Yough American Legion baseball team eager to start summer ball

Yough American Legion baseball coach Craig Spisak has an advantage over other coaches in the Westmoreland County League.

He’s also the Yough High School coach.

Spisak was preparing his team for the varsity season when the coronavirus wrecked the season.

But when District 31 president and Region 7 director Jason Bush went to work and saved the season for the Westmoreland County teams along with the Bedford and Central Penn leagues, Spisak was glad to enter his team.

Because the American Legion season has been canceled, this is not a sanctioned American Legion activity. But all the teams are effectively the Legion rosters. Yough made the District 31 playoffs last summer but lost to Unity in a best-of-three series.

“I know the players are very anxious and very excited to play,” Spisak said. “They realize with the pandemic that nothing can be taken for granted. They’re grateful that they’re getting a chance to play.”

Spisak returns a veteran team with nine seniors and four juniors from the high school team. Yough has a roster of 19.

One of the strengths is the pitching staff. Heading the group are Michael Bell (Waynesburg) and Vinny Martin. Other members of staff include Steve Manon, Nate Wilkins, Ray Halahurich and Sean Royer.

The season is scheduled to begin June 13. Early on, Yough will play games at Sutersville Recreation Field. Spisak hopes to move games to the high school field in Herminie once the school opens.

“I’m happy for the seniors that will get a chance to end their careers,” Spisak said. “It’s also good for the underclassmen to get experience for next year.”

Spisak said a player like Martin, a college prospect, will get to showcase his talents.

Bell and Joel Nemec will share the first base spot, Cory Ulander (Westminster) will play second, Wilkins (Westminster) will be at shortstop and Halahurich at third base. Cam Pritts also could see time at third and Logan Cosharek as a utility player.

Manon (Saint Vincent) will catch, and Martin, Caden Kastronis (WCCC), Halahurich, Gino Lawrenzi and Ryan Lubovinsky roam the outfield.

“Getting a chance to play, especially for the seniors, is big,” Spisak said. “It also gives me a chance to evaluate the underclassmen.”

Spisak said the players have held some informal workouts. He said Friday he will get the entire team together and prepare for the start of the season.