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Canfield Baseball Club coaches play hard ball
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Coaches from the Canfield Baseball Club formed two teams and played each other at the Coaches Game July 2 at McCune Park.
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Steve Hanousek waited for the right pitch during the Coaches Game at McCune Park.
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Lee Nabb winds up his pitch for the next batter at the Coaches Game.
By ABBY SLANKER
Coaching baseball is one thing, but as coaches of the Canfield Baseball Club found out, playing is quite another.
A collection of coaches, mostly from the 7- and 8-year-old division, from the club formed two teams and took on each other in a Coaches Game July 2 at McCune Park with family and friends cheering them on.
The hardball, fast-pitch baseball game followed Major League Baseball rules with seven innings and two umpires. The teams were led by opposing managers Lee Nabb and Don Bova.
Nabb’s team included Mike Hritz, Steve Zordich, Rod Romeo, Bob Smallwood, Ron Clay, Stan McCamon, Bobby Eddy, Chuck Eddy III, Kerry Durkin, Eric Nielson, Patrick Guerrieri and Chuck Eddy Jr.
Bova’s team consisted of Steve Davenport, Patrick Chaplow, Frank Iannizzaro, Lance Hartshorn, Andy Smyzski, Ralph Magliocca, Bob Ward, Mike Harlan, Brian Berlin, Gino Morell and Steve Hanousek.
“Many of us grew up playing here and now we coach our kids here,” Bova said.
While there was lots of good natured ribbing, it was evident both teams wanted to win with the players giving it their all. With the players’ adrenaline pumping, the dirt was flying as there were some spills, beaned batters, stolen bases and lots of sliding.
The coaches were even prepared in case of emergency. A Lane Lifetrans ambulance and two paramedics, Jeff Tucker and Larry Manaro, were on hand at the game with oxygen at the ready for any player who might need it.
“We have everything we need to save a life,” Manaro said.
At the end of six innings, the game was called due to darkness with the score of Nabb’s team ahead 11-10,
Calls for a rematch could be heard throughout the ballpark.
While the teams were playing for bragging rights this year, the coaches hope to make this a tradition at the Canfield Baseball Club. It might develop into a fundraiser for local charities.