Humble and affable.
Those are two good words to describe Shepard coach Frank DiFoggio, who registered the 300th win of his career — all at the Palos Heights school — when the Astros downed host Oak Lawn 9-2 on May 12.
DiFoggio never has been comfortable in the spotlight, preferring any positive attention to be directed to his players throughout his 18-year career.
The Astros are having an outstanding season, claiming the program’s first conference title in 20 years and producing 21 wins through Monday.
DiFoggio, however, couldn’t deny the significance of his career milestone.
“It’s ironic because that’s where we won our first regional title in 2005 and it’s the last place my dad saw me coach before he died,” DiFoggio said. “That 2005 team is a special group. They still are heavily involved in the program and are very supportive.
“Obviously, my dad had a tremendous impact on my life. I have a lot of memories on that field.”
Since the 2005 season, DiFoggio has worn a wrist band on his left arm to honor his father John, who passed away in November of 2004. The last game the elder DiFoggio attended was a summer game Shepard played at Oak Lawn that same year.
John DiFoggio’s impact on his son remains as powerful as ever even 11 years after his passing.
“Many of things I do today are influenced by things my dad and I would talk about,” DiFoggio said. “When I was a young coach, I was a little more crazy. He would say to me, ‘Make sure you’re doing this for the kids and not for yourself.’ And, ‘Make sure you’re doing this for the right reasons and always set a good example.’
“So I’ve tried to stay classy and be a solid role model for my players all the time.”
When asked what it’s like to win 300 games in his career, DiFoggio not surprisingly kept it light-hearted.
“It just means that I’m getting old and I’ve had some really good players,” he said. “But it is nice to have another special memory on that (Oak Lawn) field.”
For Stockwell
Andrew will honor former assistant coach Rich Stockwell, who died in October, prior to its game at 11 a.m. Saturday against Morris. There also will be a cookout during and after the game in celebration of Stockwell’s life.
Stockwell coached at Andrew for more than 20 seasons, including 15 as a volunteer under long-time coach Frank Ganser. He coached the previous six seasons for current Thunderbolt coach Dave DeHaan, including his final two on the sophomore team.
“We’re inviting back all former players and Rich’s family and friends to honor him on Saturday,” DeHaan said. “Not only was Rich a great coach, but he was a great person. He was one of the greatest men I’ve ever met. Just an amazing man who made a positive impact on this program. His players loved and respected him deeply.”
Good cause
The South Suburban Conference raised $1,800 for Camp Patriot, an organization that exists to take combat wounded and disabled U.S. veterans on outdoor adventures. Each team in the conference that has a remaining home game will wear a camouflage jersey to signify their participation in this worthy cause.
Did you know?
Mount Carmel’s Catholic League Blue championship this season was its first since 2007.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Caravan coach Brian Hurry said.
Player of the Week
John Riordan, of St. Laurence, is this week’s Daily Southtown Baseball Player of the Week. In his first start of the season after recovering from a hand injury, the senior pitcher fired a two-hitter and struck out seven to lead the Vikings to a 1-0 win over Brother Rice.
Twitter: @disabato
Baseball Top 10
Includes records through Monday; last week’s rankings in parentheses
1.Mount Carmel 27-3 (1)
2.St. Rita 28-4 (2)
3.Lincoln-Way West 25-4 (3)
4.Joliet Catholic 25-6-1 (6)
5.Homewood-Flossmoor 19-6 (4)
6.Brother Rice 24-8 (5)
7.Providence 22-10 (7)
8.Oak Forest 22-8 (9)
9.Lincoln-Way North 22-9-1 (7)
10.Shepard 21-7 (NR)