Pillitteri played elite ball in the Welland Renegades and the Niagara Rebels programs where he excelled and ultimately earned a scholarship to pursue his education and baseball at Canisius College. After one season with the Griffins, Rick transferred to Erie Community College and then on to Division I St. Bonaventure, where he enjoyed three successful years of baseball and graduated with a degree in history.
While at St. Bonaventure the 3B/SS was named an Academic All Atlantic 10. During his summers Rick, played in Buffalo NY, for the Diesel baseball program and participated in the prestigious NABF championship.
After his playing days, the Niagara-on-the-lake native, returned to his alma mater as a coach. Rick coached at both ECC and St. Bonaventure (while earning his MBA in Finance). During his time coaching ECC, Rick had the opportunity to guide the Kats to the Junior College World Series in Tyler, Texas.
