It is with heavy hearts we report the passing of long time board member and former West Zone Vice President Joe Gagliardi.
Joe had joined PONY in 1959 as a manager. His 1960 San Jose, California team won the Colt World Series in Ontario, California. In addition, his 1964 Campbell-Moreland, California team won the Pony League World Series in San Diego, California.
In 1976, Joe joined PONY Baseball and Softball International Board of Directors. When he became a board member he vowed that there would never be controversy from the West Zone and he believed the zone had been a catalyst for PONY.
Gagliardi was no stranger to the baseball world. He had been involved with the baseball business for over 45 years. He owned Minor League teams and was the President of the California League from 1981-2009. During his time as President, Joe accomplished several different things for the league, namely settling all-time attendance records, adding new teams, and building ballparks. Despite all his success in the professional baseball world, he said working with PONY had always been his favorite.
When Joe retired from PONY Baseball and Softball International Board of Directors in 2021, he said he reached most of his goal with PONY, which have been being a director, manager, and a host of several World Series events. He wanted to keep people together and be on the same page so one zone doesn’t stray from PONY’s mission.
Joe will be deeply missed and our dearest sympathies go out to all who knew him. Read full obituary here.