College Baseball

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

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.

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

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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.

Finding My Future in Saronno: The Softball Experience That Changed Everything

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Rachele Iovine’s softball journey was transformed by training and playing with Saronno Softball in Italy. She practiced alongside elite international and collegiate athletes, competed in 19U games and tournaments, and later helped three Saronno players gain U.S. college exposure by joining her travel team.

2025 IABF College Baseball and Softball Scholarships Announced

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation has increased its college baseball and softball scholarship offerings for the fifth consecutive year. This year, we reached 20 recipients, who were reviewed and approved by the IABF Scholarship Committee. Each student-athlete combines a strong academic standing and is playing college baseball.

IABF Hosts Yankees Spring Training Game, Honors Joe Urso at First Tampa Social

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation celebrated its first Tampa Social by honoring University of Tampa baseball coach Joe Urso with an IABF Ambassador Award. The event brought together guests, sponsors, and supporters who share the foundation’s commitment to Italian heritage and baseball.

Dom Scala Voted to IABF Executive Board

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Dom Scala, a former Yankees player and coach, New York State Baseball Hall of Famer, and longtime Adelphi University coach, has joined the IABF Executive Board as a voting member. The longtime advisory board member is expected to contribute to IABF’s future growth.

IABF Launches International Strategic Plan and Revitalized College Pipeline

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation is expanding opportunities for Italian athletes to play college baseball and softball in the United States through a new international strategic plan for 2024-2025 and beyond. The plan emphasizes partnerships, communication, scholarships, and a broader college pipeline leading to professional contracts.

Paul Mainieri Named 2024 IABF Collegiate Award Honoree

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College baseball coaching legend Paul Mainieri is this year’s IABF Collegiate Award honoree. With 1,500-plus wins, Mainieri is one of the winningest coaches in college baseball history. He has held head coaching positions at St. Thomas, Air Force, Notre Dame, and, most notably, LSU, where he led the Tigers to a College World Series.

IABF Awards Record Funding Levels for Scholarship Program

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation has increased its college scholarship offering for the fourth consecutive year. One of IABF’s primary goals is to award scholarships to deserving student-athletes who express pride in Italian culture and heritage.

Italian Ball Player Reflects on IABF Study-Abroad Experience

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Samuele Sbardolini of Brescia, Italy, completed a Florida high-school baseball season through an IABF study-abroad program supported by Mark Cardillo. A sports scholarship enabled him to attend the Community School of Naples, play all 26 games, and compete against strong teams and pitchers throwing 85 to 95 mph.

IABF NEWS