Carmichaels, Bud Murphy’s County League favorites … again
The Fayette County Baseball League will start a new season Sunday, and four days after that the new one will be picking up right where the old one left off last August. Last season came down at the end to a battle between the Kilkenny Cats of the County League, perennial contenders Carmichaels and Bud Murphy’s with Carmichaels winning in one of the best final series played by the league in a long while.
On one hand, Carmichaels is sitting on top of the mountain, and the Copperheads not only like the view, they want to keep their residence thereon for another year.
On the other hand, Bud Murphy’s enjoyed the same view for a lot of preceding years, and now wants to get back to the penthouse.
County League followers won’t have to wait long for the first clash between the old rivals. They will play for the first time in the new season – the first of four meetings – on Thursday, May 22, at the Breakneck Field. Ironically, that’s where they finished up last August.
The overall residential battle starts on Sunday when the County League inaugurates a new season with eight teams ready to battle for top honors. Long-time league member Mill Run withdrew because of a question of having some of its players available through the week, with summer college classes, work schedules and some players building houses. But the Millers have been replaced by Mario’s, a new team that will be playing its home games in Leckrone, with the roster including players from the previous Anthony Crane lineup and some who had previously played for other teams.
Other than Leckrone replacing Mill Run, the lineup of teams will be the same as in previous years – defending champion Carmichaels, Bud Murphy’s, Connellsville, Brownsville (playing now under the name of Redstone Red Doggs), Fayette City-Belle Vernon, Perryopolis and Waynesburg.
Long-time Carmichaels manager Dickie Krause said, “We like the top spot so much that the players want to go for a repeat, but it’s not going to be easy. Winning a title is tough, but defending it is harder yet.”
However, the Copperheads “lost some good people from last year’s championship team, and while our roster is going to be a little different, we do have a pretty good nucleus returning from last year’s team which then was a good balance between veteran players and some new players.”
Losses from last year include top left-handed pitcher Pete Stofcheck and Ryan Shutterly, one of those ‘play anywhere’ types, plus first baseman Vince Zapotosky is, right at the moment, of uncertain status. Zapotosky, one of the team’s top hitters and all-around field leader, is a candidate for County Commissioner and won’t be sure of his status until after Tuesday’s primary.
Key returnees for the Copperheads include a good nucleus from the championship lineup in Charlie Humes (SS), who Krause called “one of our offensive and defensive leaders;” Ron Nopwasky (IF), who can go at first, second, or third bases; Jeff Thompson (C), named co-most valuable player of last year’s playoff finals; J.W. Kayla (OF) and Eric Holt (P-OF).
Newcomers include pitchers Justin Schrader, who has been playing at Waynesburg College, and Eric Brooks and OF George Taylor.
Bud Murphy’s has also undergone a bit of a personnel shuffle since last season ended.
Long-time manager Tom Sankovich said, “We lost four players who we had been counting on to help us again. Catcher Bob Showman has moved to Detroit, and infielder Brian Showman is in Philadelphia, both having to move because of their work. Outfielder Josh Dellawder, who was rookie of the year in the league last season, is playing in Virginia, and pitcher Marty Fagler has been injured and is doubtful for the whole season.”
But the Cokers have picked up three players who will be big help – County League veteran Jim Burns, who can play infield, outfield or be designated hitter; Bob Sadler (P), who had a fine season at California University of Pa.; and Adam Miscik (IF), son of Mount Pleasant High School coach Dennis Miscik, who had an outstanding year at Shippensburg University of Pa., and will join the team after the state playoffs.
Outfielder Kevin Hiles, who sat out last year with an injury, might be joining Bud’s, but right at the moment he is questionable because of his work.
Heading the list of returning players is the coach’s son, Brian Sankovich, who is starting his 16th season and owns four batting titles. In 1999 he led the league in eight offensive categories, including a .611 batting average and a record 66 hits (20 home runs), and a record 77 RBIs.
Also back are Brian Shipley (3B), who has two home run championships and with Burns shares the league all-time batting high (.622); pitcher Matt Basinger (4-0 last year), who is closing a fine season at the University of Maryland and leading the ACC as a closer; Joe Bonadio (OF); Greg Beucher (SS); pitchers Nick Damico (6-1) playing at California; Chris Fisher (3-0); and Jason Halfhill (4-1); DH-OF-P Mark Edenfield; Jeff Lander (C); Shawn Lucy (OF-C); Richie Means (IF-P), who earned all-conference honors this spring at Pitt-Greensburg; DH-2B-OF Mark Riggin, OF-P Tony Rose (3-0) and 2B-DH Jack Smarslak.
Three players who will join Bud’s after the American Legion season ends are Andy Beucher (IF), Tony Marciante (OF) and Brent Wilson (P).
Along with losing some players, Sankovich has also lost his ‘administrative assistant’ and financial secretary Garry Feniello, who has retired from the game.
As for the year ahead, Sankovich said, “We have a real good group of veteran players with some fine young talent mixed in. We lost some good players, but I feel we have some good replacements for them. We might have three or four players missing games the first week, but after that we should be alright.”
The two league heavyweights will be battling all season for the top spot, with “Round One” set for May 22.