News

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 Hosts Softball Clinic at Long Island Sports Dome

Clinics IABF IABF Softball Scholarships Youth Softball

The Italian American Baseball Foundation held a softball clinic at Long Island Sports Dome in Massapequa, hosted by Frank Furino and his team. Young athletes learned from Ava Zicchinelli, Lany Vomero, and Josephine Polisi about skills, recruiting, college life, and competing at the next level.

Dom Scala Baseball Camp Continues to Make Difference with Support from the Italian American Baseball Foundation

Awards Coaching Dom Scala Dom Scala Baseball Camp IABF Youth Baseball

For decades, Dom Scala Baseball Camp has given young athletes across the tri-state area quality instruction, sportsmanship and a lasting love of baseball. Sponsored by the Italian American Baseball Foundation, the camp develops skills, confidence, teamwork and respect while creating lasting friendships and memories.

IABF Hosts Inaugural Bocce Tournament

Community Events Fundraising IABF Italian American Heritage

The IABF Bocce tournament at Bocce Social on Long Island was a great success! BIG thank you to Paul D’Arienzo for organizing. Special Thanks to all of our generous sponsors, our host Mike Lisi and the crew at Bocce Social and all of our bocce players. Carmine and Sons Pizzeria & Sports Bar provided an awesome lunch. Andiamo!

Italian American Baseball Foundation Awards Record $105,000+ in Scholarships to 24 Student-Athletes in 2026

College Baseball College Softball IABF IABF Scholarship Italia Italian American Italian American Heritage Italy Scholarships Youth Baseball Youth Softball

The Italian American Baseball Foundation awarded 24 college student-athletes more than $105,000 in 2026 scholarships, its largest single-year total since launching the program in 2021. The awards bring cumulative scholarships to nearly $250,000 during IABF’s 10th anniversary year.

2026 IABF Cigar Social

Community Events Featured IABF news Player News Professional Baseball

Special thanks to former Yankees greats Mike Pagliarulo, Steve Balboni, and Jim Leyritz for joining the Italian American Baseball Foundation’s annual Cigar Social. Hosted by Bourbon Street, the successful evening celebrated the IABF’s 10th anniversary with guests, board members, and supporters.

IABF Featured in New York Post

IABF Italian American Heritage Scholarships Youth Softball

Holy Ciao! THIS is what IABF is all about. Creating opportunities for student-athletes. Making connections. Allowing people to follow their dreams and be proud of their heritage through baseball and softball. It’s a selfless endeavor that we put so much effort into, and seeing these results makes it all worth it. Bravo, Rachele!

IABF Playbook Event Generates Ideas, Passion and Growth Potential

Baseball Community Events Fundraising IABF Italian American Heritage Italian Baesball

The inaugural IABF Playbook event at Carmine & Sons Pizzeria in Brooklyn brought together Italian Americans united by baseball and heritage. The gathering advanced the Foundation’s mission, connected it with a growing audience, and encouraged conversations and ideas focused on expanding opportunities for future generations.

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.

IABF NEWS