End of an Era Approaches in Old Forge As His Final Season Winds Down, Coach Tony DiMattia Reflects on 16 Years Leading the Blue Devils
By: Doug Noldy | SportzWire | May 9, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus
Old Forge is unlike anywhere else.
To outsiders, it may be recognized as the “Pizza Capital of the World,” but to those who grew up there, the borough represents something far deeper. It’s a one-town school district where classmates become lifelong friends, neighbors become teammates, and community pride is woven into every game played in a Blue Devils uniform.
Few people understand that connection better than longtime Old Forge head baseball coach Tony DiMattia.
As the 2026 season begins to wind down, so does an unforgettable era of Blue Devils baseball. After 16 seasons leading the program, DiMattia is preparing to step away from the dugout at season’s end, bringing to a close a chapter that has impacted generations of players throughout the community.
Before the season reaches its final out, I spent a few moments with Coach DiMattia reflecting on the memories, relationships, and pride that shaped his time with the Blue Devils.
For DiMattia, baseball has always been personal.
His connection to the game started on the little league fields in Old Forge before eventually becoming part of the historic 1992 PIAA Class AA State Championship team. Years later, the game gave him another unforgettable opportunity coaching his son, T.J., while continuing to pour himself into the same program that helped shape his own life.
Over the years, the wins and championships certainly mattered, but DiMattia’s impact stretched far beyond the scoreboard.
In a town where everyone knows one another, being the head coach carried responsibility. DiMattia embraced that role by teaching his players not only how to compete, but how to carry themselves with respect, accountability, and pride both on and off the field.
For many former players, he became more than just a coach.
He became a mentor, role model, and trusted figure whose lessons extended well beyond baseball.
And while the season still has games left to play, the Old Forge community has already begun appreciating what DiMattia’s tenure has meant to the program and the town itself.
Because in Old Forge, baseball has always been bigger than the game.
And for the last 16 seasons, Coach Tony DiMattia helped make sure every player who wore Blue, Gold and White understood exactly what that meant.
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