Jul 24, 2025 By Jonathan Guth 4 min read

Despite a rich tradition of success in baseball, it has been several decades since Connellsville qualified for the state tournament in Senior American Legion Baseball.

Connellsville will make a return to the state tournament on Saturday when it plays host team Milcreek in the opening round at McDowell High School. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The double-elimination tournament runs through Wednesday, and the top two teams qualify for the Mid-Atlantic Tournament, which is scheduled for Aug. 6-10 at Joe Cannon Stadium in Ridge, Md.

“I really don’t know too much about Milcreek, but I have never been one to do a ton of research on teams,” Connellsville coach Brian Sankovich said. “It is a beautiful facility up there, and we are excited to be making the trip after winning our Region 6 tournament, but we are going up there to win. We are not satisfied with just getting there.

“I want to see our guys move on to the Mid-Atlantic Tournament. It will be a tough tournament, but I am confident in my players.”

Connellsville enters the state tournament undefeated at 18-0, but Sankovich doesn’t want his team to overlook Milcreek (3-12).

Despite a perfect record and the top seed, Connellsville entered the Region 6 tournament last weekend at John DiVirgilio Sports Complex in Rostraver Township against a Belle Vernon team that featured a Division I commit in pitcher Cy Herchelroath, and a potential top-level recruit in JB Crovak.

Sankovich’s squad embraced the underdog role in defeating Belle Vernon, 2-1, before topping Baden, 9-1, for the championship.

“My kids were motivated in our regional because all we heard was how Belle Vernon was going to steamroll through the tournament,” Sankovich said. “There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the determination in each one of our kids’ eyes because they wanted to win at all costs.”

Pitching depth is key in the eight-team, double-elimination tournament that has restrictions on pitch-counts and number of days a player can throw, but Sankovich is confident in his hurlers.

Mason Miller and Ethan Porreca have been a solid 1-2 pitch for Connellsville, but Grayden Gillott, Matt Firestone and Alex VanSickle can do the job. Christian Burd can also eat up innings.

“We have used five solid arms and are confident in Christian Burd,” said Sankovich. “All of my kids have been great, and they want to be coached. I am old school like my father was, but these kids respond to that. I am also blessed to have parents who are supportive. That really helps me out.

“We have a young 19-year-old in Kace Shearer, who has been a leader, and the kids really look up to him. He has played a year in college, and is a wonderful person.”

Connellsville is made up of local players, but Alex VanSickle comes from Waynesburg due to the area not having a legion team.

“Alex is a phenomenal player who was also with me during his days in junior legion,” Sankovich said. “He has played with these kids for most of his life. They are all familiar with one another, and they really want to finish their legion careers strong.”

Sankovich is thankful for his coaching staff of Mark Riggin, Greg Beucher, Ryan Firestone and Jake Lee. Scott VanSickle is the team’s official scorekeeper.

“I have a great staff that really works well with these kids,” Sankovich said. “They really get after it, and they do this for the love of the game. This is all voluntary, and these guys embrace helping these kids to become better ball players and people.”

Despite having a solid team with great coaches and parents, Sankovich is troubled by the amount of money that is spent to play.

“It’s unfortunate to hear how much the other American Legion Posts do throughout the state for their teams,” Sankovich said. “It is difficult to get kids to play because they, or their parents, have to pay for equipment. It is tough to ask people to do that.

“We are losing money, and it is a big reason why not as many kids are playing legion baseball. There were five games this year where I had nine players, but we still played and never had to forfeit a game. I think that says a lot for the nine players I have that came to play. We are just asking for some help. That’s all.”