Yo. Metros, collegians intertwine

The Class AA League opens on May 26 at Pemberton and Oakland.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Not only will the Youngstown Metros play in the Class AA Baseball League this spring and summer, but the team also will compete in the Tri-State College Baseball League.
Manager Bob Mingo says the Metros are made up of college players ages 19-21 and that the Tri-State League is made up of former Great Lakes college baseball teams.
The Tri-State League will be in two divisions, East and West, with Tri-State competing in the East with the Pittsburgh Pandas, Washington Blue Sox, Allegheny Athletics, Westmoreland County and the Pittsburgh Baseball Academy.
The teams will participate in a 32-game schedule.
Got invitation
"I was very excited when I received the invite to join the collegiate league," Mingo said." I felt that his would be an incentive to keep the talent locally."
Mingo says that the Class AA League has become more competitive over the years and that when he first started 18 years ago, the average age of players was 28. Now, it's about 23.
The Class AA League will play its games at Pemberton-Donnell and Oakland parks, with Tri-State League games being played at both parks during open dates.
"I think having both leagues playing at the city parks will definitely be great baseball for Youngstown-area fans to come and see," Mingo said.
Mingo, who is looking for sponsors, still seeks some players to fill the Metros' rosters and he expects both the AA and collegiate leagues combined to play 80 games this coming season.
Mingo says that there are six Class AA teams locked in so far for the coming season.
Some players that will compete for the Mingo teams are: Dan Bertolini, second base; John Morris, pitcher; Brett Pitzulo, catcher; Mike Holmes, pitcher and John Mang, infielder-pitcher.
The Class AA League will open its season on May 26 at Pemberton and Oakland. The Tri-State League will begin June 10.