League pays tribute to longtime volunteer
BY BRIAN DONAHUE
Staff Writer

Clockwise from top left: Matt Niglio accepts the ball from Connor McCarthy, 12, at opening night of the East Brunswick Baseball League April 9. Field 1 at Baseball Manager's Complex was dedicated that night in honor of Matt's late father, Joe, a longtime league volunteer. Niglio throws out the first pitch while his mother, Jill, looks on. Matt Rizzi of the local Phillies team waits for a pitch at the newly named Joe Niglio Field.

EAST BRUNSWICK - A man who played every imaginable role when it came to youth baseball will forever be recognized for the countless hours he donated.

Joe Niglio, who died last August at the age of 57, is now the namesake of Field 1 at the Baseball Managers' complex on Dunhams Corner Road. Joe Niglio Field was dedicated during opening night ceremonies for the East Brunswick Baseball League earlier this month.

"He did about every job possible for our league over 40 years," said Jack McCarthy, general manager of the EBBL.

Niglio started as a player in the league and later went on to play minor league baseball. He would return to the youth league as a coach for his son Matt's team and served on the board of directors as well. In more recent years, Niglio worked as an umpire and volunteered as head umpire.

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"He spent countless hours during the winter conducting classes to get new umpires ready for the season," McCarthy said.

The idea to dedicate the field in Niglio's honor came from former league board members.

"A contingent of board members from 15 to 20 years ago approached the board about bestowing this honor in Joe's memory, and we unanimously approved it," McCarthy said, noting that "It was an easy decision."

On April 9, nearly 100 people, including all of the league's current umpires and many previous officials, lined the field as the league held a moment of silence for Niglio, whose son Matt then threw out the first pitch. Niglio's wife, Jill, was also present on the mound.

The league put up a banner in Niglio's honor for the field dedication, but a permanent, metal sign has been ordered for the scoreboard. With help from the township, the league will also place a bench and plaque alongside the field.