Highlands Legion team maintains continuity with high school squad

The Highlands baseball team enjoyed a turnaround season with 11 victories and a trip to the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs this spring after winning only four games last year.

Golden Rams first-year coach Jeff Campbell wants to build on that momentum this summer, and a group of underclassmen from the high school squad hopes to make that happen.

The Highlands American Legion team is three games into its new run in the Allegheny South League, and Campbell said the group of 15 players is ready to compete.

“At the end of the high school season, things were coming together, and the kids were really meshing,” Campbell said.

“They are excited to have the chance to keep it going. It’s a young team for Senior Legion. The competition is going to be stiff, and they realize that. Our key pitchers are going to get a lot of quality innings. Some younger players are going to get more at-bats, do some pitching and work on some things defensively. Win or lose, these games are going to be a real benefit for them.”

Highlands has and will face teams made up of players from WPIAL Class 6A and 5A schools.

The team, based out of American Legion Post 226 in Brackenridge, opened its slate with a 4-0 loss to Gateway on June 3 and a 2-0 setback to South Park on Thursday.

“The kids are adjusting to the wooden bats from the metal bats they used for several months in the high school season,” Campbell said, “Also, some of the kids who played JV are now facing better pitching, and that’s an issue they are working through.”

Highlands (0-3) hosted Plum on Sunday at the high school field and lost, 6-2.

“Switching to a wooden bat felt like a big change,” said Trent Bielak, a sophomore this spring who started at first base for the high school team. “We’re all getting used to it. We’re trying to get into a rhythm of hitting.”

Bielak, who played AAA travel and Pony baseball in recent years, batted .342 in 20 games during the high school season.

“We’re all really excited about this team,” he said. “We’re building a solid foundation for next year, and it’s also making us stronger now.”

Matt Cekada, a rising senior and starting catcher, batted .347 and knocked in seven runs over 18 games for Highlands.

“It’s a good thing to be able to work with the younger kids and get them ready for varsity competition,” said Cekada, who has summer playing experience with the Independent Players in the Western Pennsylvania Elite Baseball League.

“We’re also just having fun playing baseball. I know this (Legion season) will make us an even closer team.”

Tanner Nulph and Michael Magdinec formed Highlands’ starting middle infield at shortstop and second base, respectively. Luke Beer, in left field, wrapped up his second year as a starter.

Chase Godfrey, Campbell said, played a key role as a relief pitcher, pinch hitter and spot starter. DJ Loveland was a threat on the base paths.

Campbell said he liked the way Ethan Hewitt, a freshman this spring, pitched against South Park.

“Ethan had a really good JV year, and next year, he could be a big key to our pitching staff if he continues to progress like he’s been,” Campbell said. “He’s a really good example of a young player taking advantage of the experience and facing some older and more seasoned players.”

Other Legion teams on Highlands’ schedule are Baldwin, Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, Elizabeth Forward and South Allegheny.

“We have a number of guys who qualify to play Junior Legion, but we wanted this group from high school to stay together, gain that experience and try to toughen ourselves,” Campbell said. “We want the kids to understand that while it’s important to not forget how to win, we’re also building for the future. In building, you might take some lumps. That’s a part of the process.”

Campbell said he is grateful to Brackenridge Post 226 for their sponsorship.

“All the uniform and umpire fees are taken care of,” he said. “The kids don’t have to pay several hundred dollars to play summer baseball. We have that community relationship. We thank them and look forward to having this team in the future.”