Latrobe eager to get started in Westmoreland County American League

When Gov. Tom Wolf announced Westmoreland County could enter the green phase of his coronavirus reopening plan Friday, Latrobe baseball coach Jason Bush and his team couldn’t have been happier.

They were so eager to get started, Bush scheduled a doubleheader Sunday at Latrobe’s Legion-Keener Field against Hollidaysburg.

And what made the day perfect was the weather: sunny and 75 degrees.

Even though the teams split the twin bill — Latrobe won 6-0 after dropping the opener 9-8 — it was the start of what Bush hopes is a return to normalcy.

Because the American Legion Baseball season was canceled, Bush helped organize a season for teams from Region 7, which includes Westmoreland, Indiana, Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Fulton, Blair, Mifflin and Centre counties.

The Westmoreland County American League is scheduled to begin Saturday with Yough playing at West Hempfield. Latrobe opens its season Monday against Derry at Blairsville’s Sloan Field.

Latrobe returns 14 players from a team that dropped two one-run games in the Region 7 tournament.

“We had a great season that was capped off by a good run in the tournament,” Bush said. “No one gave us a chance to be competitive, and the players came together and played well.

“That’s why we’re excited about opening the season. I feel it’s going to take a staff to be successful, and we probably have nine, 10, 11 or 12 players that can pitch for us.”

Teams in the league will play 16 regular-season games. There are also plans to play teams from other leagues in a postseason. Latrobe will play more games because Bush has scheduled a doubleheader at Bedford later this month, and the JetHawks are in two tournaments.

“We had to put goals out for the players to play for,” Bush said. “I’m just happy for the players, and I’m looking forward to an exciting season.”

Latrobe’s biggest loss from the 2019 squad was shortstop/pitcher Matt Henderson, who is playing at Westmoreland County Community College.

Some of the key players returning include shortstop Drew Clair, outfielder Hunter Mills, third baseman Tucker Knupp, third baseman Ethan Boring, center fielder Logan Gustafson, catcher Clay Petrosky, first baseman Ethan Grandgeorge and first baseman Ben Rafferty.

“Depth in numbers is going to be the key this season,” Bush said. “I believe that’s one of our strengths.

“These kids know what it takes to be successful. We were close to Hempfield East last year, and it went on to finish second in the state and move on to the Greater Lakes Regional. I believe the sky is the limit of my team.”

More than anything, Bush is just happy to be back on the diamond doing something that is his passion — coaching baseball.