On Sunday, September 8th, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with the Windmill library presented a heartfelt documentary by talented writer and filmmaker Roberto Angotti. Winner of the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award at the National Italian American Foundation 42nd Anniversary Gala in Washington, DC, “Italian American Baseball Family” told the story of the Italian Americans’ role in baseball and in the culture of American sports.

The movie documented an ethnic group’s rise from adversity and celebrated its triumphs in breaking into a game that was originally dominated by English, Irish and German immigrants. Many of them are today recognized in the Italian American Baseball Hall of Fame including Tony Lazzeri, Joe DiMaggio, Roy Campanella, Yogi Berra, Ernie Lombardi, Phil Rizzuto, Tommy Lasorda, Ron Santo, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa and Mike Piazza.