10th Anniversary IABF Gala

DECEMBER 10, 2026 @ 6:30 PM
IABF NEWS

IABF

Terry Francona Named 2023 IABF Tommy Lasorda Award Honoree

The Italian American Baseball Foundation named World Series-winning manager Terry Francona its 2023 Tommy Lasorda honoree. Francona, who led Boston to two titles including the 2004 championship that ended an 86-year drought, has nearly 2,000 managerial wins and three American League Manager of the Year awards.

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 Announces 2023 Scholarship Recipients

The Italian American Baseball Foundation recently awarded its 2023 baseball and softball scholarships and again increased the number of recipients this year. One of IABF’s premier tasks is to award scholarships to deserving student-athletes who express pride in Italian culture and heritage.

Italian Americans Are Hot Commodity During 2023 MLB Trade Deadline

Italian Americans were in high demand during the MLB trade deadline this year, like most seasons. At least 10 Italian Americans were traded, and one deal included a swap of one for another when Aaron Civale was dealt for Kyle Manzardo. Here’s a full list of deals from July 30 through August 1: *Chicago White Sox traded RHP Lucas Giolito.

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.

IABF Hosts Cigar Dinner with Mike Piazza

Thanks to everyone who came out for our annual IABF Cigar dinner! Special thanks to Mike Piazza for joining us as well. This year’s event at Bourbon Street in Bayside, NY was another testament to the growing following IABF continues to generate and the shared passion for our Italian heritage and love of baseball.