Monday, February 23, 2009

Bucci resigns from C-M

Last Thursday, Steve Bucci resigned as head coach of the Canon-McMillan baseball team, less than a year after managing the Big Macs to the 2008 PIAA championship, the school's first state baseball title.

In two seasons at Canon-McMillan, Bucci posted a 35-14 record with two playoff appearances. He previously coached at South Park and Serra Catholic.

Bucci resigned in order to spend more time with his family, including son Brayden, who was born four days after the Big Macs defeated Spring-Ford, 10-2, to win the PIAA title.

"It built up over time," Bucci said. "Last season was exhausting, from winning the state championship then having a baby. I never felt grounded. Things became more hectic. I wanted to kick back, be a father and watch him grow up."

For more details, check Tuesday's Observer-Reporter.

163 comments:

Anonymous said...

Let the blogging begin.

Anonymous said...

That’s a shocker. Any idea who will be the next coach? Two years, two play-offs appearance and one state championship. Be careful for what you ask for CM fans, you just might get it.

Anonymous said...

Canon Mac FINALLY wins something and the coach walks a week before the season starts?!?!?!

Hilarious.

Anonymous said...

Steve Bucci was a terrible coach. He did nothing for Canon McMillan baseball a coach is supposed to build up his program. Bucci found talent in Canon Mac and left after the talent left.

Anonymous said...

If they were so talented why didn't they win with henson?

I'm sure leaving wa hard on Bucci, but family comes first. I heard his baby has been pretty sick so who are we too judge?

Anonymous said...

Two words why Bucci won and then left: Tim Miller. Miller was by far the best pitching coach in the WPIAL over the last two years and saved Bucci's a$$ many-a-time during their two seasons together. He resigned a few months ago and Bucci probably figured that without Miller his team would crumble. I know my son benefitted greatly from Miller's teachings and hope that Miller returns to coaching some day.

Anonymous said...

We aren’t as bare as you would think. We have some solid players who will get there
opportunity to shine. Last years team wasn’t highly touted either but wound up winning the state, this year team has that same type of promise. Don’t sell CM short this year. The coach who walks into this situation will be pleasantly surprised!

Anonymous said...

Bucci was an ok coach but he should probably hang it up for good. He got his championship, so what is left to play for? I know he had to handle tons of off the field problems in his stay at Canon Mac and that probably wore him down. The folks in canon-mac never appreciated bucci, so why should he feel obligated to stay on and lead our team?

Considering he has the young child he probably made the best decision. His wife probably didn't want to be a single parent.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Anon, you need to get your facts straight about Tim Miller. While I don't agree with all of things that Mrs. Toward posted before, I think Miller was a HUGE piece to the Canon-Mac success. In 2007, it was Miller that was the ONLY coach to EVER get through to Brian Muransky. No big deal? Well I believe Muransky tossed a no-hitter against the beast of the east (Peters Township) and then tossed a gem against a heavily favored Fox Chapel team in the Wpial playoffs. Miller never threw a pitch and Muransky deserves the majority of the credit, but it was through Miller's game planning that Muransky was able to realize his potential.

Miller specialized in exposing opposing players' weaknesses. Do you honestly think that JJ, Rider, Steranka, Isler, or any of the Section 3-AAAA hitters want to bat in a game coached by Miller? His staff owned the big boppers because Miller knew how to get those guys out.

In 2008 it was more of the same. I think Miller led the squad to back-to-back shutouts in the state playoffs and a third shutout of Shaler in the Wpials. 3 shutouts in 7 playoff games is INSANE! Considering he had good pitchers it's not a surprise. But, as one of the pitchers from his staff, I have to credit Miller because he always put us in a position to succeed.

You say that Miller befriended kids and didn't see who they were as players and that's a load of Bull! Miller is a young dude and the only thing he ever did was be himself. Miller didn't always make the correct decisions, but he made a lot of right calls. He made us all believe in ourselves while Bucci just sulked in the dugout and distracted us when hitting. I think every kid on the team respected Miller- quite an achievement for a guy that was barely older than the players.

Bucci should go to bed every night thanking Tim Miller for being born because coaches like that don't come around often. Yes Bucci was successful in previous stops, but did he ever win a championship? NO! And with Miller he did it at the highest level.

Anonymous said...

This is retarded. Yet again parents and so called fans come on this blog and talk like they know everything about the situation when really, they know very little. No, coach bucci wasn't the greatest coach ever and he would admit to that but he deserves his credit. No, he didn't win states by himself and again he would admit to that also. Great players without a good coach, don't win. A great coach without good players, don't win. You need both to succeed at that level and to win a state championship. The fact of the matter is Bucci left. I think everyone agrees that family comes before high school baseball. I just wish that he would have left earlier so our team wouldn't be in this situation. But it's over now we have to move on and as a member of the team I'm asking all the immature bloggers to move on also. Our team has alot of talent and no matter who ends up coaching I promise you that we will work hard and will not let this situation ruin our season. We will not underachieve. And who can get on here and talk about mike toward. Obviously you don't know the kid because he is a good pitcher and will get better I promise you that. Thanks. Go Big Macs!

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

How can anyone just credit Miller with how CM waltzed there way to the state title? The pitching was phenomenal, as stated by an earlier blogger, but the blogger failed to mention that the hitting was equally phenomenal, with scoring outputs of 10 in the state finals, a state record, 14 runs in the semis, and posting a HUGE number against JJ and Peters in the quarter finals. Defensively they were phenomenal as well. It was a total team effort by BOTH PLAYERS AND COACHES.

mike_kovak said...

Opinions are encouraged but this board does not approve dissing high school athletes and making accusations that cannot be proven.

VCTMbrian said...

Wow.

Steve Bucci, Tim Miller, and heck Ken Barna did a tremendous job with CM baseball and anyone who tries to belittle or take anything away from them is a mongoloid. The time, effort, and dedication they gave to CM Baseball was extraordinary.
Think back to the off season, think back to all the hours Timmy put in with not just pitchers and catchers, but everyone. And Bucci, the man would work insane hours and then somehow manage to be on his toes at practice. They didn't just throw words or ideas around like coaches before, they made shit happen. Sure the players, parents, and boosters were extremely helpful, but the coaches made them believers. The trips to South Carolina, the new batting cage, playoffs, and that pretty neat state championship ring that the players got last year... That stuff happened.

For those of you that say it was all one or the other... Get real.
For those giving no credit to Bucci, the man wins. It's not coincidence. And um well who do you think coached Timmy? Oh yeah.

For those knocking Timmy, if you ever put half the time this man put into baseball into anything in your life, you will be successful. I can't even begin to describe how much he cared about each kid on the team.

I think i mentioned last year in the playoffs a stat that in my opinion is a little bit of a reflection of the coaching staff and that was the team's
8-1 record in one run games.



While it stinks that they must part ways at such a lousy time, i think everyone associated with CM baseball owes them a thank you for helping to start "wtfb."

Coach Bucci and Coach Miller, thank you.

Anonymous said...

Wash High baseball strong team this year with a couple new bodies zach barnes nick bryant used to light it up in pony The High WPIAL CHAMPS 09

Anonymous said...

This is a cm blog not trash high I mean wash high.

Anonymous said...

This blog is garbage. How can you bash a coach who wins the state title?

I really cant understand why anyone would want to coach at the high school level. You dont get paid anything and you have to put up with a bunch of idiotic parents who thinks their kids are super-stars.

Anonymous said...

VCTM Brian's comments are ones that I completely agree with. Thank you Brian for adding a touch of class to this board and attempting to show both sides of the argument in an unbiased way.

I really hope that Ken Barna does not get the head coaching job. There is a reason he was fired at TJ without ever holding a practice: he's a loud-mouth that is a borderline immature baby. The only thing Barna has ever exceled at is eating and taking baseball players to his beloved RYAN'S. It'll be interesting to see what happens though.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Goin to Ryans! Im game!

Anonymous said...

Barna is hilarious. The dude only ever shows up at game time on game day and sometimes he is even late. I'm not sure I know of any other coach that neglects all of his responsibilities throughout the week and then has the nerve to show up only on game day. Hiring Ken would be a huge mistake because he will just take his check, show up only on game day, and continue to work for the local $0.25 book store.

Anonymous said...

I believe that the only people who have a right to critize a coach is the players(and coaches) of the team. They are the only ones who know what when on in the dug out and at the practices. So on that note parents should stay out of this whole thing.

Anonymous said...

Ken Barna is a lucky man. Lucky that Steve Bucci basically pulled him off of the street and gave him hope when there was none to be had. Bucci didn't have to take Barna on as a charity case, but he did. Bucci deserves a humanitarian award based solely on the fact that he refused to give up on Barna when everyone else had. When Bucci first brought Barna onto his staff, Ken couldn't have been at a lower point in his life. As a former pro manager he had seen himself get rejected by countless high schools like Clairton, Western Beaver, Elizabeth Forward, Carlynton, Brentwood, Belle Vernon, and Yough. But Bucci stuck by his former mentor and for that Steve Bucci deserves a lot of credit. If Bucci is thanking Miller for being born each night, then Barna should do the same about Bucci.

Anonymous said...

But guys, Barna loves quoting Old School and wearing neck rolls! You gotta love that about him!

As far as someone saying that they would want B-LO over Barna, I will say that B-LO definitely knew a thing or two about the game of baseball. But the way he went behind the coaches backs was cancerous to the team. That guy can be really shady.

I'm not saying I want Barna either because I honestly wouldn't hire either as the varsity baseball coach. I'm interested to see who CM does decide to go with since they don't have much time to make up their minds.

Unlimited steaks at RYAN'S? Count me in!

Anonymous said...

B-Lo and Barna are one and the same. Two guys that can't be trusted and Mish and Chips I disagree-- B-Lo didn't know anything about baseball. Sure he pretended to and was adamant in his opinions, but he knew nothing. First Kiriloff was the greatest and now its Sidick. B-Lo switches bed-fellows more than Wilt Chamberlain!

Anonymous said...

I call BS on you saying the B-LO knows nothing about baseball, and you won't even leave your name on this blog. If you would actually sit down and talk to the guy about baseball, he cover it all. I'm not saying that he is a baseball god and knows everything but he knew enough to talk.

Anonymous said...

Ok Lloyd, BLO knows something about baseball. But everything he knows is incorrect information. His philosophies on hitting are a joke as are his philosophies on baserunning, fielding, coaching, pitching, and any other skill used to play the game. Be careful what B.S. you listen to Lloyd b/c BLO will tell you that he played at Point Park (and he sometimes he says he was an all-american there) but he isn't listed on the all-time roster. Coincidence? I think not! Even Ken Barna is listed on the all-time roster at Point Park.

www.pointpark.edu/default.aspx?id=1605

Anonymous said...

in regards to Coach Barna: Coach Barna never took a penny from the School District. He volunteered his time and it actually cost him and his business hundreds of dollars. In fact if you where at all the games you would know he was there!!! He's a great 3rd base coach and he knows his baseball. The bashing has to stop, these coaches were here for the kids and the kids are the most important or there would be no games to win or lose.

VCTMbrian said...

I'm going to Ryan's this weekend. I almost went there the other day but we pulled into the parking lot and then realized we could get free pancakes at IHOP across the street. Bad choice.
If i do go, i'll be sure to take some pictures.

LT Todaro said...

I think that this blog and all the complaining is going to serve no other purpose than add another element of disaster to what should be another promising year of Big mac Baseball. Coach Bucci is gone, there is nothing that we can do about that now. What was can do is change our attitude as a school district and community. I coached most of these seniors when they were Freshmen and there is a lot of potential this year. As someone stated earlier, the cupboard is certainly not empty. We are coming off a PIAA championship with some seriously talented players coming back. We could have something special this year as well. I think that we need to stop focusing on all the bad that we can nothing about and focus on being supportive and optimistic about this upcoming year.

Anonymous said...

Todaro,

Are you applying for the job?

Who does everyone think the next coach will be? Any ideas?

LT Todaro said...

Not a chance. I am busy trying to make my transition to softball coach for when my girls get older. If I coach now, I can be assured of one ticked off wife.

I have no idea though.

Anonymous said...

The leading candidates for the baseball job are likely:

Jordan Abramowitz- a returning assistant

Bill LoNero- a local guy that has been involved with baseball in one way or another for many years.

Chris Sidick- a Wild Things player and former Big Mac alum

Levi Bristor- Trinity's head coach

One name that I'm surprised hasn't been listed among the candidates is Miller- the former assistant. I figured Bucci was grooming him as a replacement. He has probably spent the most time of anyone with this current crop of kids and I think he would make a good choice, given his role in the success of the team over the last two years. But then again, I have heard he is going to be on the staff at Latrobe this year to tutor their young staff.

Of the candidates, I have to make Bristor the favorite because he has head coaching experience and has resurrected the Trinity program. The other finalist will likely be Sidick with LoNero a close third. I don't see Abramowitz being a finalist because of how inexperienced he is. One year of assistant coaching does not a head coach make. I'm not saying he wouldn't be a good choice (I feel he would be) but I have to look at it through the eyes of the decision makers at Canon-Mac and I just don't see them jumping for him.

Anonymous said...

That's really something Big Mac 2006. I think everyone in the community knows that he says he played college baseball there. It's possible the all-time roster has an oversight or something, but it seemed to list every single player in their history. Like you said even Barna was listed. Wow I mean that right there (if true)makes it impossible to trust Lo. I guess we will have to proceed with caution around him because who knows what he might say or twist. Perhaps this explains Bucci canning him after the 2007 season?

Anonymous said...

Anon from 12:38am:

Ken Barna may not have taken a dime from the school district but he did take plenty of money from the booster club for organizing the South Carolina trip. The boosters also gave him money for working the baseball clinic the team put on last spring. All told he ended up getting more money than the paid assistant (abromovitz) and almost as much as Bucci. In fact, considering Barna's money was under the table, he might have netted more cash. Also, Ken Barna was not at all the games last year. Who can forget the Peters Twp game at the end of the regular season that he was mysteriously absent for.

Ken Barna is a good man, a good coach, and an even better husband and father. He did volunteer his time and for that we are greatful. But the record needed to be set straight and hopefully the above info sets it straight.

On another note, how can RSDoug leave Barna off of his list of candidates? Yes he has been rejected by nearly every school in the Wpial (Single-A up thru Quad-A) but he has managed professionally and collegiately. I am also aware that Barna can be an embarrassment to a district (see the daily news article) but his heart is in the right place. I'm not quite sure what else could be standing in the way of this true winner. He above all else is the main reason the BigMacs are 2008 state champions!

Anonymous said...

Wait a second! How can you give the credit to Barna for Canon McMillan winning the State Title? Where you at the practices? Where you there watching what went on or even if Barna was the practices? Barna coached third base when he was there and organized the trips to South Carolina.

Anonymous said...

Sorry. Were you at the practices?

Anonymous said...

Barna does deserve a lot of credit. He should be the new head coach.

Anonymous said...

Get your facts straight Chris: Coach Abramovitz was not a paid assistant. Both coaches Barna and Abramovitz were paid through the boosters less than $1000.

Anonymous said...

THE RIGHT FACTS: Coach Barna never resigned from Canon-Mac and never accepted the TJ job. When politics get involved he has the guts to speak up to protect his players, coaches, and team. If you have ever played for him or have been at one of his clinics you soon realize very few coaches know baseball like he does.

Anonymous said...

Barna LOL. It has already been said but the man only knows about Ryan's! And the last time I checked Ryan's does not have a baseball team, a baseball field, or anything baseball related. Barna is an invention of Steve Bucci and without Bucci no one would even know Barna.

Anonymous said...

I know Coach Barna personally and yesterdays blog listed 7 schools that supposedly refected him. If you check with those schools, do the research, Coach Barna never applied for any baseball positions with them. If you are going to put comments on this blog site PM, JC, WD, don't lie to ur fellow bloggers. Stay on your own blog site in Allegheny County.

Anonymous said...

To the bloggers who think Coach Bucci deserves a humanitarian award for putting Barna on his staff failed to tell everyone that Coach Barna had been a a pro manager, college coach, and won championships before coaching with Bucci. They also hinted that they just got together a few years ago and Coach Bucci was doing Coach Barna a favor. They've been coaching high school baseball together for 7 years. Coach Barna picks who he wants to coach with or help. Coach Barna saw in Coach Bucci the ethical and morally correct coach who will not let his ego get in the way of his teams. Yes Coach Bucci did deserve an award last year AAAA Coach of the Year , instead of that coach who thought the good old boys network received it even though that coach was forced to resign because of scandal.

Anonymous said...

I would like to inform the blogers that what K Staab said is not really K Staab.

Anonymous said...

Lloyd are you trying to say that the post made by Kevin Staab from Clairton, Pa was not in fact made by Kevin? In case you didn't know Kevin is a friend of Ken Barna's and we are all pretty sure he made the post.

Anonymous said...

If Ken Barna never took the TJ job why was he featured on the front page of the daily news sports section in a picture with his assistant coach and a headline reading "Local legend Barna taking over reigns of TJ baseball program?" Oh and in the picture he is wearing a TJ Jaguars Jersey (#22).

Anonymous said...

I find it interesting that coaches may have been paid by the boosters.
I believe that goes against CM district poicies and athletic guidelines.Whomever is writing that better have their facts straight.

In regards to who should get the credit..
When a team wins...the TEAM won. When a coaching staff is successful
The STAFF was successful. The CM baseball staff and baseball team both had a season to remember and they should both get nothing but credit for that. A head coach who allows his assistants to do what they do best and not let his own ego get in the way is a wise head coach. An assistant who fulfills his role in an exceptinal way is still just one part of a coaching team and should not be given all the credit either.
It is fun to stir things up on a blog like this but some of the stuff written is just plain idiotic!

Anonymous said...

the bottom line is

barna didnt do anything for the team except help organize the spring trips. he didnt do anything during games. any sign he gave from 3rd base was relayed out from bucci. and i really dont think he knew much about baseball.

bucci was an above average coach. he was better than most but wasnt the best. there are many other coaches that could have lead that team to a state championship. he did a great job putting a staff together and leading us to a championship. hes no hero but he was a good coach for us.

miller was the best coach on the team. he knew how to get good hitters out and was always supportive of his pitchers. the only mistake he ever made was calling 5 straight change ups against baldwin (ask mish and chips about that)

practices were easy and fun for the most part. we had a few tough days with timmy's insane condintioning requests but not many. i find it funny that after we wont states, some papers wrote about us having intense and demanding practices. we warmed up, took infield/outfield, hit, then maybe scrimmaged. pretty chill and probably the same as many other teams did

thats how things were. parents and people that werent there dont kno anything. i was there, thats how it was

Anonymous said...

barna did nothing but the staff was good you make a lot of sense he told bucci not to cut you thats how it was you should thank him the next time you see him thats how it is

Anonymous said...

the five straight changeups at baldwin are something timmy mills still regrets to this day. Having talked to him and mish and chips I know timmy still brings it up and apologizes everytime he sees mish-sticks.

The best thing about mills was that he honestly cared. Some people think that's bad but I think it's great. Too many coaches are not personable with their players and a bond of trust never develops. I'd trust timmy with anything (pitching social security number bank pin code) because he's that kind of guy.

Anonymous said...

Looking back on the past two years for Canon-Mac baseball (the glory years as the community is calling them) we have been very lucky to have some good coaches, but also were in able to win in spite of some poor ones.

Steve Bucci: The chief. He was the engine that made the train run. Not the best at relating to his players or making strategic decisions, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better overall manager. Certainly knows how to win games and believe me, some coaches do not know how to do this. As was mentioned before the best thing he did was check his ego at the dugout and let his assistants do the jobs they were brought in to do. Yes he did override them at times, but he made sure he was right when he did that. Overall Grade: A-

Bill "Robert" Lonero: Huge ego. Made outrageous claims that were not even close to the actual truth. Was known to say he taught "Frank Porco's style of hitting" yet several kids that went to Frank Porco said the two approaches couldn't be more different. Gave every kid a dumb nickname and tried to be "one of the boys" but was an outcast from day 1. Even attempted to get into street brawls with his fellow coaches, I mean who can forget Soriano? The Soriano argument is an all-time classic and should be made into a play or short-film because it was that funny. Talked a big game but could not back it up. Some people may like him, his philosophies, or something else, but the bottom line is that he knew very little about hitting and baseball in general. His generic ideas were straight out of the Cal Ripken book series (which is ok) but then he tried to pawn those ideas off as his own. Overall Grade: D-

Ken Barna: Didn't do much. Put together a great trip with the exception of the Ryan's stop. I spent about 3 hours in the bus' bathroom lol. Barna didn't do much because he wasn't asked to do much. He coached 3rd base and occasionally was allowed to give signs on his own. At those two jobs he did very well. One thing no one mentions is the job Barna did as a consultant for strategy situations throughout the course of the game. He constantly had a dialogue going with Bucci and probably advised him at times. Because he didn't do much, Barna is tough to evaluate but Overall Grade: C+

Timmy Miller: Unbelievable pitching coach. His style meshed perfectly with the pitchers on the team. He is not a yeller or screamer, but instead talks to players like they are human and always tries to give them the best chance to succeed. He was always positive and took any negatives on himself. What pitcher wouldn't want to pitch in an environment where they had someone that cared enough about them to pull positives out of any situation? I think Miller's style definitely contributed to the pitchers staying calm in the most adverse situations. His conditioning sessions were brutal at times, and I know we complained but I think we all understood that he was doing it for our benefit. Mound visits were great because he would tell us we were going to do something (get a double play for example) and then we would actually do it. Overall Grade: A

Coach Juicey: Great hitting coach. Only had one year with him, but he totally reshaped my game. I hit with more confidence and my numbers were so much better. Early on he noticed some flaws in my swing and he put in many hours with me trying to correct the problem. He was a good dude and really a great addition to the staff. Compared to Bee-Lo he was so much better. Again, not a yeller or screamer but a confidence builder and a man of passion. So much fun to have him coaching. Overall Grade: A

Anonymous said...

Previous Anon,
I agree with u for the most part but I'm gonna have to bump Barna down to a C- for one reason...I don't enjoy 2-1 take signs cmon I think we would all agree that some of those takes were questionable at best!!!! I mean being that I admittadly wasnt the greastest hitter(nor did my lazy ass work very hard at it) I didnt enjoy him taking the bat out of my hands almost every time I got up in the count btw BAKER u better hold that shit down this year or there will be a beat down in order

Anonymous said...

Soriano LOL. Definitely the funniest thing I have ever seen. That right there is why timmy mills is the man and also why b-lo stinks.

Anonymous said...

Dre, I also have to drop Barna but only down to a C. The takes were awful, but I'm not sure that it was all Barna on that one. It could have been Bucci too. I'd give Barna a C-, but he provided us with so many laughs that he deserves the grade inflation.

Anonymous said...

yea I think ur right ill never forget that towel around his nech, one of the funniest things i've ever seen, btw everyone always mentions just Ryan's cant Junction get a lil love??? I mean it was equally as bad not to mention no all you can eat steak

Anonymous said...

Junction in 2007 was also an all-time classic. So many good memories.

Anonymous said...

Haha I totally forgot about Junctions. I think they also sold those flying pigs that Krop used in class.

I feel that the coaching grades are pretty fair. I admittedly wasn't always the biggest Bucci fan, but looking back on it all, I give the guy a lot of credit. Some very good points were made, and I guess I never looked at things from another perspective. I was just a little frustrated when hearing about a few things that went on last year.

With Timmy, I totally agree with all the praise he's been given on here. He's just a great guy who was so passionate about helping us. I've never been around someone who put as much time and effort into coaching as him. He genuinely cared, and he did an excellent job as a pitching coach. Ya I was a little frustrated about the five straight change-ups, but it led to an unforgettable scene in the dugout and Kretz flipping over the outfield fence (and I probably could've shaken the pitch off). But I have nothing but good things to say about Timmy, and I only wish I could've played for him longer.

And Timmy tried to bail out the guys involved in the water balloon launching incident down in SC. I gotta give him credit for that too.

That was a great season with so many memories.

And for Dre Bigs, you definitely get the Bonehead for today. No cursing on the blog! Go sweep the dugout.

Anonymous said...

You may have a state championship at CM, but it's obvious you will all be talking about it the next 20years after working the late shift at Denny's.

A CM education. Worthless.

Anonymous said...

Mish and Chips, from your comments I take it you think Miller should be the next head coach at Canon-Mac? I don't know if he has applied or anything like that, just wondering if he is who you would pick.

Anonymous said...

Since several all-time Canon-Mac moments have been brought up recently I am going to offer up mine...

Timmy Mills and the badger (badgasil for those in the know)

Anonymous said...

Anon 12:45 am
Beautiful!
An unprovoked attack on a CM education. By the tone I'm guessing that you are from Peters T.
Most of the guys on this Blog are ex CM baseball players who are now in college putting their CM educations to the test.
Don't assume that diversity in a student population means lack of intelligence.
Nice touch using Denny's as your example.....often cited in news stories as a racist restaurant.

Also; before you fire back with the old CM losers...CM never wins anything but wrestling....check your statistics. And be sure to include the last 10 years of the so called "secondary sports."

Anonymous said...

Having known all of these CM players, I would say that more than likely they would be engineering the construction of the Denny building verses working 3rd shift. If you would like to criticize there table tennis skills, that statement is 100% accurate.

Anonymous said...

I love how this guy comes on here and takes a shot at us meanwhile everyone who is in college and has posted on here is at a pretty damn good school and most us of are studying to be engineers? Get your facts straight before you start bashing...btw Mish and Chips I pass teh bonehead to that guy..

Anonymous said...

If Barna is the head coach for 2009 I'm transferring to Peters.

Anonymous said...

The very first thing I would like to say is that i wouldn't trade the last two baseball seasons for anything in my life. Second, no one can say anything about the coaches unless you were a player. Third, i didn't realize there were so many peter gammons in the world haha but whatever.

Timmy as much as we gave him s**t as we gave him for conditioning, he was a great coach and more importantly a great guy. i know everyone remembers running their hardest for something that was impossible, being told that it would be the last thing, and then having to run another one. But realistically i believe that Timmy should be the next head coach if he is to put his name in.

Bucci. How can you forget the great pep talk speeches that he gave, the words he used. You know, "david ekenstein", "you guys should be salavitating at this guy", "this pitcher is terrible he couldnt even pitch in double A", "no lube", haha and many others.

Barna. All i got to say is the neck brace.

Jordan. Great coach, loved what he was doing and knew what he was talking about. We all loved eating at Linguini's. If Timmy doesnt put his name in for the job i think with the names in now Jordan should get it.

I know everyone loved 50 bunts and 2 swings during practices everyday. The great debates about who was better, superman, batman, or spiderman (superman would dominate). Everyone laying down in the outfield tanning during practice. The 2 years were a blast with everyone.

Yea and whoever posted about Denny's is a complete dbag who probably works the b**ch shift at kings on friday nights.

WTFB and HITM

Anonymous said...

Remember when ditty made kretz puke on the bus after the playoff game in 2007. haha classic

Anonymous said...

Haha I'm sure Strimel will never forget that, or how bout Muransky's interview he was laughin through the whole thing and then the bus driver got us in trouble for that? straight bull!!! btw this goes out to all of the kids who were actually on my team if it wasnt for my great feed we would not have been in this situation lol thank you maty for savin my ass

Anonymous said...

Personally I think my favorite moment was Andre rapping after leaving his equipment behind.

Anonymous said...

haha your right Timmy got swolled up with that

VCTMbrian said...

BDphil 4life.

Does that say hitter juice?

Oh, wait. There's an S.

VCTMbrian said...

Dre and Sanchez,
I don't know about you guys but i'd much rather work at Red Lobby than Denny's. Nah scratch that, lets work at Ryan's! Unlimited steaks for life.

btw mr. or mrs. anon,
You little jab from behind about our education really isn't much of a shot at us graduates. While I do feel that a CM education is certainly no joke, none of us graduates can take any credit for it. You see, the credit for our valuable education goes to the hardworking employees of the Canon McMillan School District who you basically slap in the face with your moronic comments. And oh yea, i believe some of them may even be reading and posting on this blog. Stay Anonymous bigguy.

-My word verification was horni.

Anonymous said...

When is Canon-Mac going to pick a coach? I believe the spring sports season officially starts today, so I have to think they will put someone in place soon. My neighbor thinks that Bill Lonero was already offered the job, so if that ends up being true I'll send the Big Macs a postcard from Upper St. Clair or Peters when we move.

Anonymous said...

Dave Nackoul...nuff said

Anonymous said...

Anon,

Who do you think you are?
Check the ego bra. CM will hire whoever they feel is best fit for the job, not whoever some parent thinks will play their son. BTW, you better not let anyone know who you are because transferring due to athletic reasons is typically a no-no.
Glad to see that baseball is more important than friends, education, relationships and all that too. Looks like you've established a great foundation for your child. Great values and the priorities in the right place. My advice...Take the 50cents for postcard, put it in a jar and start saving. You need some therapy homie.
This being said, I have not heard about who will be the new coach, but whoever it is deserves the respect of the players and parents.

Hop on the train.

-Upgrayedd
Ya, with two D's for a double dose of pimpin.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
VCTMbrian said...

I would like to think that my former school district wouldn't hire a "degenerate" as you so pleasantly describe this man. Lonero is an alright guy, but i will agree with the many others in saying that he certainly stepped out of bounds in his stint with CM baseball. The man is definitely more suited to the head coach role rather, but because of his previous slip-up i don't know that he will see an opportunity in the CMSD. He does know his baseball though.

The politics that follow baseball are crappy.

Anonymous said...

"Left Right!!!!"

-- only thing worthwhile ever said about the N.T.A.C. And only worthwhile because we laughed at him for two years straight over this.

Anonymous said...

No Lonero

Anonymous said...

I heard that the baseball interviews were conducted tonight at the school, does anyone have a list of the finalists?

Anonymous said...

I do.


You should know who it is by tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Who's the coach??? btw everyone hates on Lonero so let me hit you with some knowledge now granted the swing he taught didnt suit everyone but then again I dare anyone to find a baseball swing that would, now all I'm sayin is that the guy had to know a thing or two about the game because i went to see him once during the regular season the next day...4-4 before the NA play in game 3-4, before the allderdice game 2-4 w/ a triple no less, and anyone who is familiar with my career knows that you could count my extra base hits on one hand maybe two, and before the peters state playoff game 2-4 now for someone whos career batting average was around 280 I'd say those numbers are pretty eye opening eh maybe I shoulda worked out with him more eh o well btw whoever put Upgayedd receives the blogger of the year award in my book can't wait to go to rehab this week BEEF SUPREME is comin back and I heard Fredo is getting rehabilated(for anyone who isn't familiar with Idiocracy this misspelling is intentional, and o ya one more thing anyone down for some starbucks? Lattes all day on me!!!!

Anonymous said...

I would really like to be the coach of this baseball program and I am salavatating at the chance, this is a plea to the Canon-Mcmillan administration to consider my application

Anonymous said...

Dre Bigs, What did you hit with Lonero as your hitting coach in 2007? And what a slap in the face to the 2008 hitting coach by going behind his back and working with Lonero. Wow.

Anonymous said...

Not at all a slap in the face I worked with Juicey during practice and said nothing to bash him he is a great guy and also a great hitting coach(and I mean its not like I discreditted his abilities as a coach) but I could only work with him during practice and like I said the way one guy teaches it doesnt work for everyone so like I said a couple times during the year I went and hit with Lonero and by the way 07 was my best year at the plate I flirted with 300 all year before admittadley falling apart in the playoffs and ending up somewhere around 280?

Anonymous said...

One more thing both me and the 08 pitching coach who you are saying i bashed have a ring I'd be willing to bet you my friend do not, well I'm off to Denny's to work the late shift gotta love that CM education!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Anon,
You're killin me sporty spice. Check it, my man Dretown didn't do anything wrong. He put in extra work and it paid off for the lil man. You calling him out for going behind the back of his coach? That smackadoodle don't even make sense.
Check it bra... Let's say you are the startin second baseman for an extra biga$$ highschool team yet you aren't hitting as well as you feel you could. What would you do? I would hope you would put in some extra time. That's what this kid did and when he saw positive results, he stuck with it. Send him to jail. I know, what a little $41T. It's cool though, Brawndo (the thirst mutilator) has what plants crave. Plants crave electrolytes. Got it homie? Aight, i'm out though scooby doo, but can i ask you something... Why you takin this kids hard work with Bill Lonero so personally?




-Upgrayedd
Ya, with two D's for a double dose of pimpin.

Anonymous said...

For the anon hater who thinks he/she knows a little about baseball, i have a question for you to back up my boy dre bigs. Do all major league hitters hit the exact same way? Just a thought to ponder over, hater.

Anonymous said...

Who knew that PSU had a sports communication class in the early am?

Anonymous said...

Back to back bigs, you mention the 08 pitching coach, but wasn't the anon talking about the 08 hitting coach?

Anonymous said...

I wonder if the school district has asked coach bucchi for his thoughts on the candidates. I would imagine Bucchi supported Juicey Jay, but it would be interesting to hear his thoughts on the other candidates. Then again, Bucchi quit on us so why should we even care about his opinion?

Anonymous said...

Yes I meant the hitting coach thank you for the clarification

Anonymous said...

Alright does anyone know who the coach is going to be? I mean here we are on Tuesday afternoon and we know they did interviews last night. I still have to give the edge to Juicey, but I think the real drama comes from some kind of a mystery candidate (Levi Bristor?) that could make a compelling case to lead the Big Macs to another State Title.

Anonymous said...

Bristor almost got job when 2 years ago.

Anonymous said...

It looks like one of the candidates had resume issues.

Anonymous said...

Whomever gets the job has some tough decisions to make. First and foremost who will be the catcher? Sam Lombardo is bursting with all-section talent, but so is Josh Tatertotterdale, Brad Strimel, and Josh Chambers. If that decision isn't hard enough, what about the regular pitching rotation? There are many candidates and they all bring something unique to the equation. So how does the new coach find innings for those arms? Finally, are there any underclassmen that can come up and start? Who is this year's phenom Freshman or Sophomore that forces the coaches hand?

All of these situations will play out in time of course. It definitely will be exciting because as we all know Canon-Mac is a heavy favorite to repeat as state champions.

Anonymous said...

WOAH lets be real about it Josh Chambers is not ready to catch at the varsity level

Anonymous said...

To the anon above, I sense some sarcasm in your post.

I find it hard to believe that we have four catching candidates bursting with all-section talent, and who are all of these possible pitchers? I feel like the cabinet is pretty bare as far as pitchers are concerned. We all know they have Pierpont, but what about after that? I'd think Hull is a possibility. Word is that Toward has had some arm problems. Staab has had arm problems.

And I don't think a single person has them as favorite for a repeat of the PIAA title.

If you are being sincere in your post, I would just like for you you to elaborate.

Anonymous said...

Curious George, call me a blind optimist, but I believe everything I posted. Yes there are 4 catchers in the derby. Lombardo was last year's backup, so he figures to get the 1st crack at the catching job. He is all-section worthy because the overall group of catchers in their section is weak. I mean BP, Peters, CM, MTL, and USC all lost their starting catchers. So whomever wins the CM catching job becomes a good candidate for all-section status. I may be premature on Chambers, but he should eventually get an opportunity to catch for the big club and if that happens this year it will be an indication of his overall talent as he will have beaten out some noteworthy candidates.

As for the pitching, there is more there than you think. First though, I don't think Phil Staab has ever thrown a high school inning so I do not count him amongst the stable of arms. Pierpont is obviously the name everyone knows about. Toward could be ready to break out and his arm is 100% so he will be a factor. Bobby Semulka has loads of potential as a LHP and figures to get a lot of time in a duel role (starter/reliever). Jimmy Boris is a guy that threw some for the varsity and performed well when given a chance. Steve Roach is a senior and a guy that has had success. Justin Baker is a slop guy that could be successful. And then you have Mike Hull. That right there is seven arms.

Yes I may be too excited, but last year everyone said that without Muransky and Mish the pitching would be crap. Well that staff won a state title and yes they did lose some very very good pitchers, but I think this group has potential.

Anonymous said...

The only thing that could hurt is that the pitching coach from last year does not figure to be with the team this year, so whomever they bring in may force an adjustment period.

Anonymous said...

How can you say Staab is not a stable arm and then mention 3 people that have thrown the same number of innings has him...0 out of Baker, Roach, Semulka and Staab i'm throwin Staab off of one days rest before any of those three get on the mound

Anonymous said...

Like I posted earlier, I too am questioning the pitching staff as a whole. Pierpont is obviously going to be the go-to guy. He's solid. After him is the question.

No one else has very much varsity pitching experience. Hull hasn't pitched in a while. Toward has arm problems. Staab has had arm problems and surgery. (Wasn't he a DH last year because of this?) Outside of those names, I don't have much confidence in anyone else. Hopefully I am proven wrong.

When thinking about all of the talent that departed from last season's team, I didn't think CM would have a chance this year. But, after realizing how much talent the section is losing as a whole, I definitely think CM has a better chance to contend than I initially thought. They're just really gonna need some newcomers to step up.

Should be an interesting season, especially depending on who's chosen to coach this team.

Anonymous said...

as a current player I was shocked to learn that Jordan was not given the head coaching job. Once again small time politics has won out. The people that directly influenced the decision should be ashamed. That includes several bully parents men and women. I find it odd that the same 5-6 people continue to exhibit all of the power. Just because my parents are not the wealthiest or members of the booster club officers, I am robbed of a chance to have a real baseball coaching staff.

Coach Jordan has plenty of exerience, in fact he has 27 more games under his belt than zebrasky or moskal. Those two are just the by-products of political bull crap. Jordan was nothing but a positive to our team unit and yet the district ignored this.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure as a player you'd prefer some continuity in the coaching staff, but I just don't think that Jordan has any experience whatsoever as to being a head coach. And was last year his only year as an assistant? Schools don't hire guys with those kind of credentials...especially Quad A schools. I guess the only reason he had any chance at the job was due to the fact that the season has already technically started, meaning the new coach will have minimal time to assess his talent and install any changes that he plans on making.

As far as other candidates, I didn't even know Zebrasky and Moskal were being thrown around as possibilities. I don't know a ton about Zebrasky, but I do know that Moskal has had a lot of coaching experience and has had a lot of success.

I also have a few other questions for anyone in the know. What happened with the fall ball team this past year? Did the players do any winter workouts? Were tryouts supposed to be this week?

Anyone know when the announcement of the new head coach will be made?

Anonymous said...

To anon who is upset that Jordan isn't coach,

Jordan is not ready to be a head coach. He should be an assistant a few more years and kinda get prepped for a head coaching job. Steve Moskal has been a head coach for many many years and understands what to demand from players and how to coach them in all the aspects of the game. Head coaches that are too young always seem to find trouble. Usually theses "fresh" coaches are more personal with kids and say things that more mature coaches wouldn't, and all it takes is one kid on the team to not liek the coach and tell a parent. Happens all the time.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous please. Moskal, Zebrasky, or any other run-of-the-mill clown they put in is a waste of time. Jordan understands baseball at levels that those clowns can only dream of. Moskal has coached LITTLE LEAGUE. There is a big difference between making strategy decisions for a high school varsity state championship team and making strategy decisions for a group of 10 year olds. It is so fashionable to pan Jordan because of his biological age. Well I for one think he should be judged on his baseball age and in that category he should be collecting his pension because he is a veteran of the game.

Would we be saying these things about Timmy Miller? A lot of bloggers on here felt he would be great for the head coaching job. He spent two years at Canon-Mac and managed the fall team for 2 years. Does that really make him any more qualified than Jordan? Only slightly in my opinion. But judging from the comments about him, it seems that no matter how old he is (22? 23?) people respect him for his knowledge base and maturity. Basically it seems that many of the guys that pitched under his watch feel he is the most knowledgeable pitching guy around--- regardless of age. I bring him up because I for one feel that Jordan is the best hitting coach around and easily one of the best "baseball minds" around as well. That in my eyes qualifies him for the head coaching job.

Anonymous said...

Curious, Elite Quad A programs hire the best candidate. Take a look at North Allegheny. Last year was the first year for Andy Maddox, who was 27 years old when given the job. North Allegheny's program is light years ahead of Canon-Mac's and the Big Macs would need 20 years of consistent winning just to narrow the gap. Andy Maddox probably wouldn't have gotten the job at Canon-Mac based on your thinking, but he was good enough for North Allegheny. NA is probably the best baseball program in the Wpial over the last 20 years. Face it, Canon-Mac made a huge mistake here and they will unfortunately have egg all over their face for years to come. Let's celebrate the 2nd coming of Scott Henson (either zebrasky or moskal) and the demise of a program on the rise.

Anonymous said...

Jordan ran the fall baseball practices but Bill Lonero ran the fall baseball team on game days and he ran game days into the ground basically. Jordan has been running the offseason show at least 2-3 times every week since December.

Anonymous said...

It's official. Coach Z who has no high school experience is in. Isn't this the 4th sport that he'll be coaching for cm this year? Being best friends with the AD sure pays off. Juice is gone too, I'm sure a smarter school will scoop him up.

By the way age is only a number.

Anonymous said...

Jordan had a chance to be an assistant with the potential to be head coach in the future... He said no. Mature response.

I'm sure Mr. Montecalvo had good reasoning to not hire him. Maybe it was his lack of experience, or his lack of professionalism, or his lack of understanding what a head coach is supposed to do, i don't know. Montecalvo just hired someone who led CM to a State Championship, so i'd feel comfortable about putting my chips in the same pot as him.


Just out of curiosity, what is Jordan's actual employment?

VCTMbrian said...

I think CM will be alright with whomever is picked to be coach as long as the team buys into them and plays.

Anonymous said...

This is a joke. Coach Z is a good guy, but how can you legitimately say he is a head baseball coach. I didnt even know he coached baseball. Jordan has more knowledge about that team than Coach Z. Even if you dont hire Z, what about the guy from trinity. Wow. Im speechless with the cm school district. I sure am glad i graduated when i did.

And why the attacks on Jordan? Well anyways he runs Linguini's in the south hills, they serve some damn good italian food, maybe you should eat there some time Sohyda.

Anonymous said...

Sohyda why would jordan trust anything that a c-m administrator said? Yes stay on and let zebrasky or moskal take the fruits of his hard labor all off-season? Yeah that's exactly what we would all love to do- have someone else get the credit for our own work. I wonder if Sohyda is another name for Obama because it seems that you are a socialist just like him.

Also, please do not attempt to question anyone's maturity in regards to turning down an assistant job. Jordan put in for the head coaching job. He wanted to be the head coach. Yes he was already an assistant but under another staff. Perhaps he wouldn't feel comfortable working for zebra or moscow. Not every coach is able to mesh with just any old staff-- see bill lonero. Even he just felt he got "screwed" would be reason enough to turn down their pity offer.

As for trying to dig up the dirt on what jordan does outside of baseball, how is that even relevant? If he put in for the job it meant that he had the flexibility to handle day-to-day baseball operations and that's all anyone should be concerned with.

Anonymous said...

Dj sanchez well said. About time someone brought some common sense into the equation. This whole situation is ridiculous. How can you hire a guy that makes ridiculous claims about his own kin? I think we've all heard plenty about Coach Z's sons and their NFL futures... PUH-LEASE.

VCTMbrian said...

Wow, the intensity of the blog is hitting new heights. Where's Clairton Alum or Rodney?

Matt Pierpont spelled backwards,

About someone being socialist, you do realize that 99% of countries are a little bit socialist? I know thats blasphemy to us Americans, but its true. A true 100% capitalistic country doesn't exist. Same goes for the commies. China, they ain't true commies. North Korea is kinda close tho. Nevermind.

My two cents...

I think i've talked to Jordan twice in my life. Seemed nice. From what i hear about him, he's a nice guy and knows baseball. A player's coach. Having never played for him i can't really say how ready he is or not to take over as manager of a school team. I like the idea of him being an assistant and then taking over. If he was truly offered this, it seems that the school board and AD like him but don't feel that he is ready to fulfill all the aspects of being the head coach. I don't see why he would turn that down? It's a nice step up from his position last year with first crack at being the next head coach. Rethink it, Jordan.
As for Zebrasky, the man knows all sports. I don't know that baseball is his forte, but he has a lot of coaching experience across the map.
Moskal knows baseball i don't think would be a bad fit either. Seriously, all the lovers of one candidate or another need to chill with it. Get behind whoever is coach and trust them. No one is out to screw over the baseball team. Whoever is believed to be the best for the job was chosen.

Anonymous said...

Anrab htennek, I like how you agreed with me but dont bash what he does with his own family, thats a low blow and has nothing to do with this blog.

Dre bigs, wouldnt you say that this late sports communications class is a great class?

VCTMbrian said...

I'm curious to if Bucci or Timmy Mills would recommend Jordan as a head coach...

Anonymous said...

o yes I love sprtcomm 100CM my favorite class up here as for Zebrasky getting the job i guess he has to know a thing or two about baseball just don't let get in the way of a pontentially great season once again for CM baseball and as for Juice its too bad to see him go he was a great hitting coach and really fun to be around during pactices

Anonymous said...

Regardless of the coach, seems impossible for any team to lose 7 starters off a
state championship team and compete. I believe the section as a whole lost a lot of players due to graduation, Peters, Mt Lebo, Bethel Park are in the same “ship”. I would stack up CM talent against anyone in the section. At the very least it will remain competitive and I believe that section 4 will have 4 entries in the play –offs this year vs. 3 because of the reduced number of times we will face our section opponent during league play.

Good to know that PSU sports communication classes are available late night, I would think it affords the students to meet all types of deadlines!

Anonymous said...

So has a new coach/assistant officially been picked? Is it Zebrasky and Moskal for sure? No bad comments, just wondering...

Anonymous said...

No coach has been appointed yet. Stay tuned

Anonymous said...

No coach has been appointed yet. Stay tuned

Anonymous said...

I know Jordan, I was going to be one of his assistant coaches if he got the job. To say that he is immature for turning down a offer to remain on as assistant coach is just plain ignorant. He applied to be the head coach. Personally I cant blame him for walking away I know he was hurt by the whole situation. I think that anyone who actually knows him, knows what he brings to the table. I also have never met anyone who is more motivated to prove doubters wrong, the kid has a screw loose when it comes to that. I hope for the Big Macs sake that don't some how come back to haunt them.

Anonymous said...

for the person who put my name backwards its nice to know im always on your mind but dont make people think im saying what your saying. thanks

Anonymous said...

And for every one doubting us this year... It will be great to prove everyone wrong just one more time before I leave this wonderful non-political baseball program that we call "Canon-McMillan". Who ever the coach is, I'll make sure he walks into the hardest working team in the WPIAL. FYKH

Anonymous said...

"Big Macs finish 5th in section"

"Big Macs fail to make the playoffs"

"Big bats for Big Macs don't produce"

"Big Macs get blown out again"

-- Those are all headlines that will be coming over the next 2 months. Get used to reading these in the PG, Trib, and the good old O-R. Have fun with that. The hard work will really pay off.

Anonymous said...

USC 09 wpail champs? thats a joke and as far as your claims about Canon Mac this year no doubt they will make the playoffs, and ya they may get blown out once but never AGAIN need I remind you how Peters blew us out once last year? and if I recall correctly we ended up ok...big bats not producing? thats the biggest joke of all...on this team i'd onsider the biggest bats on the team to be Matty, Phil and Staab and i seriouly doubt any of them will hit below 400 they are three of the hardest working kids rounnd and if they start to struggle you can bet they will spent long hours in the cage n on the tee to reverse that trend obviously whoever posted that has know idea how hard it is to make a run in the playoff because unless you made the team as a sophmore, you have yet to play in/sit the bench in/watch your kid play in a wpial playoff game

Anonymous said...

Why does everyone have a problem with Jordan turning down the offer made by the administration? He made a decision, get over it. It could be as simple as he didn't feel comfortable working with Moskal or Zebransky. Why should he put himself into an awkward position and work with people he had no time to build relationships with before the season started?

My advice to everyone is to back off and respect his decision for whatever reasons he has. And to the person posting as Matt Pierpont, settle down. It's March 4. Save the rah, rah stuff for when the teams have been picked at least.

Anonymous said...

I meant Matty Phil and Hull sorry had to clear that up

-2 d's for a double dose of my posting

Anonymous said...

USC all the way baby!! Capriotti, Fraudin, and Wheeler might stack up as the best 1-2-3 pitching lineup in the district. The panthers have players behind them too. Be careful what you say Dre Bigs because USC is hungry and ready to take down Canon-Mac twice this year.

Anonymous said...

Why does everyone always gotta twist my words DAMN I said nothin to hate on USC here is the way I think its gonna go down USC and Canon Mac will compete for the section with Bethel wininng a third place battle which all of the rest of the teams will have a part in, if CM or USC doesnt get in serious under achievement in my opinion from what I know about the leaders of the CM team underachievement is not an option, but I cant say that I know much about you guys over there at USC

Anonymous said...

Matt Pierpont said it all: "Great players without a good coach, don't win" and that is exactly what will be happening at Canon-Mac this year: a lot of losing! So you see, even the so-called stud of the team is resigned to having a losing year. I'd say that right now the Big Macs have around a 25% chance of making the playoffs. USC and MTL will be much improved. If both of them make the playoffs that means that BP CM PT and Baldwin will battle it out for 3rd. Pierpont is a pretty good pitcher, but he is in no way a lock to win every time he steps on the mound. Plus the defense figures to be weaker with andre the wizard hayden having graduated. So even if pierpont dominates, will someone be able to field for him? Obviously it will all play out however it does, but right now there are still way too question marks surrounding this c-m team to consider them playoff-worthy.

VCTMbrian said...

Kovak,

Please come save us all.

Anonymous said...

Whoever posted as USC Wpial champs atleast have the balls to say your name. And I'll say my rah rah when I want. Thanks for the input though. And USC keep talking I'm loving it. And thanks for calling me a stud or so called stud same thing, it makes me feel real special when people talk about me. Let your game do the talking. Fykh

Anonymous said...

I'm curious to see this much improved lebo team you speak of after losing 2 of the best hitters I have played against ever not to mention St. Clair also lost there 2 hitters much improved? very seriously doubt that

VCTMbrian said...

Matty Pizzle,

I figured that wasnt you. And you should come down here and grab some Ryans before the season, then USC and them clowns will have no chance. It'll be longball after longball.

Anonymous said...

of course it wasn't me... unlike most people on this blog, i'm not scared to put my name to my words. and although i do hate ryans, unfortunately i will probably be forced to eat it again this year. Which i must say is just marvelous... but were going to a game at VT on our way back maybe the 4th or something agaisnt Wake, you gonna be there?

Wash Co. Sportsnut said...

Knowing Coach Montecalvo's penchant for detail....if he thinks Moskal or Zebrasky can do the required job to keep the ship a sail, he will go to any length to accomplish that task. I heard his first choices weren't either of these two guys but were Chris Sidick from the Wild Things and a teacher/baseball coach from within Mr. Smarzelak.

One thing I know for sure is he won't give anybody, anything because he is their buddy or good friend! If you play or work for him you better produce and do it with class.

Anonymous said...

I am curious, how can you say that MTL will be much improved if they lost their only two hitters in Isler and Steranka? They really didnt have much else in their lineup.

Anonymous said...

Dre thanks for the shout out about 100 comments ago. I won't let you down.

Anonymous said...

iight well now we got a coach so...line up predictions? a few spots on the field are wide open any opinions anyone?

Anonymous said...

Yea, but your forgetting about two key components of this team. Mike Toward and Justin Baker are the heart and sole of the team. Toward will no doubt be the ace pitcher, and justin baker will bat no less than .450 and will be a strong force up the middle.

Anonymous said...

Everyone on here saying how great Matt Pierpont is happens to be forgetting some key items that may end up causing his numbers to go down. Keep in mind I'm not bashing Pierpont and I'm certainly not saying he isn't talented.

But last year Pierpont benefitted tremendously from having immediate protection from two of the best players in the Wpial in Chris Dittmar and Charles Murphy. He also was a beneficiary of Mike Hull being on base almost every time he batted. Hull is back this year, Dittmar and Murphy are not. Opposing teams had to pitch to someone in that lineup and Dittmar and Murphy were much more feared than Pierpont. Therefore Matt received some pretty sweet pitches to hit. Obviously the Big Macs may have some quality replacements for Dittmar and Murphy, but if they don't, it's going to be a long season for Pierpont. It is very possible he could do his best impersonation of Alex Rodriguez and only produce in the least pressure packed situations (late innings of blowouts/ against weak teams). If those things happen we all know that Mike Kovak will refer to Matt as either a 4th-quarter running back or M-Fraud or P-Fraud.

When all is said and done the section will look like this:

1 Mt. Lebanon
2 Upper St Clair
3 Peters Township
4 Bethel Park
5 Baldwin
6 Canon-McMillan

Anonymous said...

USC is trash this year. You play ball like girls and have no ballz. Get on your knees now USC Lebo is comin.

Anonymous said...

Lebo is coming! Slavonic will own that weak USC lineup. He will also make Bianco and Handcock cry over at Peters and ditto pierpont for the crying over at canon-mac.

LOL M-Fraud LOL

Anonymous said...

oh reall? to me the season looks like this

1.Canon Mac
2.No one good
3.no one good
4.no one good
5.no one good
6.no one good

Anonymous said...

Steranka and Isler might be gone but we got more coming! Look out!

Anonymous said...

You have nothing lebo you blow your so retarded to think you even have a chance.

Anonymous said...

haha thats classic

Anonymous said...

This is great. I love people who talk shit. I can't wait til this season starts.

Anonymous said...

You guys have no idea what your talking about. I'll show you whose the best in the section. GO CM!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks dre

Anonymous said...

Dick, I haven't posted in a while so thanking me isnt it order and I got a couple things I love how the kids that come on here and talk have no idea wat its like to play a major role on a team that makes a run deep into the playoffs and as for "M-Fraud"? I seriously doubt u know the kid like i do and like i said before the kids works really hard there is a reason why he is going to Winthrop, and also doubt he hits below 450, when u are prolly not goin anywhere/or didn't go anywhere "back in your day" and yes you can come back at me saying I went nowhere also, but just know this, i had offers didnt take any of them because unlike u my friend my life doesnt revolve around sports u try studying aerospace engineering and playing baseball lets get real aint happening GO B-Macs! WTFB HITM "No Lube"

Anonymous said...

That's some pretty lame trash talk. Let your game do the talking.

CM has a ton of question marks. Like Peters, they lost A LOT, and I'm not sure if they have enough guys ready to (or capable of) filling their shoes both offensively and defensively.

Lebo, you lost you two best players who were head and shoulders above the rest of your team. Plus you lost Boss, right?

I feel like Peters honestly lost their entire team so my expectations aren't too high for them. Hancock and McClure are pretty good ballplayers but we'll see how far they can carry this team offensively. I have no idea who they'll be bringing on the hill.

Bethel definitely lost some solid players, but I admittedly don't know too much about who they're bringing back.

I don't know too much about who USC and Baldwin have returning this year. Could someone enlighten me?

It seems like the section is wide open this year.

Anonymous said...

This CM Team has so much talent it is rediculous! Are you kidding me. This group of seniors know how to win against GREAT teams. They had to wait their turn, but they are more than ready!! They are relieved to have a coaching staff that will put the time and effort into the team. It's going to be a fun year! Just watch and see!!!! If the school board screws things up now, it's going to be on their heads!

Anonymous said...

To the anonymous above...are you serious?

So much talent it's rediculous? Who are these GREAT teams they know how to beat? Please enlighten me.

Anonymous said...

Hip Hop anonymous,


are you friends with the hip-hopopotamus?

Anonymous said...

Hip Hop Anonymous,

Why do you need to be enlighted? Are you that much in the dark?

Anonymous said...

If by in the dark you mean I don't see this abundance of talent and all of the GREAT teams that CM's current players know how to win against, then yes I need to be enlighted.

Anonymous said...

Top 5 CM baseball moments for CM in the last 2 years.

1. Dittmar shutting out Peters in state quarter finals.
2. Muransky No hitting Peters
3. Spartz @ 3rd turning a ridiculous double play against BP in the playoff's in the WPIAL play offs.
4.DJ making an unbelievable diving stop at 1st with bases loaded.
5. My all time favorite, 7/28, aka derek Z running into the wall in SC.

Thanks guys, it was an awesome 2 years!

Anonymous said...

how bout the state championship game for a top moment

Anonymous said...

To be continued....

Anonymous said...

I heard some younger kids were coming up to play varsity this year. Any lineup predictions?