World Baseball Classic

Larry Baldassaro Gave Italian Americans in Baseball a Voice

Larry Baldassaro, a professor, historian, and author, devoted his life to documenting Italian Americans in baseball and preserving their stories. His books, interviews, teaching, and service connected heritage, education, and the game, leaving an enduring legacy for students, readers, and baseball history.

IABF Officials Travel to Florida to Support Italy National Program Ahead of World Baseball Classic

Coaching Gangone IABF International Baseball Team Italy Vaccaro World Baseball Classic

IABF President Carmine Gangone and Vice President Chris R. Vaccaro visited Team Italy during Early Camp in Port Charlotte, where the squad trained at the Tampa Bay Rays’ complex and played four exhibition games. The visit reinforced IABF’s mission to support Italy’s players and coaches while strengthening the program’s preparation and visibility.

IABF Strengthens Team Italy Pipeline with Equipment Handoff in Port Charlotte

Equipment Support FIBS Florida IABF International Baseball Team Italy World Baseball Classic

PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA – The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) continued its commitment to international baseball development with a meaningful visit to Port Charlotte, Florida, where it connected directly with members of the Italian National Team as preparations intensify for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in Houston.

IABF Sponsors U15 Baseball Exhibition Between U.S., Italian and Czech Players

Cultural Exchange IABF International Baseball World Baseball Classic Youth Baseball

IABF sponsored a baseball exhibition tournament in Grosseto, Italy, for U15 players from the Francisco Cervelli Academy Team, the Peninsula Mets, and the Czech National Team. The event reflected cooperation between coaches Marco Mazzeri and Doug Williams and honored their shared mentor, Lambert Ford.

Mission Classic Italia Baseball film will premiere at Milan Film Fest on November 8

International Baseball Media Team Italy World Baseball Classic

The full-length Mission Classic Italia Baseball documentary will debut November 8 at Milan’s 40th annual FICTS Fest, with an introduction by Italian coach Michele Gerali. Produced by the Italian American Baseball Foundation, it chronicles Italy’s 2023 World Baseball Classic run, which ended in a historic fifth-place finish.

Part III of IABF-FIBS Mission Classic Documentary Available Now

forza italia IABF International Baseball Media Mission Classic Team Italy World Baseball Classic

The third and final part of the Mission Classic Docuseries, produced by IABF and FIBS, is now available worldwide. Directed, written, and produced by IABF board director Chris R. Vaccaro, the film follows Team Italy from the first round in Taipei through its quarterfinal appearance against Japan.

Thank You to Team Italy for a Memorable World Baseball Classic Performance

IABF International Baseball Team Italy World Baseball Classic

The Italian American Baseball Foundation praised Team Italy’s effort during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, recognizing its growth from the Mission Classic in Italy through Arizona training camp and historic games worldwide. The foundation also thanked Andrea Marcon and Mike Piazza for advancing Italian baseball.

Pride, Passion and Purpose, an Italian Baseball Vision Realized

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The following was written by IABF Trustee Chris R. Vaccaro …. I’ve been caught up all day with how important today’s Team Italy win was for what we’re trying to build in Italy and what we’re fighting for among Italian Americans. We understand baseball in Italy is a niche, and harnessing our interests in Italian Americans in the game is.

Mission Classic Docuseries Part 2 Chronicles Team Italy’s WBC Arizona Training Camp

IABF International Baseball Team Italy World Baseball Classic

“Mission Classic” Part 2 covers Team Italy’s Arizona mini camp and send-off dinner before the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The docuseries installment was produced by the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball in partnership with the Italian American Baseball Foundation.

IABF Hosts Team Italy WBC Send Off Dinner in Arizona

forza italia IABF International Baseball Italia Mike Piazza Team Italy wbc World Baseball Classic

The Italian American Baseball Foundation hosted a 2023 World Baseball Classic send-off dinner for Team Italy at Tomaso’s in Phoenix. Manager Mike Piazza, players including Vinnie Pasquantino, David Fletcher, Nicky Lopez and Matt Harvey, and nearly 100 guests attended before the team traveled to Taiwan.

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