Hempstead, NY - In town to accept an award from the Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF), Marco Mazzieri spent time with the Hofstra baseball team last week. Recently elected President of the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball, Mazzieri spoke with players and coaches about his experience in international baseball.

Mazzieri found himself in Hempstead thanks to a connection with Hofstra Head Baseball Coach Frank Catanalotto, who played for and coached with Mazzieri and Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. 

"It was great that Marco could come to Hofstra and speak to the team," Catalanotto said. "He has made such a positive impact on the game of baseball, and particularly on me. I've learned so much about coaching from him, which has helped me in my college coaching career.  His passion is second to none, and the student-athletes need to hear from those who have succeeded in the game."





Mazzieri is also a colleague of Hofstra professor and alum Chris Vaccaro, a board trustee of the IABF, which partnered with Mazzieri and former Yankee catcher Francisco Cervelli to launch a youth academy in Tuscany a few months ago. 

Before the team discussion, Mazzieri and Cattalanoto joined Vaccaro and Silvia Davi for an interview about Italian baseball and softball on the "Renaissance Minds" show on the school radio station, WRHU (88.7 FM). 



"To bring the leader of Italian baseball and softball to Hofstra was very important for Frank and me, and we're happy Marco was able to share some incredible knowledge and experiences with the team," Vaccaro said. "He's a valuable person to know and be around."

Mazzieri, honored with the IABF Ambassador Award at the organization's annual gala in New York City, played professional baseball in Italy for 20 years and later managed Team Italy in three World Baseball Classics. He is now responsible for evolving and progressing the sport in his native land.