Class B season set to begin at Cene

May 9, 2017 at 12:05a.m.

14U divisions open play today

STRUTHERS

The local Class B season gets under way today with its 14U division kicking off action at Bob Cene Park.

The league, which boasts 30 teams, consists of three divisions. The 16U group is set for a May 20 start and the 18U division is prepping for its May 27 first pitch.

This year’s complex upgrade — this is the 22nd year of operation — includes new scoreboards at all three fields with a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art scoreboard installed at their main field.

“We try to upgrade something at the facility every year and this year it just happened to be scoreboards,” said Scott Ruark, league president. “We were spending quite bit on replacement bulbs, so the league felt that this was the right time to replace the old with newer ones that were more fan-friendly.

“All three boards use LED, weather-resistant bulbs and the company, Fair Play of Cleveland is one of the most reputable around.”

Last year, between high school (varsity and junior varsity), league and various tournament games, 767 games were played at the facility.

By the end of summer, as many, if not more, contests will be at the complex.

“When looking at rosters from our three divisions, as well as the many games that have already been played this spring, the possibility exists that this could be one of our most competitive years yet,” said Ken Quinn, league vice-president.

Each league is comprised of 10 teams. In the 14U division, A2Z Sporting Goods (formerly known as Rizer Group) looks to defend its regular-season title.

Astro Falcons finished as league runners-up. Under the guidance of manager Steve Leslie, the Falcons went on to win the NABF national championship.

Each age group has two divisions. The Kelso Division has Creekside Fitness, GTS Baseball, Prospects, Roth Brothers and Rudzik Excavating. The DePizzo Division has Astro Falcons, A2Z Sporting Goods, Baird Brothers, Ohio Glaciers and SBA Aces.

In 16U action, Creekside Fitness won the title a season ago. Creekside and league runner-up Baird Brothers were the local NABF national championship representatives.

The Hernandez Division is comprised of Dura Edge, Knightline Embroidery, Landsharks, Roth Brothers and Rudzik Excavating. The Livi Division has Astro Falcons, Baird Brothers, Creekside Fitness, Prospects and SBA Aces.

The 18U division features defending-league champion Baird Brothers and defending NABF national champion Astro Falcons, last year’s league runner-up.

The Cene Division is comprised of Astro Falcons, Avalanche, Creekside Fitness, Roby Lees and Roth Brothers. The Goldstone Division has Baird Brothers, Dura Edge, Knightline Embroidery, Rudzik Excavating and SBA Aces.

Mike Cefalde is a manager in the 18U division. His sponsor, Roth Brothers, has a sponsorship in all three divisions.

“The local Class B League is one of the very best in the state and quite frankly, one of the very best amateur summer baseball leagues nationally,” Cefalde said. “It gives area youth a chance to be part of a team environment, keeps them off the streets and affords them an opportunity to compete at the highest level of play.”

Cene Park will play host to a myriad of tournaments, including the upcoming OHSAA Divisions I, II, II and IV District tournaments (May 15-19).

Other events are: a Mother’s Day 14U tournament; a 52-team Midwest Challenge (18U portion); United States Specialty Sports Association State of Ohio Tournament; the 32-team Bob Cene Memorial Tournament (June 22-25); NABF regionals for 14U, 16U and 18U; NABF World Series for 14U and 18U; PONY Palomino Zone (July 27-30); and COLT 15U Zone (July 29-31).

“Just to show you the strength of our league, our Class B group has won three of the past four NABF 18U national titles,” Ruark said.

The league’s three divisions are expected to attract more than 500 players this summer with the 18U group a wood bat league.

League or sponsorship information can be obtained visiting the website at www.youngstownclassb.com.