The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA

Local Sports

Discussion

August 15, 2009

McDevitt has ties from Jersey to Johnstown

BY MIKE MASTOVICH

Johnstown resident Tim McDevitt has loyalties to two cities participating in the 65th annual AAABA Tournament.

A city native, McDevitt and his family moved to Monroe Township, N.J., in the 1970s and he played for New Brunswick in the 1979 and 1980 AAABA Tournaments.

McDevitt pitched in two games in 1980 and finished with a 0.00 ERA in 11 innings for 2-2 New Brunswick. He lost to Washington D.C. 3-2 but the runs were unearned.

“What a great feeling that was to come back and pitch here, because as a kid I could remember riding my bike to Cochran and watching Pete Vuckovich pitch,” said McDevitt, who since has returned to the area and operated West Hills Lawn Care and Landscaping for five years. “That was the ultimate. Just to have that opportunity to come back to your hometown, play in the AAABA and pitch at the Point Stadium is like a dream.”

The tournament made such an impression on McDevitt, a pitcher, that he and teammate Bernie Coffey, a catcher, went to Pitt-Johnstown in 1983. Coffey played baseball but an injury cut short McDevitt’s college career.

“We came back for the tournament and fell in love with Johnstown, which was my hometown,” said McDevitt, 46. “Both of us came back and went to UPJ and got our bachelor degrees.”

New Brunswick is 4-0 after beating Brooklyn 10-0 on Friday afternoon.

The Matrix will face New Orleans today.

“I’m glad to see my guys are doing great,” McDevitt said.

q q q

Jam session: The night games at Point Stadium have been made a bit more entertaining thanks to well-known area keyboardist Rick Oswald.

Oswald used to play the organ at AAABA Tournament games in the original Point Stadium throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

A talented musician, Oswald has a knack for getting the large crowds into the game. His timing and wit come in handy too, as Oswald frequently went to his deep repertoire of songs to play the most appropriate tune for the moment.

Just as he was when he returned to the War Memorial to play at the Johnstown Chiefs’ ECHL games last season after years away from the scene, Oswald has been a big hit at the ballpark.

q q q

New man: On the local front, first-year Johnstown AAABA League franchise Roxberry Creamery named Jim Buccilli as its new manager for 2010.

Franchise sponsor Dave Gehlman said Buccilli brings “30-plus years of baseball knowledge to the team.” Buccilli played at Point Park, where he was an All-American as a senior.

His teams went to the College World Series in 1978, 1979 and 1980.

q q q

New hire: Cambria Heights graduate and former AAABA Tournament catcher Chris Chernisky was hired Thursday as head coach of the Mountain View Community College baseball program in Dallas.

Chernisky played for Pepsi-Cola in 1991 and was an assistant coach for manager Forrest Mazey with the Knickerbockers in two tournaments.

“I’m very eager and anxious to start the hard work to put forth a good product and a competitive baseball program,” Chernisky said during a phone interview.

His resume includes 41/2 seasons as head coach at Niagara University, where he led the team to a school record 28 victories during his second season and 91 wins overall. Chernisky also was an assistant coach at Appalachian State for 31/2 years and VMI for 51/2 years.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local Sports
AP Video
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House' Triple Win: Santorum Takes MN, MO, CO Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate' Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
Poll

Do you support Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-13?

Yes, I support his proposed budget.
No, I don't support his proposed budget.
I don't know anything about it.
     View Results
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com