Chuck Sarver retired May 29 after 33 years with Tarentum-based Waleski Trucking.
He now has a lot more free time to do the things he loves.
Sarver said he’s been able to devote even more energy to the Freeport International Baseball Invitational.
“I have an office set up at my church (Freeport United Methodist) where I can work on things like the Freeport International in some peace and quiet,” said Sarver, the FIBI’s longstanding president who helped guide a planning meeting Tuesday evening.
“It is like a breath of fresh air and a freedom. I was thinking a lot about that (Tuesday) morning when I was over at the concession stand (at Freeport Borough’s James E. Schwartz Memorial Field), putting some locks on the concession stand doors. We were able to purchase a new cooler. I was over there working on getting that put in the other day. I have a whole list of other things that need done. I am not scrambling in the dark in the morning or over there until 9 or 10 at night trying to get things done. I am looking forward to continuing to prepare with a lot more time to do things. It feels great.”
Sarver said the energy is high for this year’s Freeport International week of games and activities July 20-25.
“It continues to build,” Sarver said.
“We have so many dedicated people and volunteers who have helped put everything together as soon at (the 2025 Freeport International) ended. We are always looking for more people willing to help.”
The Freeport International was dealt a blow this spring when Australia’s Aussie Drop Bears, who had traveled to Freeport each of the past two summers, said they were not able come this year.
“We were kind of disappointed when we heard they had to drop out because of financial issues over there, which we totally understand,” Sarver said.
But the international presence remains as a team from Japan will play games this year.
“We are very excited about that,” Sarver said. “It’s been quite a few years since they’ve been here. There have been a few players in recent years from Japan come over independently. They would play with the Tri-Con Roos team. A regional manager was involved with (FIBI vice president Dave Brestensky) the past couple of months. Dave reached out to him through International Christian University and worked to put everything together.”
Freeport Borough will host Japan on July 21 for a special Freeport Days festival event where the players will walk through town, meet people and get some food before going back to Schwartz Field for an 8 p.m. game.
Shaily Penfornis, who came over to the Freeport International with her French team, the Hawks of La Guerche de Bretagne, in 2023, will return to Freeport next month and join a team or two for games during the week.
“She came back over after her team’s (Freeport International week), and we got her batting and pitching lessons,” Sarver said.
“She did some scrimmaging with a local Colt team. She loves baseball and is always looking to play and improve her skills. Her dad, Greg, is really excited for her to come over again.”
The lifeblood of the Freeport International is its local teams, and Sarver said at least two dozen are planning to play games over the six days. In addition to teams from the Alle-Kiski Valley and the Pittsburgh region, a new team from Erie and two from Cleveland plan to join the fun.
“We got three more teams just this week,” Sarver said.
Sarver said the schedule will probably change several dozen times over the next month as the team lineup changes. The Japan team, Sarver said, will most likely kick off the week of games Monday, July 20, with an 8 p.m. matchup against a team from Freeport at Schwartz Field.
It will follow the coaches’ meeting that will finalize the schedule.
In addition to Schwartz Field, Freeport International games will again be at Freeport Community Park, Armstrong and Highlands high schools and Northmoreland Park.
Sarver said Tina Ferringer, Freeport’s borough manager and a Buffalo Township resident, is on board with the Freeport International.
“It is really nice to have that connection with the borough where we can communicate with them about a number of things,” Sarver said.
Ferringer also is involved with coordinating the host families for the international athletes with Amanda Good. Sarver said those wishing to know more about the hosting opportunity can call Ferringer at 724-295-2251 or Good at 814-221-0322.
Guidelines and information about hosting an international player can be found here.
“What we wanted to start last year is give these host families a little bit of pocket cash for the extra food, gas and expense like that,” Sarver said. “That is something we’re still talking about.”
Sarver said something new this year will be live music between evening games at Schwartz Field. Freeport graduate Ricky Hunter, who recently opened for Jason Aldean at a concert in Pittsburgh, will perform several nights.
“It could lead to him bringing some other people,” Sarver said.
Sarver said traditional events such as the Sonny Westerman Old Timers Game on Thursday, the John “Cossy” Costantino Annual 5K/10K race in Freeport Borough and the all-star game and fireworks on Saturday will return.
For more information about this year’s Freeport International, visit Freeportinternationals.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/FreeportInternationalBaseballInvitationalFibi.