Bushy Run American Legion baseball enjoys unique mix of young, veteran talent
By:
Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 11:01 AM
Scott Peyman has been coaching the Bushy Run American Legion baseball for 11 seasons.
But the 2025 season is something new for the coach.
Bushy Run has a mixture of old and young players.
“I have never had this happen,” Peyman said. “I usually have an older team or I have a younger team, but not both ends of the spectrum in the same season.
“We return five solid older players that know how to play the game, but I have been pleasantly surprised how well the younger players are performing. They been very well coached and are making plays. They are also very athletic. It is fun to watch.”
Peyman said several members of the Penn-Trafford high school team decided to play travel ball or not play at all.
Bushy Run opened the season 2-0 with wins against Lower Burrell (4-3) and Murrysville (9-5).
Bushy Run has a mixture of players from three high schools — Penn-Trafford, Jeannette and Norwin.
The returning players are shortstop Brody Hoffman, outfielder Carmen Metcalfe, pitcher Brandon Rohrer, pitcher Jonny Lovre and pitcher Rob Andrew.
The new faces from Penn-Trafford are catcher Jordan White, first baseman Dylan Ridley, third baseman Evan Gigliotti, outfielder Evan Lawson, catcher Caleb Kerstetter and outfielder Andrew McFarlane.
The Norwin player on the team is center fielder Jake Sincak, while four players — pitcher Jayden Kennedy, infielder Noah Rattigan, second baseman Amari Thomas and infielder Dominico Ponzetti — were from Jeannette.
During Peyman’s time, Bushy Run has won four District 31 titles and has qualified for the regional tournament eight times.
“The goals remain the same,” Peyman said. “Contender for the District 31 title and qualify for the regionals and hope to make the state tournament.
“The league is so balanced this season. There are no easy games in the league. You must stay focused and expect your opponent’s best shot.”
The other teams in District 31 are Lower Burrell, Murrysville, Young Township, Unity, Latrobe, Mt. Pleasant, Hempfield East and Homer-Center, which is competing in the PIAA baseball playoffs.
There were several teams not fielding teams this summer. They were Yough, Blairsville, Derry and Somerset.
“I just want to see us to continue to get better,” Peyman said. “I am looking forward to the season.”
Bushy Run will continue to play games at Penn-Trafford High School.
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.
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