Italian American Heritage

Celebrate Italian Heritage Night with the Nationals

Celebrate Washington D.C.’s Italian culture during the Nationals’ inaugural Italian Heritage Night with the Italian American Baseball Foundation. The event invites attendees to show their Italian and Nationals pride by wearing a Nationals-themed Italian Heritage Day promotional tee.

Former MLB Pitcher, Port Authority Police Officer Anthony Varvaro Dies

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Anthony Varvaro lived two dreams. He was a pro baseball player and a police officer. The Italian American died suddenly in a car accident on his way to a Sept. 11 memorial ceremony in New York City. Varvaro, 37, became a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officer after pitching for the Mariners, Braves and Red Sox.

Celebrating 125th Anniversary of Ed Abbaticchio’s Pro Baseball Debut

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ED ABBATICCHIO DAY: On this day 125 years ago Ed Abbaticchio made his professional baseball debut. It’s believed that Ed was the first Italian American to play pro baseball when he debuted for the Phillies on September 4, 1897. He went on to play for 14 seasons and helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win a World Series in 1909.

Lycoming Baseball Welcomes Italian LLWS Team

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The Italian team that reached the Little League World Series in Williamsport visited nearby Lycoming College. Coach Rick Oliveri and freshman Matt Guido, both proud Italian Americans, discussed the school, heritage and baseball with the young student-athletes.

Red Sox Host Massive Italian Heritage Night

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Another successful Italian Heritage Night for IABF! About 700 fans received commemorative Italian jerseys and were treated to pre-game music at Fenway. IABF board members Joe Quagliano, Carmine Gangone and Chris Vaccaro were in attendance. Special thank you to Travis Pollio from the Red Sox for organizing the event.

IABF’s Heritage Night Games Featured on American Domani

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IABF’s Heritage Night Games Featured on American Domani. IABF’s work creating Italian Heritage Night games across the country is featured on America Domani . The story was written by IABF board trustee Chris R. Vaccaro. The article centers on IABF’s Heritage Night Games Featured on American Domani and presents the available facts.

IABF Awards Eight College Scholarships

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation announced its 2022–2023 college scholarship recipients, nearly tripling its giving from the inaugural class. The awards recognize college baseball and softball players of Italian heritage with strong academic standing, including repeat recipient Francesco Bonvini of Kingsborough Community College.

Italian American Mark DeRosa Named Team USA Manager for World Baseball Classic

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Italian American Mark DeRosa was named manager of Team USA for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. DeRosa called the appointment an honor and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, recalling his experience competing for Team USA in the 2009 tournament and expressing enthusiasm about leading its star-studded roster.

IABF Launches Student Leadership Advisory Council

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation is advancing its mission of youth development by launching a new Student Leadership Advisory Council armed with a purpose of creating opportunities for students to learn and develop their potential and interests in baseball and international relations specific to Italian culture.

Colorado Rockies Host Italian Heritage Night

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation thanked the Colorado Rockies for hosting Italian Heritage Night. The organization also recognized IABF Advisory Board Member David Piacenti for organizing the event and for his commitment to his Italian heritage and the foundation’s mission.

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