One of baseball's most memorable moments was crafted by Mike Piazza, with his impactful home run during the New York Mets' first post-9/11 home game. This powerful hit against the Atlanta Braves, turning a 2-1 deficit into a victory, remains etched in Mets history, offering solace to a grieving city.

Beyond his American baseball legacy, Piazza's Italian roots run deep. His grandparents emigrated from Sicily, and he's now the manager of the Italian national baseball team, a role he previously held as a player in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He further cemented his connection to Italy by acquiring a majority stake in an Italian soccer club in 2016.

At a recent Italian American Baseball Federation Cigar Dinner in Bayside, New York, Piazza addressed the gathering, emphasizing the ability to be "authentically Italian and … authentically American." He highlighted the valuable lessons Italian Americans can offer new immigrants, emphasizing the ability to embrace both cultural identities.

Piazza believes new immigrants can learn valuable lessons from Italian Americans, particularly the ability to be "authentically Italian and be authentically American." He emphasized pride in being American, the pursuit of dreams, and the hard work ethic that characterized Italian American experiences.

Piazza's baseball achievements culminated in his 2016 induction into the Hall of Fame, the same year the Mets retired his number 31. His record of 396 home runs as a catcher, along with 31 more at other positions, stands as a testament to his prowess, complemented by a .308 batting average and a .922 slugging percentage. He's also one of only three players, including Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez, to achieve 10 Silver Slugger Awards.