Past and present MLB players and executives as well as a traveling delegation from Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS) celebrated everyting Italian and embracedBobby Valentine premiato alla cena IABF 2017 (Chris Heider) the challenges that lie ahead for the 501(c)(3) charity, the Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF), at the second annual IABF fundraising dinner at Carmine & Sons Restaurant and Sports Bar in Brooklyn, New York on Thursday night, December 7, 2017.

The festivities began at 6:30 pm when spirits began to flow and specially-prepared appetizers by respected restaurateur and IABF co-founder Carmine Gangone were offered to early birds. Italian Tenor Sal Spatola dazzled those in attendance with his artistic excellence to add to the warm homestyle ambiance at Carmine's Restaurant. Conversations in Italian and English could be heard interspersed with laughter and holiday cheer in the intimate atmosphere.