Italian baseball took center stage in New York as some of the country’s leading figures in the sport were honored at the 20th edition of the Premio Italia nel Mondo, an international award celebrating Italian excellence across culture, science, innovation and sport.
The ceremony was held September 10 at the United Nations in New York, where the Italian National Baseball Team was recognized alongside FIBS President Marco Mazzieri, national team manager Francisco Cervelli and captain Vinnie Pasquantino. Other 2026 honorees included entertainer Renzo Arbore and physicist and inventor Federico Faggin.
The recognition marks another important step in the growing international profile of Italian baseball. Mazzieri described the award as both the culmination of a long journey and a tribute to the athletes, executives and volunteers who have helped develop the sport throughout Italy.
The timing is particularly meaningful. Italian baseball is experiencing a strong competitive period across several levels. In 2026, the national team produced a memorable World Baseball Classic campaign, while Italy’s Under-18 team added another major achievement by winning the European Championship, defeating Germany 6–4 in the final.
The connection between Italian and American baseball has also become increasingly important. Cervelli, a former Major League Baseball catcher who spent 13 seasons in the majors, leads an Italian national program that continues to benefit from players with experience on both sides of the Atlantic. Pasquantino, meanwhile, has established himself in MLB with the Kansas City Royals while proudly representing Italy internationally.
Founded in New York in 1994, the Premio Italia nel Mondo has been presented over the years in cities including Los Angeles, Toronto, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Melbourne, Moscow and London. Previous recipients include Luciano Pavarotti, Franco Zeffirelli, Sergio Pininfarina and Carlo Rambaldi.
For Italian baseball, being honored at the United Nations carries significance beyond the playing field. It recognizes a sport increasingly capable of connecting Italy with its communities abroad – particularly in the United States – while presenting a modern, competitive and international image of the country.
