Inaugural WCCA baseball showcase draws larger turnout than expected
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Monday, July 17, 2023 | 8:52 PM
Norwin junior Aiden Kwiecinski takes a rip duing batting practice at the first Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association baseball showcase Monday at Westmoreland County Community College.
Westmoreland County Community College assistant coach Matt Hogue and head coach Mike Draghi record a pitcher’s speed at the first Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association baseball showcase Monday at WCCC.
Norwin junior Ethan Culbertson delivers a pitch during the first Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association baseball showcase Monday at Westmoreland County Community College.
Penn-Trafford junior Hunter Brown tosses a pitch at the first Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association baseball showcase Monday at Westmoreland County Community College.
Hempfield junior Joshua Cayer delivers a pitch at the first Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association baseball showcase Monday at Westmoreland College.
Norwin junior Aiden Kwiecinski connects during batting practice at the first Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association baseball showcase Monday at Westmoreland County Community College.
Mt. Pleasant senior Ryan McKula connects during batting practice at the first Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association baseball showcase Monday at Westmoreland County Community College.
When the Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association approached Mike Draghi about hosting a baseball showcase, he didn’t hesitate in saying yes.
The veteran Westmoreland County Community College coach told them that if they could get 25 players to attend — being this was the first year — he would consider that good.
The baseball showcase ended up being better than good as more than 40 players from across the county signed up, and 37 participated. Some players who signed up were playing in the Pennsylvania American Legion Region 7 tournament and could not attend.
“We got it off and running,” Draghi said. “We only had two months to get this set up. Now we have time to set up the next one. We’ll be able to choose a different date.”
The players were timed in 60-yard dash, infielders got a chance to throw and field, outfielders’ and catchers’ arms were judged, pitchers threw 12 pitches, and their velocity was scored. Hitters performed in the batting cage and against live pitching.
“For some of them, it was the first time they got to perform in front of college coaches,” Draghi said. “It gives them the feel of what to expect. It’s a showcase, and we encourage them to show off their talent.”
Hempfield senior John Kurdzeil was one of many players to show his stuff. He had one of the fastest running times (7.1), and he hit 85 mph throwing the ball.
“Any running time 7.1 to 7.2 range is good these days,” Draghi said. “This is good experience for the players. It gets their name out there.”
Draghi will share the players’ with other college coaches.
Greensburg Salem junior Dom Rosensteel and Penn-Trafford senior David Newsom also ran 7.1 in the 60.
College coaches from Pitt-Greensburg and Cal (Pa.) attended and judged the players.
After running times were recorded, Draghi put the infielders, outfielders and catchers through throwing drills. Outfielders were given six throws from right field, three to third base and three to home plate. Infielders were given eight throws from third base to first base and catchers given seven throws, four to second base and three to third.
The batters were given 10 swings against live pitching, and the pitchers were given 12 pitches (three fast balls, three curveballs, three changeups or sliders and then three more fastballs).
“There are a lot of things we judge,” Draghi said. “We look at their footwork, how they release the ball and their technique. We’re going to evaluate everything they do.”
Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review Staff Writer. You can contact Paul by email at pschofield@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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