Aspinwall Tee Ball went into extra innings and celebrated the end of its third season with a bang.

Two teams of 3-6-year-olds played a handful of innings before a fireworks display launched from behind the concession stand at the borough ball field on Aug. 22.

Coaches then took to the mound for a game with 6-8-year-olds.

Players from multiple teams participated in both exhibitions.

The opportunity was open to the organization’s 230 players, most of whom live in Fox Chapel Area School District communities.

Coach Carmen Yacono of Shaler said players approach the game under the lights with much less competitiveness than regular- season play.

“This is more of a community gathering,” Yacono said.

“It’s an opportunity for all the kids to come out and play under the big lights just like big leaguers do. It’s a nice little treat for all the kids after a full year of playing baseball and tee ball.

It’s an exhibition. It’s not really an all-star game. It’s open to everybody and coaches volunteer to coach this event.”

Yacono, a former Aspinwall resident, coached his son, Anthony, 4, and sponsored a team through his business Yacono Sports Collectibles.

This was the first year Yacono was heavily involved in the league.

“It’s a very great introductory league for young kids to learn about baseball, and it’s a way to get involved with this community as well,” Yacono said.

“I think to the kids it means a lot because every kid goes out in the back yard and plays catch with mom and dad, hits a wiffle ball. Actually being part of a team, learning how to play a game as a team with other kids means a lot to them. You can see some of the cheer and happiness on their face even after the game.”

League history

The league was founded in 2023 by Aspinwall residents Rachel Jannetta, Maria Powers and Gemma Pollice, a TribLive employee.

Pollice said she was inspired to create an organization where children could learn to play ball after a local church disbanded its league and borough officials looked to change one of the baseball fields into green space with trees labeled a kite flying area.

“A lot of people have roots in Aspinwall baseball and softball,” she said.

“It used to be a formative thing but shuddered before covid. We wanted to put the fields back to good use, so there was no chance of them being destroyed (like it could have been with) the comprehensive plan that was released by the borough.”

Pollice said they had hoped for about 40 kids their first season and ended up with 120 players.

“We started with the initial thought that the kids could get outside, off of their devices and play for a little every Saturday,” she said.

“It has just blossomed from that. It really has been amazing, even though I haven’t taken a summer vacation that has included a Saturday in three years. I get so much joy watching the kids learn and grow every Ring-Pop filled weekend.”

The season is about 10 weeks, starting in June. The game under the lights and fireworks has been the league’s closer since its first season.

Bexlee Dugan, 6, of O’Hara, was in her third straight season. She said her favorite position is first base and the best part of being in Aspinwall Tee Ball is “everything.”

Players do not need to be Fox Chapel Area residents to participate.

Ezra Micheals, 4, of Verona had a big hit in the game shortly before the fireworks began.

His mother, Kacie Micheals, said she was recruited by her friend Emily Kust of Indiana Township, whose daughter, Emberlynn Dunlap, 5, also plays.

“This is his first year playing,” Micheals said. “We really enjoyed it.”

Micheals also thanked Coach Yacono for his help with the players and pledged to recruit other families for next year.

Kust played softball for many years, including some for a Lawrenceville youth league that had games in Aspinwall. She is excited to pass down the love of the game to her daughter.

“I’ve played softball my whole life,” Kust said. “I started when I was 5. I kind of wanted to get her in that direction with sports and teamwork, things like that.

“I’ve played on this field and played against Aspinwall teams growing up. All the coaches are wonderful. Everybody’s so nice. It’s a nice organization.”

Kust said Emberlynn has improved a lot as a player this year compared to last year when mom was her coach.

“She kind of just did what she wanted to do,” Kust said. “All the other kids listened to me. I had a great experience with those kids, but she just didn’t listen. … This year, I did not coach and she listened. She loves her coach. She loves tee ball. She told me today she’s really sad it’s the last day.”

Emberlynn said she prefers being pitched to than hitting from a tee. She is also excited to come back next season and play with the older children.

Barbara Berg of Fox Chapel, known as one of Aspinwall Tee Ball’s “Most Valuable Grandmas,” has watched her family play in Aspinwall for years. She has four children and 13 grandchildren.

Her daughter, Sarah Schreckengost, is a youth softball coach and former baller. Berg’s son, Peter Berg III, played ball for Blawnox.

Emmett and Parker Schreckengost, 3, and 5, respectively, were the two grandkids who played on Aug. 22.

Berg said her children and grandchildren play multiple sports, including football and soccer.

“It gets them off the internet,” Berg said. “It keeps them busy. It keeps them out of trouble. My kids all played. … We’re a sports family, constantly on the go with kids playing. It’s exhausting. Every night we’re running somewhere, but that’s what we’re supposed to do right? We did it with our kids. Now, we help out with the grandchildren.”

Berg said she has traveled to many fields throughout the tri-state area and Aspinwall has the best concessions and walking tacos.

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