Baseball

Jeannette’s Michael Pompei, left, Brendt Billeck, Eric Hall, and Blaze Tran hoist the WPIAL Class A trophy after defeating Greensburg Central Catholic in the championship game at Consol Energy Park on May 31, 2017.

Decade’s best WPIAL finals: Baseball No. 5

June 1, 2020

While it almost became a theme to repeat in WPIAL softball this past decade, it was nearly an impossible dream for district baseball teams.

Union shortstop Nate Meeks waits for a pitch during a game in his junior year. Union shortstop Nate Meeks waits for a pitch during a game in his junior year.

Senior Spotlight: After two runner-up finishes, Union’s Nate Meeks was thinking championship

Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

Tampa Bay Rays’ Brendan McKay walks through the dugout after hitting a pinch-hit, solo home run during the ninth inning against Boston on Sept. 22, 2019.

Rising star Brendan McKay of the Tampa Bay Rays talks winning WPIAL gold, the coach opponents love to hate

Trib HSSN has been fortunate to cover a lot of great athletes these last two decades. While the “Best of the Century” contest continues, we now feature some of the brightest high school stars from the last two decades twice a week on Monday and Thursday on the Rebel Yell podcast.

Iowa becomes 1st state to resume high school sports with baseball, softball

While Pennsylvania debates the future of fall sports, Monday was the first day of baseball and softball season for high schools in Iowa.

Mt. Pleasant’s Joe Shrum pitches against Ringgold on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, in the WPIAL Class 4A first round high school baseball playoff game at Seton Hill University.

Senior Spotlight: Mt. Pleasant’s Shrum found sanctuary on mound

May 29, 2020

Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

Jeannette’s Terrelle Pryor vs. Beaver Falls’ Lance Jeter

Trib HSSN May Madness: Terrelle Pryor, Jeannette vs. Lance Jeter, Beaver Falls

Over the course of the next month and a half, May Madness will determine who fans believe is the WPIAL Athlete of the Century.

Steel Valley pitcher Andre Good celebrates with catcher Brady Miller after the final out in a 5-4 win over Hopewell in the WPIAL Class 3A championship game May 28, 2019 at Wild Things Park.

Decade’s best WPIAL finals: Baseball No. 6

May 28, 2020

While it almost became a theme to repeat in WPIAL softball this past decade, it was nearly an impossible dream for district baseball teams.

Trinity catcher Jax Banco gets set to receive a pitch during a game. Banco committed to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Thursday morning.

Senior Spotlight: Trinity baseball standout ready to take to the sky

Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

Kiski Area’s Ryne Wallace runs the bases during practice at Kiski Area High School.

After year at Kiski School, Ryne Wallace finds college home at Old Dominion

Former Kiski Area standout Ryne Wallace always knew he had what it takes to play baseball at the Division I level. He just needed to find the right program.

Upper St. Clair’s Sean Lee vs. Mt. Lebanon’s Luke Hagy

Trib HSSN May Madness: Sean Lee, Upper St. Clair vs. Luke Hagy, Mt. Lebanon

Over the course of a month and a half, May Madness will determine who fans believe is the WPIAL Athlete of the Century.

Blackhawk pitcher Brendan McKay is tackled by catcher Matt Emge after defeating Belle Vernon in the WPIAL Class AAA championship game May 31, 2012.

Decade’s best WPIAL finals: Baseball No. 7

May 27, 2020

While it almost became a theme to repeat in WPIAL softball this past decade, it was nearly an impossible dream for district baseball teams.

North Allegheny shortstop Cole Young and the Tigers will open their 2021 section schedule with two games against Seneca Valley.

WPIAL reveals 2021 baseball schedules with ‘long overdue’ 2-game section series

May 26, 2020

If a section opponent had a star pitcher, West Allegheny baseball coach Bryan Cornell always assumed his team would face him twice.

Ringgold’s Travis Drusbasky hit .362 and stole 13 bases as a junior.

Senior Spotlight: State title run in 2018 set tone for Ringgold outfielder

Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

Hopewell catcher Matt Rubino celebrates with pitcher Scott Dierdorf after the final out in the WPIAL Class AAA championship game against Moon Tuesday June 1, 2010 at CONSOL Energy Park. Hopewell won, 2-1, on home runs by Rubino and Dierdorf.

Decade’s best WPIAL finals: Baseball No. 8

May 25, 2020

While it almost became a theme to repeat in WPIAL softball this past decade, it was nearly an impossible dream for district baseball teams.

Seton LaSalle’s Dom Popa makes a play on a ball hit by Serra’s Dom Puzcanchera on June 11, 2019 during the PIAA Class 2A baseball semifinals at West Mifflin.

Senior Spotlight: Before heading to Pitt, Seton LaSalle senior goes out on top as WPIAL champ

Baseball has been a fixture in Dom Popa’s life since he was a little kid, and even though he had his senior year taken away from him, baseball won’t be leaving his life any time soon.