead of World Baseball Classic

Coaching Gangone IABF International Baseball Team Italy Vaccaro World Baseball Classic

IABF President Carmine Gangone and Vice President Chris R. Vaccaro visited Team Italy during Early Camp in Port Charlotte, where the squad trained at the Tampa Bay Rays’ complex and played four exhibition games. The visit reinforced IABF’s mission to support Italy’s players and coaches while strengthening the program’s preparation and visibility.

IABF Strengthens Team Italy Pipeline with Equipment Handoff in Port Charlotte

Equipment Support FIBS Florida IABF International Baseball Team Italy World Baseball Classic

PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA – The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) continued its commitment to international baseball development with a meaningful visit to Port Charlotte, Florida, where it connected directly with members of the Italian National Team as preparations intensify for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in Houston.

Italian American Managers Continue to Shape MLB’s Modern Leadership Era

Blake Butera Chris R. Vaccaro Coaching College Baseball FIBS Giants Italian American Heritage Italy MLB Nationals Team Italy tony vitello

Major League Baseball’s evolving leadership landscape is highlighted by the hires of Blake Butera and Tony Vitello. The Italian Americans reached management through different paths—player development and college coaching—signaling MLB’s growing emphasis on leadership, culture, relationships, and innovation beyond professional playing experience.

Cervelli-IABF Academy Team Plays in U.S. at Pony League World Series

Cervelli Featured IABF International Baseball pony league Team Italy Youth Baseball

The Francisco Cervelli IABF Academy Team represented Italy in the Pony World Series tournament in the United States. The appearance marked a major step for the academy, bringing Italy and America together through the dedication of its players, coaches, and families, while beginning a broader international journey.

Italian Pitcher Matteo Marelli Signs with New York Mets

International Baseball Matteo Marelli New York Mets Player News Professional Baseball Team Italy Youth Baseball

July 5, 2026, was a historic day for Matteo Marelli and Italian baseball. The Milanese pitcher, born in 2006, has signed with the New York Mets. The athlete, a native of Senago—where he developed as a player until 2023—has officially become the sixth Italian to join the American Minor Leagues in 2025, following: Giacomo Taschin (his.

Cervelli-IABF Academy Wins U14 European Pony League Title

Awards Cervelli-IABF Academy IABF International Baseball Prague Team Italy Youth Baseball

The Francisco Cervelli IABF Academy won the U14 Pony League European Zone 2025 in Prague, while the Under 16 won bronze in the Colt category. In addition to the team victory, the Italian team earned important individual awards: Ruben Paviotti was awarded best pitcher, while Tommaso Destro won MVP honors.

Marco Mazzieri Elected President of FIBS

Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball FIBS IABF International Baseball Italy Marco Mazzieri Player News Softball Team Italy

The Italian American Baseball Foundation congratulated Marco Mazzieri on his election as President of the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball. IABF supported his vision for transforming and growing baseball in Italy and thanked outgoing president Andrea Marcon for his eight years of service.

IABF Launches Italian Baseball Advisory Board

IABF International Baseball Italian American Marco Mazzieri Scholarships Team Italy

The Italian American Baseball Foundation launched an Italian Baseball Advisory Board led by former Team Italy manager Marco Mazzieri. The board includes veterans such as Francisco Cervelli, Gibo Gerali, Alex Liddi, Alessandro Maestri, and Giovanni Natale, and is developing programs to increase participation in Italy.

Marco Mazzieri Selected as IABF Ambassador Award Honoree

Awards Gala IABF Marco Mazzieri Team Italy Youth Baseball

The Italian American Baseball Foundation named Marco Mazzieri an Ambassador Award honoree for the 2024 IABF Gala. The former Team Italy manager led Italy to European titles and remains committed to youth baseball and player development while running for federation president.

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