In 1998 Fiorentino became the youngest artist inducted into the prestigious New York Society of Illustrators. He is also a finalist for the title of Sport Artist of the Year 2001, an honor presented annually by the American Sport Art Museum and Archives, a division of the United States Sports Academy. The award is given to an artist who captures the spirit and life of sport so that future generations can relive the drama of today's competition. Past recipients of the Sport Artist of the Year Award include Bart Forbes, Stephen Holland, Donald Moss and Ernie Barnes. Among the many events planned during the year-long festival include a First Light Marathon at the first light of New Year's Day, live musical performances at Cooper Riverside Park, visits by vintage 18th century ships to the waterfront, and an International Culinary Weekend to highlight the city's love of seafood.
Baseball has a long and storied history in Mobile.
Games were enthusiastically accelerated from open fields, sand lots and school yards to the establishment of amateur teams in only a few years. In 1886, two professional teams were organized and officially launched in the Port City. Today, the Double-A Mobile BayBears Professional Baseball Club competes in the Southern League at the beautiful Hank Aaron Stadium. In 1969, the World Champion New York Mets had the unique distinction of having all three of its starting outfielders from the same city - Mobile, Alabama. Those who cast the votes decide nothing.