10th Anniversary IABF Gala

DECEMBER 10, 2026 @ 6:30 PM
IABF NEWS

Italian American

Italian Americans Make MLB Top 100 Prospect List

Italian American players make up nearly 10 percent of MLB’s Top 100 Prospect List. The listed prospects are Sal Frelick, Logan O’Hoppe, Cade Cavalli, Kyle Manzardo, Brayan Rocchio, Gordon Graceffo, Zach Neto, and Matt Liberatore, with additional players possibly unidentified through their mothers.

IABF Hot Stove Report

The offseason includes several notable moves involving Italian American players. Trey Mancini signed a two-year deal with the Cubs after helping Houston win the 2022 World Series, while Nathan Eovaldi joined Texas on a two-year, $34 million contract and Brandon Nimmo remained with the Mets on an eight-year, $162 million deal.

MLB’s Jim Small to Receive IABF Executive of the Year Award

Jim Small, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President of International, was named the 2022 Italian American Baseball Foundation Executive of the Year. He will be honored at the December 1 IABF Gala for leading MLB’s global growth, international scheduling, talent development, and World Baseball Classic efforts.

IABF Launches Student Leadership Advisory Council

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.

Trey Mancini Named AL Comeback Player of the Year

Trey received the AL Comeback Player of the Year honor, recognizing his perseverance and drive. He is also the 2021 IABF Tommy Lasorda Award winner and will be honored at the Italian American Baseball Foundation Gala on December 2, alongside other baseball celebrities.

IABF Hosts Second Annual Golf Outing

IABF held its second annual golf outing at Ramsey Golf and Country Club in New Jersey, drawing more than 75 golfers. The organization thanked its supporters, sponsors, and attendees and announced that its annual gala would take place on December 2 at Giondo’s in Brooklyn.

IABF Featured on The Sinatra Dinner Hour Podcast

The Italian American Baseball Foundation was featured on an episode of The Sinatra Dinner Hour, recorded during its Cigar Dinner at Roslyn Social. Host Harlan Friedman spoke with Nick Luisi, Tino Martinez, and Chris Vaccaro about the event and the foundation’s growth.

Marlins Celebrate Italian American Heritage Night with IABF

The IABF was featured on the field during the Marlins’ Italian Heritage Night, where fans received a special Marlins Italian shirt. The organization thanked the Marlins for their hospitality and Jess Crosson for arranging the outing, and noted meeting Anthony Iapoce.

IABF Featured on YES Network’s Yankees Magazine

The Italian American Baseball Foundation was featured on an episode of Yankees Magazine broadcast by the YES Network. The segment discussed Joey Gallo’s pride in his Italian American heritage, then presented the foundation’s cigar dinner and expanding domestic presence, with George Pisanti acknowledged for support.

Italian American Legend Rocky Colavito Honored with Statue in Cleveland

Rocky Colavito was honored on his 88th birthday with a statue in Cleveland’s Little Italy, where he attended the ceremony. The nine-time All-Star hit 374 home runs, led the American League in homers in 1959 and RBI in 1965, and belongs to the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame.