The Italian American Baseball Foundation will honor Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred at its annual gala in December. On December 5, at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx (NY), Manfred will receive the IABF Excellence Award for his service to the game in recognition of his heritage. 

Commissioner Manfred is of Italian descent. On his mother’s side, both of his great-grandfathers hailed from Italy. Giampolo Carnevale came from Compubusso in 1900. Antonio Aquino was also born in Cosenza, Calabria, in 1900 and arrived at Ellis Island at 17. 

Commissioner Manfred said: “I am honored by this recognition from the Italian American Baseball Foundation. Baseball holds a special place in our culture in large part because of its impact on families, including my own. My family is proud of our Italian heritage and grateful that baseball is a significant part of our lives. It is an honor to serve our National Pastime and continue the game’s growth for the generations to come.”      

IABF President Joe Quagliano: “It’s our distinct privilege to have Commissioner Manfred as an IABF honoree this year. His leadership and insight have led the game to resurgent attendance and progressive measures to evolve the pace of play. His contributions are tremendous, and we are proud that he represents Italian Americans at the highest level of baseball.”

IABF has presented its highest honor to several unique baseball people, including Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza, Terry Francona, Joe Girardi, John Franco, Bobby Valentine, and others.

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