Earlier this month, the Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) celebrated its 7th annual gala at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn, NY. Mike Piazza received the organization’s highest distinction, known as the “Tommy Lasorda Award.”
“Italian Americans have a culture, and what we’ve done to build this great country,” Piazza said in his acceptance speech. “The only way we can grow Italian baseball worldwide is through the goldmine of Italian American culture. We need to build bridges, we need this love, and we need this passion.”
A Baseball Hall of Fame member and New York Mets icon Piazza, who will manage the 2023 Italian team at the World Baseball Classic accepted the IABF’s highest honor. Several members of the WBC team, along with officials from the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball (FIBS) were at the event to witness the ceremony.
Piazza’s father, Vince, was the son of Sicilian immigrants. Ironically, Vince had been childhood friends Tommy Lasorda, who later became the godfather of Mike Piazza's youngest brother, Tommy.
In his acceptance speech, Piazza also noted that he’s excited about Italy’s entry in the WBC. The tournament runs March 8-21, with games being played in Phoenix, Miami, Taiwan, and Japan.
“We’re going to have a very good team in the Classic,” Piazza said. “I believe in them.”
The IABF was founded in 2016 with the purpose of bridging the gap between Italy and America through the game of baseball. From college scholarships to youth development and international relations with organizations like FIBS, IABF has grown considerably in recent years and has been integral in growing the game for young Italians and Italian Americans looking for exposure.
“The IABF are strong supporters of Italian baseball,” said Piazza, a Baseball Hall of Famer manager of Team Italy. “We are proud to continue what we have been building. The IABF has believed in our vision in Italy and has helped carry out our mission internationally.”
Source: YouTube