Professional Baseball

Baseball Executive Larry Lucchino Dies at 78

Larry Lucchino, the Italian-American baseball executive who led the Orioles, Padres, and Red Sox, has died at 78. As Red Sox president and CEO from 2002 to 2015, he helped Boston win three World Series titles and drove the development of Camden Yards and Petco Park.

Italian American, Red Sox Broadcaster Joe Castiglione Named Ford C. Frick Award Honoree

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HOF: Congratulations to Italian American broadcaster Joe Castiglione on being named the 2024 Ford C. Fick Award honoree by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This legendary Boston radio man has been in the booth for 41 seasons and is still going strong. Congratulations on a legendary career, and welcome to Cooperstown!

2023-2024 Italian American Hot Stove Report

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There will be several moves in the MLB off-season, including Italian American players. Use this list to keep track! Dom Fletcher traded to White Sox from Arizona Diamondbacks Adam Ottavino re-signed one-year deal with New York Mets Matt Festa signed minor league deal with San Diego Padres Trey Mancini signed minor league deal with Miami.

John Viola Joins IABF Advisory Board

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Italian American Baseball Foundation appoints John Viola to its Advisory Board. Viola brings philanthropic and humanitarian leadership tied to Italian heritage, along with experience at NIAF, the Italian American Podcast, sports organizations, cultural institutions, and charitable foundations.

Phillies Scouting Director Sal Agostinelli Named 2023 IABF Executive of the Year

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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.

Italian Americans Are Hot Commodity During 2023 MLB Trade Deadline

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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.

25 Italian American Players Selected in 2023 Major League Baseball Draft

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At least 25 Italian American players were selected by 16 teams in the 2023 MLB Draft. Good luck to these players as they begin their professional careers. Note: This list only features players with Italian surnames but does not consider all players who have mothers with Italian ancestry. IABF does not have a method to track this data.

Survey: Mike Piazza Italian Baseball Fantasy Camp

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The Italian American Baseball Foundation and the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball are organizing an Italian Baseball Fantasy Camp with Mike Piazza. They are seeking feedback from prospective players through a brief survey to help inform the event.

Yankees Coach Danny Fiorito Joins IABF Student Leadership Chat

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New York Yankees coach Danny Fiorito spoke to the Italian American Baseball Foundation’s Student Leadership Council about current trends in baseball and building a career in the sport. Drawing on experience with Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe, he shared practical insight from his rise through the organization’s coaching ranks.

Drew Maggi Makes MLB Debut After 13 Years in Minors

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Italian American former Team Italy player Drew Maggi made his MLB debut for the Pirates on April 26 at age 33 after 13 years in the minor leagues. He struck out in one at-bat, but the emotional moment was celebrated by his family, fans and manager Derek Shelton.

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