The roots of someone’s legacy can often be traced back to a few favorable decisions that set the course for a fulfilling life and successful career. For Joe Pazdan Sr., it was the decision to follow his talents and passion for the game of baseball to pitch for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels from 1951-’53.
“Coming from New Jersey to North Carolina, that was a big change,” he said. “But I was pleased to get that opportunity.”
UNC-Chapel Hill was also where Joe met his wife, Mack, a Greenville native. Giving back to the community has always been important to the Pazdan family, who have played a big part in the growth of St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Greenville over the years. Recently, Joe Sr. was honored for the St. Joseph’s baseball Hit House and bullpen area that bears his name.
In addition to designing the baseball training facility, McMillan Pazdan Smith has been involved with many of the school’s building projects.
St. Joseph’s Catholic School offers education to sixth through twelfth graders and celebrated 102 graduates in 2020, 93% of whom received at least one merit-based college scholarship.
Read the full article here by Bob Castello, former sportswriter for The Greenville News and current Director of Communications at St. Joe’s., on how “BASEBALL, FAITH REMAIN PASSIONS FOR JOE PAZDAN SR.”
