Scotties are playing on home field again
ALVERTON – The Southmoreland baseball team has returned home after a two-year absence. Because of renovations to their field behind the high school, the Scotties have lived a nomadic life according to coach Brian Shipley. Two years ago they played all of their games on the road. Last year they had to practice and play their home games at Ruffsdale Elementary School.
Shipley now in his third year as coach, finally coached his first game at his home field. Southmoreland stands at 2-1 in the early part of the season.
Shipley now thinks he has the players, despite their youth, to pick up a few more wins in Section 5-AA, where they went 1-11 and 5-14 overall last season.
Following his second win of the season over Frazier, Shipley knows every win will be important to the young Scots. “I start three freshmen, so every win will help build their confidence,” he said. “Some kids on this team have been with me for a couple of years and are stepping up to fill positions. That’s what they’re trained to do.”
After a couple of years at the helm, Shipley thinks he has kids in place that are more dedicated to the program. He has pointed out an improvement in the number of players attending practice, and an improved work ethic. “Most of these kids have been with me for a couple of years, so they know what I expect from them,” he said.
Only three seniors were lost from last year. “It’s always tough to lose seniors because of their experience and leadership,” Shipley said.
The core of the team will be juniors. Returning juniors are led by pitcher-first baseman Shane Datz. Other juniors returning are catcher Eric Adams, infielders Tony Mains and Chris Hawkins and outfielder Mike Mardis.
Three seniors – pitcher-infielder Brad Hixenbaugh and outfielders Dreher Shipley and Dan Hagerman – return.
The three freshmen expected to start or get a lot of playing time are infielder Chris Skovira, outfielder Aaron Zema and designated hitter Brandon Keefe.
“The kids must continue to work and improve on the fundamentals of the game,” Shipley said. “They must also improve their attitude and stay focused and believe they can win every game.”
Shipley thinks an added year’s experience, especially for the juniors, will go a long way to improving over last year. He felt the Scotties were competitive in every game and thinks they should be ready to make more of an improvement this season.
“I think we have enough talent to win this year,” Shipley said. “The main thing is they have to continue to practice hard and believe in their abilities.”
Shipley says the section is more balanced this year and anyone can win it. Belle Vernon has been the team to beat the last few years in the section. Mt. Pleasant also figures to be in the running. Yough, Derry and Elizabeth-Forward will also be heard from.
He thinks if the Scotties work hard enough at trying to do the right things on the field and come in with the proper attitude, they could make a serious run at a playoff spot.
The Scotties’ new field will play host to Belle Vernon (April 5), Yough (April 11). East Allegheny (April 22), Derry (April 29) and Mt. Pleasant. Southmoreland has road games at East Allegheny (April 3), Derry (April 10), Mt. Pleasant (April 15), Greensburg Salem (April 16), Elizabeth-Forward (April 17), Monessen (April 21), Belle Vernon (April 24), Albert Gallatin (April 25), Yough (May 1) and Greensburg Central Catholic (May 5).