By MIKE MASTOVICH
Pittsburgh and Cleveland traditionally are fierce rivals when it comes to the NFL’s Steelers and Browns.
But in the AAABA, the two cities teamed up this summer.
Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Athletics won the Zanesville Regional to earn a spot in the 62nd AAABA Tournament. But in reality, the Athletics represent the Cleveland franchise.
Sound confusing? The Pittsburgh team played in the Cleveland AAABA League and won the title competing against five Cleveland-based teams.
“It’s kind of ironic that a Pittsburgh team played in our league,” said Harry Oschip, the Cleveland franchise’s director. “We worked it out. Allegheny A’s traveled over here a few times and a couple of our teams traveled to Pittsburgh.
“This is our first year. There used to be a Cleveland team but it was dormant for a while and we’re excited to start it back up.”
The A’s drew three-time defending champion Baltimore in the first round today at noon at Pitt-Johnstown.
AAABA Tournament Chairman Bob Wolfe of Zanesville said Pittsburgh might soon have its own franchise. Once a AAABA regular with 32 tournament appearances and one championship, the actual Pittsburgh franchise hasn’t been represented in Johnstown since 1986.
“They’ve told us they’re going to have their own league next year,” said Wolfe, who runs the Zanesville Regional. “They had two or three teams from Pittsburgh but couldn’t get organized in time this year, so they played in the Cleveland league.”
Allegheny A’s manager Dave Hungerman, who resides in the North Allegheny School District near Pittsburgh, is no stranger to Cleveland.
“I have a couple guys that were on my team that play for Cleveland State,” Hungerman said. “I’m kind of familiar with the guys who run that operation up there. I knew it was going to be very competitive. This was an opportunity for us.”
The Cleveland State players include Josh Hungerman, a left-handed pitcher-first baseman who is the manager’s son; outfielder Kyle McGuire; and pitcher Brian Long, who has been hindered by arm problems. Josh Hungerman has 22 extra-base hits, including four homers.
The outfield consists of Pitt’s Matt Litzinger, Central Connecticut’s Jay Schillaci, Lehigh’s Christian Valeriano and Elon’s Harry Austin. Schillaci is batting .387 with seven doubles, four triples and a homer.
Shortstop John Quimby might miss the tournament because of a foot injury, Dave Hungerman said. Duquesne University’s Brian Bernardo also is a shortstop.
Duquesne’s Gary Pierpont plays third base. Charleston’s Jedd Cordisco is at second base and Seton Hill’s Pat Trettel is the catcher with 17 extra-base hits, including three homers. Infielder-closer Joe Noro is batting .371.
Point Park’s Joe Cox (6-1, 1.98), Pierpont (6-1, 2.17), Josh Hungerman (6-2, 2.19) and Bernardo (four saves), Slippery Rock’s Vince Lloyd (three saves) are pitchers. The roster includes two high school players, Fox Chapel second baseman-pitcher Noro and North Allegheny outfielder Andy Trettel. Cox, Pierpoint and Josh Hungerman have combined for a 2.12 ERA.
