Guadagnino Field rededication moved to April 30

North Hills High School will rededicate its newly renovated multi-use turf field in honor of longtime teacher and baseball coach Gaetano “Guy” Guadagnino.

The baseball field, located directly across the parking lot from North Hills High School, underwent a $3.4 million renovation last year and reopened earlier this spring. In addition to baseball, the field will be used by other sports including football, lacrosse, and soccer, as well as the North Hills Marching Band.

A special ceremony will now take place on Wednesday, April 30, prior to the varsity baseball game against North Allegheny. The rededication will begin at approximately 6:50 p.m., with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

Guadagnino began his career in education in 1946 at the former West View High School and spent decades as a physical education instructor in the district.

He served as head baseball coach at North Hills from 1958 to 1978, guiding the team to an impressive 335-83 record (223-41 in section play) and 15 section championships.

In addition to baseball, Guy also coached volleyball, golf, and junior high basketball, and served many years as an assistant football coach under Mario Martorelli, namesake of Martorelli Stadium, at both West View and North Hills high schools.

"Guy Guadagnino was one of the most respected high school baseball coaches in the WPIAL,” said Dan Cardone, North Hills’ athletics director from 1992 to 2013. “He, alongside Mario Martorelli, stands as one of two stellar individuals who molded the strong athletic traditions of West View and North Hills."

Guadagnino retired from teaching in 1980 but remained an active figure in the community. The high school baseball field was named in his honor in 1995, and he was inducted into the North Hills Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. At his induction, a fellow coach described him using the Italian phrase uomo di rispetto, meaning "a man of respect."

The son of Italian immigrants, Guadagnino was one of nine children and grew up outside Pittsburgh. He played baseball at the University of Pittsburgh and briefly spent time with the St. Louis Cardinals before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Beyond his decades of service as a coach and teacher, Guadagnino was also a proud member of the North Hills community. His children attended the district, and his daughter-in-law spent many years teaching at the high school.

"This rededication means a lot to our community,” said North Hills School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino. “Coach Guadagnino helped build the foundation of North Hills athletics and inspired generations of students. Honoring him like this keeps his memory — and the history of North Hills — alive for years to come."

Guadagnino passed away in 2002 at the age of 82.

In addition to Guadagnino Field, Guy’s oldest grandson opened a pizza shop in 2008 as a tribute to him. Gaetano’s Pizza and Creamery is located in Genks, Oklahoma.

The community is welcomed and encouraged to attend the rededication ceremony on April 29. Admission is free.