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Both teams get national berth

Altoona AAABA League preview

The Altoona AAABA League will field just two teams this season, but the good news is they both already have earned a spot in the national tournament.

Defending champion Johnston Realty and Cumming Motors will play a full regular-season schedule by playing each of the eight Altoona Greater City League teams twice while also playing each other seven times for a total of 23 games.

The 2018 season opens when Cumming and Johnston face each other on Wednesday at Juniata Civics Field.

Because a few national organizations dropped out of the AAABA this year, Altoona was awarded two berths in the national tournament, which will take place in Johnstown in August. Cumming and Johnston will represent Altoona at nationals.

Cumming Motors

Managers: Vince Cumming, John Huber

Last year’s record: 7-9

Returning players: Josh DeGol, 3B; Derek Cursio, P; Catcher Cumming, C-1B; Jordan McCall, OF-P; Evan Moeschenbacher, INF-OF; Alex Martynuska, C; Devyn Carper, OF; Austin Pope, P-OF; Sawyer Kline, P; Adam Sinisi, INF-P.

Newcomers: Josiah Huber, INF; Jake Huber, 1B; Nick Hoenstine, INF; Mike Mock, P; Brenden Vollkommer, INF; Nevin Wood, P-INF; Derek Shaw, C; Tyler Brodrick, INF; Dylan Brodrick, C; Brandon Durbin, INF; Aaron Smith, P; Jake Plunket, P; Dylan Benton, P; Tobe Mentzer, P; Mitchell Greaser, INF; Gabien Bryan, UTIL; Jeremy Ehrhart, UTIL.

Strengths: “The players. I have coached a lot of these kids before. They have baseball smarts and a competitive attitude that will help us go a long way.”

Concerns: “Having enough players for every game and pitching. You can never have enough pitchers.”

Overall outlook: “We will represent Altoona in this year’s AAABA Tournament in Johnstown, so we need to improve throughout the season to have a competitive showing in Johnstown.”

Team to beat: “Whoever we play that day — Locker Room and Lilly in the City League and Johnston Realty in the AAABA.”

Johnston Realty

Manager: Dan Servello

Last year: Altoona AAABA League champ

Returning players: Mason Ronan, LHP-OF; Dylan Gearhart, RHP-INF; Sam Servello, RHP; John Servello, OF-RHP; Lennox Pugh, INF; Cory Storm, INF-RHP; Frankie Montecalvo, OF; Trenton Creppage, UTIL; Ty Treese, UTIL; Drew Bankovich, C; Hunter Blair, C; Tyler Hall, RHP; Blaze Rousch, LHP; Ryan Koonz, C-UTIL; Ty Peterson, C.

Newcomers: Ben Foose, RHP; Alex Mykut, RHP; Jared Showalter, RHP; Ben Briggs, RHP-1B; Rece Ritchey, LHP; Jackson Ritchey, RHP; Keegan Soltis, UTIL; Nolan Walters, RHP; Brenden Hileman, RHP; Logan Williamson, INF; Adam Bankovich, UTIL; Drew Weglarz, RHP-INF.

Strengths: We have experience throughout the roster. Although young, these guys have been playing at a high level most of their careers through high school and travel ball. Pitching is always a concern during the season, so we were able to get a few of the area’s best to join us this year. Along with a solid batting and defensive lineup, we hope to have an exciting season.”

Concerns: “Performance is always a concern. You can have a great group of players, but it’s baseball. Things don’t always go as planned. So we hope that the team can pull together if needed and adjust to the challenges. Also, with an expanded roster, we need to make sure guys are getting the reps they need to stay sharp.”

Overall outlook: “We expect to have a successful season, playing a challenging schedule. And, we expect to do well in the AAABA national tourney in August.”

Team to beat: “Cumming Motors — Cumming has a great coaching staff and roster, and is always tough.”

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