A Shared Legacy
For nearly two decades Jim DiGuiseppe and Joe DeBarberie have stood on opposite sidelines during the regular season, coaching rival schools in the Catholic League. Yet every summer they set aside those differences to co‑manage the Carpenter Cup squad, a team that showcases the league’s top talent from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
On June 8 the Carpenter Cup team captured its first championship in 21 years, a milestone that will be honored at a Philadelphia Phillies game on August 4. The victory marks the culmination of an 18‑year tradition and underscores the unique partnership between the two coaches.
DiGuiseppe spent 1995‑2011 at Archbishop Wood, while DeBarberie led Bonner‑Prendergast from 2008‑2018. Both have watched their sons assume head‑coaching roles at their respective schools, with Jim DiGuiseppe Jr. guiding Wood and Steve DeBarberie taking the helm at Bonner. Their sons have inherited not only the playbook but also the strategic insight their fathers are known for.
Though their personalities differ — DiGuiseppe is outspoken and DeBarberie prefers the quiet work of paperwork — they complement each other on the field. DiGuiseppe’s vocal leadership pairs with DeBarberie’s meticulous organization, creating a balanced approach that has earned them the PCL Honorary Coach Award for a decade of service.
Beyond the diamond, the two families share a close bond, often gathering for dinner and reinforcing a coaching fraternity that extends throughout the league. Their mutual respect for the Catholic League is evident in how they root for other teams, celebrating the league’s success as a collective achievement.
The upcoming recognition at a Phillies game will give the community a chance to celebrate the coaches’ contributions, the historic title, and the enduring friendships that have shaped the Carpenter Cup’s legacy.