Observer

LaDuca To Be Inducted Into Cardinal O’Hara Athletic Hall Of Fame

Charlie LaDuca
Charlie LaDuca

Charles LaDuca, a well-known sports figure in the Chautauqua and Fredonia area, will be inducted into the Cardinal O’Hara High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Cardinal O’Hara High School in the Town of Tonawanda will honor LaDuca at a banquet and ceremony April 14, 2018, at Banchetti by Rizzo’s in Amherst.

A committee of alumni and supporters from the school selected nominated candidates based on their accomplishments during their time both at the school and in their lives following graduation.

LaDuca, a 1969 graduate of Cardinal O’Hara, was an outstanding athlete at the school, playing baseball, football and wrestling. The ’68 baseball team on which he played won the Diocesan League Championship.

After college, LaDuca coached varsity baseball at Pine Valley Central School District from 1987 to 2008, winning 13 league championships, six sectional championships, three Far West regional championships and a state championship.

LaDuca was named Division III Coach of the Year 13 times and The Post-Journal Coach of the Year five times. As well as state coach of the year.

Presently, as assistant varsity baseball coach at Fredonia Central School, league, sectional and Far West regional and state championships have been awarded to the team.

In addition to school teams, LaDuca plays in the Chautauqua Men’s Senior Baseball League which has earned nine league championships.

Owner of Pro Bats LLC, a company which manufactures and distributes wood baseball bats and accessories, LaDuca founded the Chautauqua Men’s Senior Baseball League.

“My athletic feats at Cardinal O’Hara laid the foundation for my athletic participation and success to follow. My competitiveness and work ethic are a direct result of my relationship with my coaches and fellow athletes at O’Hara,” LaDuca said.

LaDuca and his wife, Ann, live in Fredonia and have two daughters and three grandchildren, all of whom live in Fredonia.

Also being honored at the April 14 Athletic Hall of Fame event are the 1976 baseball team, Robert Judge ’90 and the late O’Hara basketball coach Timothy Dyrek.


The additional financial assistance of the community is critical to the success of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
We gratefully acknowledge these individuals and organizations for their generous support.