PHOTOS: Ellwood City Little League Celebrates 75th Anniversary

The Ellwood City Little League celebrated its 75th Anniversary on Tuesday night.

In 1950, Ellwood City became the fifth league to be chartered in Western Pennsylvania and the first in Lawrence, Beaver, Butler and Mercer Counties. Several speakers made remarks before the Lions and Moose, two teams from the inaugural Little League season, the 75th Anniversary Game.

Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation President Joe Nardone welcomed the crowd and commented that tonight was not just about baseball-but about memories made, lifelong friendships formed in dugouts, and a community that has rallied around a common passion for baseball the past 75 years. ECABF Vice-President Jeremy Beemiller remarked that this organization has stood as a pillar of the community fostering teamwork, sportsmanship and a love of the game of baseball. Mayor Anthony Court remarked that we the honor the visionaries who started the program, the athletes who have proudly worn the uniforms and the supporters who have insured its’ continued success.

Jim Navolio of Versailles, Kentucky addressed the players of both teams. Navolio said he was fortunate to grow up playing in one of the best Little League programs in Pennsylvania. Navolio was a member of the first Little League champion Moose in the opening season of the program.

Ellwood City Boys Varsity Head Coach Chris Weisz stated that it was the highest honor to play at Freidhoff Field and whether you were a player on the first year in the Little League or the next generation all are a vital part of its legacy.

Riverside head coach, Dan Oliastro

Riverside Varsity Boys Head Coach Dan Oliastro, 2025 Pennsylvania Coach of the Year and the winningest coach in WPIAL history, said he was blessed to grow up in Ellwood City and be a part of the Ellwood City baseball program. Oliastro stated that the inspiration he learned for loving the game came from the baseball program. Oliastro, who was a member of four Little League championship teams with the Moose, stated that the field being named after his manager Dick Freidhoff was a most appropriate honor. He remarked that growing up in a single parent household his coaches were like fathers to him.

Cookie Freidhoff of Lexington, Kentucky, daughter of Dick Freidhoff, remarked that she was totally overwhelmed by the gratitude that the Ellwood City has shown in the memory for her father. Freidhoff stated that her dad was never home in the summer because he was practicing his players. Freidhoff said our family never took a summer vacation because her father’s love was on this field. Freidhoff on behalf her brother Skip again thanked the community for honoring her father.
Joe Cioffi, a star pitcher on the first Little League Championship Moose team in 1950, threw the ceremonial first pitch.

ECABF recognized special guests in attendance Al Parente and Jim Barry, two players from the 1950 season, and Marlene LaCava, whose father Grundy Volpe coached with Dick Freidhoff with the Moose.

The Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation extended a special thanks to the civic organizations and businesses who have sponsored teams in the program in the past 75 years and to the Ellwood City Area School District and athletic director Curt Agostinelli.

ECABF also recognized the continued support of Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown and Charities Manager Jacqueline Damrow.

ECABF also held a league party for the players in the baseball program during and after the game.

For more Little League updates, game and tournament results, and pictures, please visit www.ellwoodcitybaseball.com