Joe DiMaggio. Yogi Berra. Phil Rizzuto. Names instantly recognized for being extraordinary baseball players, but not only, also Italian-American. Famous Italian-Americans who were all each inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Back in the late 1910s and early 1920s, children born first generation American to Italian immigrants learned to play baseball as kids and excelled exceptionally well at the sport. Perhaps in part because of the discrimination Italian-American professional baseball players faced they had to prove their worth more than their fellow American counterparts. Sharing a strong work ethic, Italian-American players worked hard proving their mettle with significant results.
Not surprisingly, Italians are actually good baseball players. The Italian national baseball team is ranked 9th in the world in the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) standings winning multiple European championships in the World Baseball Classic.
Honoring the past and embracing the present and future is a new exhibition featuring Artists’ Tribute to Italian-Americans in Baseball at Convivio Center in Little Italy. Approximately seventy people attended the opening night on September 25 emceed by Channel 8 News anchor Carlo Ceccchetto. Attendees viewed original artwork, photographs, uniforms, articles, and related artifacts related to baseball players of Italian descent and in particular those with strong ties with San Diego.
Original artwork featured is from renowned Italian-American artists: local San Diegan Christopher Paluso, James Fiorentino, Vincent Scilla, Professor John Giarrizzo, Warren Reed, Zack D’Ulisse, Rob Monte, Chris Felix, Vernon Wells, Jr., and Jeremy Nash.
Baseball players past and present being showcased include Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, Tony Lazzeri, Roy Campanella, Ernie Lombardi, Ron Santo, and Tommy Lasorda.
Italian national baseball team hitting coaches Mike Piazza and Frank Catalanotto; 2013 National League All-Star and closer Jason Grilli (Pirates); Anthony Rizzo (Cubs); Chris Denorfia (Padres); Nick Punto and Drew Butera (Dodgers); Alex Liddi (Orioles); Chris Colabello (Twins); Brian Sweeney (Mariners); Joey Votto and Mike Costanzo (Reds); as well as MLB veterans Dan Serafini, John D’Aquisto, Tony LaRussa, Craig Biggio, and Ken Caminiti.
Guests were served refreshments that included sausage sandwiches provided by Tarantino Gourmet Sausages, beer provided by Peroni and coffee provided by Café Barbera.
Interestingly, many attendees that night reconnected with friends who had not been seen or heard of in years. The Italian-American community coming together is exactly what Convivio Center stands for, supports and encourages. The exhibit runs until February 1, 2014 curator Roberto Angotti.
For more information on the exhibition and special events including player and artist appearances please visit www.conviviosociety.org or by calling 619-573-4140.
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