Fall ball program the latest signpost in Penn Hills baseball’s rebuilding efforts

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Joe Capobianco didn’t have to buy a large amount of refreshments for the Penn Hills baseball boosters meetings during his first season with the program.

The Indians only had one booster last season. This year, the number has swelled to about eight parents. As Penn Hills attempts to climb the mountain back toward respectability, Capobianco is encouraged as the Indians have fall practices.

Capobianco, a 1996 Penn Hills graduate, has been aggressive at promoting the program through social media and other avenues since he’s taken over.

“That tells me they are starting to believe as well,” Capobianco said. “I think the (social media strategy) is starting to get through to players and parents. They see everything we do, everything I post. There is nothing hidden. We have to live how the kids are.”

What encouraged Capobianco during the fall workouts was how his returning players had improved. Since they were familiar with the program, they were able to jump right into what he wanted them to work on.

“I think the cool part is they know the format,” Capobianco said. “It’s such a mental game. I think they were anxious last year. We put them in uncomfortable situations. We have kids who want to play in college. We want to challenge them.”

Penn Hills had shortstop Dontae Giddens pursue an opportunity in the offseason. He was invited to the Hank Aaron Invitational at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex. The Hank Aaron Invitational is aimed at bringing in players from diverse backgrounds to promote access in the sport.

“He was a little disappointed he didn’t make the big team, which would have played on MLB Network,” Capobianco said. “It was an eye opener for him to play with all of those kids who are exceptional. It’s a motivating factor for him to get better in the offseason. He saw how mature those kids were at that age.”

Penn Hills had its fair share of growing pains during Capobianco’s first season. The Indians finished 0-18 overall and 0-12 in section.

Capobianco said he is happy with the turnout he has seen during the fall practices. Penn Hills has averaged about 13 kids for the workouts.

Malik Mathis and Jon Barbarino are former Penn Hills players who will be assistant coaches. Capobianco said his efforts to revitalize the program have drawn attention from alumni of all ages.

“It’s special being home,” Capobianco said. “It’s a blessing to be here. I like to see those kids that didn’t think they had a high school baseball team to get behind because there wasn’t a proper program being put in place. There’s a proper program being put into place because of the logistics we’ve put in place. We’ve raised money and drawn interest from alumni.”

Tags: Penn Hills