Jul 7, 2015 4 min read

In Monday’s edition of the Observer-Reporter, a story I wrote about declining participation of youth baseball ran and the emails continue to pour in with folks voicing their opinions on the subject. If you did not catch the story, you can find it here: http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20150705/SPORTS/150709683

If your reading is limited to this post, well, you’re going to miss some great quotes from former Mt. Lebanon coach Mark Saghy, who offered his opinion on AAU and travel teams.

My 45-minute conversation with Saghy was not limited to youth baseball or participation. He also had some very interesting opinions regarding high school baseball and what has gone wrong with the talent level in this area. One of his more interesting points was the PIAA should move the high school season from May-August, which is done in states such as Iowa and Nebraska.

Here are a few quick hits from my interview with Saghy:

“Peronally, I think AAU baseball is ruining kids. I truly believe that the majority of injuries caused in baseball are because of overuse stemming from AAU baseball. How (AAU coaches) market these kids – whether they are 8 years old or 18 years old – is: “I win.” Some of these guys use the same pitcher three times in a five-day tournament. That’s ludicrous.”

“I’ve been coaching in the WPIAL or summer for the last 20 years, and I’ll tell you right now that the baseball talent, as a whole, in this area is drastically reduced. There is still some phenomenal talent, but I’m talking the depth of that talent – the number of top players or exceptional teams….”

“That goes back to the whole philosphy that because the high school season get condensed with the weather and restrictions from when the state tournament has to start, the WPIAL season is so hard and everything gets smushed together, so you have a watered down product. I have spoken with some kids who rarely practice during their high school season and that is terrible.”

• The 7-on-7 season has all-but-ended and its no surprise that Ringgold had a solid showing at Pitt’s tournament. Though the Rams lost Nico Law, they do have a pure passer in George Martin and two extremely talented tailbacks (Chacar Berry and Brendan Small). Yes, these competitions are played in shorts and no pads, but it does show how much athleticsm they have.

Mix that with their offensive line and Ringgold should be one of the top teams in the area this fall.

• Former Trinity head coach Ryan Coyle has joined Mt. Lebanon’s staff as defensive coordinator and it’s a huge addition for the Blue Devils. I have no doubt that Coyle will soon be a successful head coach in the WPIAL. He was hired at a very young age to take over for Ed Dalton and eventually improved the Hillers.

• Speaking of assistant coaches, Wash High probably picked up a great one this offseason. I cannot confirm yet, but have been told that Lance Vallee has joined Mike Bosnic’s staff. Vallee worked at Canon-McMillan under Guy Montecalvo and Ron Coder, and has a wealth of experience as an assistant coach. Pair his knowledge of speed training with the athletes at Wash High and the result could be scary. Would be a huge addition, but could mean the departure of another assistant.

• Speaking of coaches, there will be plenty of interest in the opening at Ringgold for girls basketball coach, as well as the openings at Canon-McMillan for Frank Zebrasky’s positions (baseball and girls basketball). I won’t speculate on potential candidates at either school, but look for new coaches to be in place next month.