10th Anniversary IABF Gala

DECEMBER 10, 2026 @ 6:30 PM
IABF NEWS

Awards

Italian American, Red Sox Broadcaster Joe Castiglione Named Ford C. Frick Award Honoree

HOF: Congratulations to Italian American broadcaster Joe Castiglione on being named the 2024 Ford C. Fick Award honoree by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This legendary Boston radio man has been in the booth for 41 seasons and is still going strong. Congratulations on a legendary career, and welcome to Cooperstown!

Relive the 2023 IABF Gala

Thank you to all 450 people who made this year’s IABF Gala a historic and memorable event. We are blessed to have so many people who believe in our mission and share in the love of both Italian heritage and the great game of baseball. Congratulations again to our honorees, Terry Francona, Torey Lovullo, Chris Russo, Sal Agostinelli, Jac.

John Viola Joins IABF Advisory Board

Italian American Baseball Foundation appoints John Viola to its Advisory Board. Viola brings philanthropic and humanitarian leadership tied to Italian heritage, along with experience at NIAF, the Italian American Podcast, sports organizations, cultural institutions, and charitable foundations.

Dan Bonanno Named 2023 IABF Ambassador Honoree

Dan Bonanno has played an integral role in the growth of baseball in Europe and Italy for more than 20 years. He will be honored with an IABF Ambassador Award during IABF’s annual gala on November 30. The Racine, Wisconsin native played ball at Grand Canyon University in Arizona before making his journey to play professionally in Italy.

Phillies Scouting Director Sal Agostinelli Named 2023 IABF Executive of the Year

The Italian American Baseball Foundation will honor Philadelphia Phillies international scouting director Sal Agostinelli as its 2023 Executive of the Year. Agostinelli, a former Phillies catcher, was named MLB Scout of the Year in 2018 and has received multiple lifetime achievement and sports hall of fame honors.

University of Arizona Legend Mike Candrea Named Inaugural IABF Collegiate Award Honoree

One of the winningest coaches in any sport in NCAA history, Mike Candrea will be recognized with the inaugural IABF Collegiate Award in 2023. Tickets are officially on sale for the November 30 event, which will take place at Marina Del Ray in the Bronx.

Salvatore Varriale Named 2023 IABF Ambassador Honoree

Salvatore Varriale, an Italian American player and coach, will receive the 2023 IABF Ambassador Award. A Parma legend and former national-team coach, he won numerous domestic and European titles, represented Italy at four Olympics, and was inducted into the Italian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019.

University of Florida’s Jac Caglianone Named 2023 IABF Future Star Honoree

University of Florida baseball star Jac Caglianone has been named the 2023 Italian American Baseball Foundation Future Star honoree and will be recognized at the foundation’s November 30 gala in the Bronx. The standout two-way player set program records with 33 home runs, 90 RBI, and 208 total bases.

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo Receiving 2023 IABF Media Award

Chris Russo will receive the 2023 Italian American Baseball Foundation Media Award at the IABF Gala on November 30 at Marina Del Ray in the Bronx. The longtime broadcaster, known as “Mad Dog,” has led influential sports radio and television programs, including Mad Dog Unleashed and High Heat.

IABF Supports Dom Scala Baseball Camp

IABF Supports Dom Scala Baseball Camp. IABF was proud to sponsor awards day at the Dom Scala Baseball Camp again this year! Great job by Dom on another outstanding camp. The article centers on IABF Supports Dom Scala Baseball Camp and presents the available facts and context from the original update.