Bushy Run Legion team holds big plans

They’re talking big at Bushy Run this American Legion season.

We’re not just talking District 31 and Region 7 titles. Bushy Run is talking state title and beyond.

“This is the best team I’ve ever coached,” coach Scott Peyman said. “I don’t see a weakness on the team.”

Bushy Run has pitching, hitting, power, speed, defense and depth.

“All the players are committed to a big season,” Peyman said. “I cut three players who weren’t totally committed to what we’re trying to do. We even picked up a couple new players.”

Peyman returns 12 players from last year’s squad that finished second in the District 31 tournament and third in the Region 7 tournament, both times placing behind Hempfield East.

“We drew momentum from our finish last season,” shortstop Mario Disso said. “We carried that momentum into winning the WPIAL fall ball league and making the WPIAL Class 6A finals this season.”

Peyman said only two starters from the Penn-Trafford baseball team didn’t come out for the squad.

“We have everyone else,” Peyman said. “We did pick up (catcher) Cade Patterson and (pitcher) Maclean Maund from the high school team. (Pitcher) Max Pisi is back from college (Mt. Aloysius), and Brett Andreani and Hunter DeStefano joined the team.

“We have pitching depth, and we’re built for a run in the regionals. These guys are focused on our goals.”

Penn-Trafford’s season ended with a 6-5 loss to Wilson on June 3 in the PIAA Class 6A playoffs.

“We were hoping the high school went the whole way to the state championship game,” Peyman said. “We got them earlier than expected.”

Bushy Run, despite the late start to the season, is 2-0. It has outscored its two opponents, 21-2.

Monday’s game with Unity was postponed because of rain, but Bushy Run is scheduled to play at Yough on Tuesday and Derry on Wednesday.

This weekend, Bushy Run will be participating in the 29th annual Hillbilly Hardball Classic in Elkins, W.Va. They are playing two games on Friday and three on Saturday. They hope to play for the title Sunday.

“I’m looking forward to playing with my friends on the team,” Maund said. “This is my first experience playing Legion baseball. Looking at the squad, we have a good shot at being very good.”

Assistant coach Jay Miller joked at Monday’s practice about how loose the team was.

“This weekend’s trip is for team building,” Miller said.