FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elissa Ruffino, 202-939-3106, elissa@niaf.org

Attribute to Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq., National Italian American Foundation Chairman (NIAF) and John M. Viola, President

“On behalf of the National Italian American Foundation’s Board of Directors, we congratulate 12-Time MLB All-Star Michael Joseph Piazza on his induction today into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the epicenter of baseball in Cooperstown, N.Y., that honors those who have excelled in playing, managing, and serving the sport.

“Mike was recently honored with the NIAF Special Achievement in Sports at the Foundation’s  New York Gala on April 28, 2016. He was recognized by the award’s presenter as ‘a man of faith, family and metal who could play Black Sabbath all night long.’

“He has truly been a longtime supporter and great friend to NIAF promoting our mission.  Over the last decade, he has attended the Foundation’s Anniversary Awards Galas in the nation’s capital, served as the 2012 Master of Ceremonies at our 37^th Anniversary Gala, and spoke at conferences and seminars for young Italian Americans during Gala weekends. In 2014, Mike was chosen to light the Empire State Building in Red, White and Green to further celebrate NIAF’s mission and educational programs across the country.

“We are extremely proud of Mike’s accomplishments as a major league catcher, most notably for the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. His career is distinguished by 12 All-Star selections, 10 Silver Slugger Awards and National League Rookie of the Year  honors in 1993. His 427 homers and his on base plus slugging percentage are the highest totals by any catcher in baseball history.

“We salute Mike for his hard work and endurance on and off the field. Mike has distinguished himself as a proud Italian American, passionate sports athlete and inspirational role model for all of us to emulate.

“Buona Fortuna, Bravissimo e Auguri Mike!”

Washington,D.C,

July 24, 2016