Shady Side Academy baseball team confident in core

By: Marty Stewart
Friday, April 19, 2019 | 8:48 PM

The Shady Side Academy baseball team recently returned from a spring training trip to Florida Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports with hopes of improving on last year’s 8-10 record that included a 5-5 section record and a second-round loss in the WPIAL playoffs.

“The trip allows us to practice at a top-notch facility every day and play games against four teams from all over the country,” coach Jordan Steranka said.

SSA lost six players to graduation, but Steranka is optimistic.

“We have a solid senior group this year ready to step in and fill the gap,” he said.

Returning starters for the Indians are seniors Ethan Critchlow (P/3B), Mike George (1B/DH), Brendan McLaughlin (OF/C) and Heath Newman (C/3B/DH). Other returning starters are juniors John Salvitti (SS/P) and Tevin Anderson (IF/OF) along with sophomore Tyler Hart (IF/P). Senior Elliot Worrall (P/IF) is a returning letterwinner. Steranka also is expecting contributions from promising sophomore newcomers Luke Brennan (OF/C/DH), Cayden Leavy (OF), Billy Dunleavy (OF) and Jean Gilbert (IF/P).

“We have a tremendous group of kids this year who work hard and have a great attitude,” Steranka said. “This year’s strengths will be our togetherness and closeness as a team. We have a common goal that we strive for each day, and everyone has bought into that goal from top to bottom.”

One of his concerns is the youth of the team.

“Even though we have a lot of guys returning, we have some guys in new roles and in new positions, which always brings a challenge,” he said.

The Indians face some long road trips for their section games. They play in WPIAL Class 3A, Section 2 along with North Catholic, Beaver Falls, Ellwood City, Freedom, Hopewell and New Brighton.

Along with the lengthy rides, there will be unfamiliarity with their opponents.

“We are in a completely new section,” Steranka said. “There are a number of very solid teams. Our section is going to be tough with every game being a battle. We are looking forward to the challenge. We’re excited about the season, and we’re confident that we’ll be in the playoff mix.”

Tags: Shady Side Academy