MLB

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

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.

At least 38 Italian Americans Selected in 2025 MLB Draft

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Nearly 40 Italian American players were selected in the 2025 MLB Draft, marking the fifth consecutive year of increased representation. Two were chosen among the top 50, three more in the top 80, and additional players were drafted through the 20th round, strengthening professional baseball’s future talent pool.

Remembering Rocky Colavito

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Rocky Colavito, one of the finest Italian American baseball players of the 20th century and a Cleveland Hall of Fame inductee, died at 91 at his Pennsylvania home. He hit 374 home runs, appeared in nine All-Star Games, and hit four homers in one game.

Relive the 2024 IABF Gala

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation held its ninth gala with record attendance and support, honoring leaders including Rob Manfred, Marco Mazzieri, and Riccardo Fraccari. The event recognized achievements across baseball and helped generate record scholarship numbers through the support of the board, sponsors, and attendees.

Samuel Aldegheri Named 2024 IABF Future Star Award Honoree

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Samuel Aldegheri became the first Italian-born and developed pitcher to reach the major leagues, debuting with the Los Angeles Angels in September. His achievement earned him recognition as a 2024 Italian American Baseball Foundation Future Star Award honoree and offers inspiration to Italian players pursuing MLB careers.

Red Sox Honor IABF at Fenway During Italian Heritage Night

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The Italian Heritage Games connect Italian American baseball celebrations with scholarships for college baseball and softball players. At Fenway Park, IABF joined Red Sox representatives and Italian American figures, while proceeds from the event supported the foundation’s scholarship fund and promoted baseball in Italy.

Cardinals Host Italian Heritage Night

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation continued its MLB Italian Heritage Games in St. Louis, where Chris Vaccaro met Cardinals players Andre Pallante and Daniel Descalso, both Team Italy alumni. The games promote Italian culture and have helped generate college scholarships through partnerships with MLB clubs.

Italian Americans Make MLB Top 100 Prospect List

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From the MLB Draft Pipeline to the MLB Top 100 Prospect list, Italian Americans rank among the top young players in the game. MLB.com released its latest Top 100 list, including these players with Italian heritage: 13. Travis Bazzana, Cleveland (Italian Australian) 18. Jac Caglianone, Kansas City 52. Kyle Manzardo, Cleveland 75.

MLB’s Dom Balsamo Named IABF Executive of the Year

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Dom Balsamo will receive the 2024 Italian American Baseball Foundation Executive of the Year honor at the December 5 gala in the Bronx. The MLB executive, with the league since 2001, has worked across media, events, sponsorship, public relations, and international baseball, including all five World Baseball Classics.

IABF Celebrates Italian Heritage at Yankee Stadium

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Thanks to the New York Yankees for celebrating Italian Heritage with another game focusing on our proud culture. IABF’s Joe Qualiano and Carmine Cangone were joined on the field before the game by Anthony Volpe and Sean Stellato. Volpe is a past IABF Future Star honoree. There are several more Italian heritage games this season.

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