The Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) once again delivered an unforgettable night of culture, community, and baseball excellence as more than 425 guests packed Marina del Rey for the 2025 IABF Gala.
The annual celebration - long considered one of the premier Italian American sporting events in the nation - sold out once again, showcasing the deep pride, unity, and passion that define the organization and its ever-growing impact.
Guests, athletes, executives, supporters, and families gathered to honor Italian American heritage through the game that continues to bring the community together. The evening highlighted the IABF’s mission to expand opportunities for the next generation while celebrating those whose achievements elevate the Italian American presence across all levels of baseball.
This year’s distinguished honorees represented a powerful cross-section of leadership, talent, and legacy within the sport:
- IABF Excellence Award: Francisco Cervelli, former MLB catcher and Team Italy standout, recognized for his impact on the game and his leadership rooted in heritage and heart.
- IABF Achievement Award: Phil Cuzzi, longtime Major League Baseball umpire, celebrated for his decades of service and integrity on the field.
- IABF Future Star Award: Roman Anthony, rising MLB phenom with the Boston Red Sox, honored as a symbol of the next generation of Italian American talent.
- IABF Executive Award: John Ricco, respected New York Mets front-office executive, recognized for his commitment to excellence and contributions to the sport.
- IABF Media Award: Alanna Rizzo, acclaimed broadcaster and journalist, honored for her storytelling, professionalism, and dedication to elevating the game at MLB Network, NESN and other outlets.
- IABF Ambassador Award: Ned Colletti, former MLB general manager and longtime advocate for Italian American baseball initiatives; current Team Italy GM.
- IABF Legacy Award: Billy Martin, legendary Yankees manager and cultural icon; the award was accepted on his behalf by Jill Martin, who spoke movingly about his family’s pride and connection to the Italian American community.
- IABF College Award: Joe Urso & Sam Militello, two standout collegiate baseball leaders from the University of Tampa recognized for their commitment to developing student-athletes and their lasting contributions to the game.
Adding to the spirit of the evening, 10 of IABF’s 21 scholarship recipients were in attendance, representing colleges across the country and the future of Italian American baseball. Students recognized included:
- Izabella Cimino (University of North Florida)
- George Greene (Northeastern Junior College)
- Skyler Secondino (Molloy University)
- Andrew Donnadio Jr (Dominican University)
- Federico Tiburtini (Benedictine University)
- Ava Zicchinelli (Molloy University)
- Anthony DiChiara (Fairleigh Dickinson University)
- Joseph Guerci (Immaculata University)
- Samuele Sbardolini (Fisher College)
- Jacopo Tamburini (Beloit College)
Throughout the night, attendees celebrated not just the honorees but the broader mission of the IABF: promoting youth development, strengthening cultural ties, and expanding baseball opportunities across Italy and the United States. The electricity in the room reflected a shared belief in building something bigger than the sport itself.
This all comes at an essential time in IABF history as the organization is about to embark on its 10th anniversary in 2026. The organization plans to share more about projects and initiatives that will propel its mission for the next 10 years and beyond.
