Pirates, community came together to help struggling baseball league

WELLSBURG -- This year's season for the Wellsburg Baseball and Softball Association got off to a rocky start, with the discovery that a significant amount of funds were missing, and for at least some, it looked like its teams might not be able to play.

But the community -- with a tremendous boost from Pirates Charities, the charitable arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates -- has come together to see that its players will be able to take to the field.

Opening day for the volunteer-run youth sports league proved to be a celebration of the support the group has received in many directions, including a $15,000 donation from Pirates Charities presented by Pirates owner Bob Nutting and John Leonard, director of youth baseball and softball for the organization.

Nathan Marshall, a coach for the league, told the many attending, "Three weeks ago, we had nothing -- no money, no hopes of anything."

"I was amazed by how much this community has come together," he said.

Marshall said not only did support come from local businesses and groups, it came from an unexpected direction.

"Bob (Nutting) called us and said, 'You're our neighbor. What can we do to help?" he recalled, adding a similar call was made also by Leonard.

The Pittsburgh Pirates played a big part in the opening ceremonies, with the Pirates Parrot mascot joining members of the Brooke High School baseball team in leading a parade of Wellsburg baseball and softball players and their coaches and parents along city streets to the Betty Carr Recreation Site, where they play.

Pirates alumnus Michael McKenry greeted the players as they approached the ball field, offering a "high five" to each and encouraging them to run onto it.

And Pirates Charities staff held a free drawing for prizes ranging from pitching machines to whiffle ball sets while handing out Pirates items to all players.

Earlier in the week, Pirates staff also conducted a batting camp for the league's players.

Of the Pirates' involvement, Nutting said, "I know how important programs like this are in towns like Wheeling (where he lives) and Wellsburg. Seeing the whole community rally around them reminds us of how important youth sports programs are."

"This is what we built Pirates Charities for," he said, noting the charity has helped more than 400 youth baseball fields through the years.

Leonard said, "Being able to help a community like Wellsburg is phenomenal. We were more than pleased to be able to help this league have an outstanding year."

Chad Rogers, vice president of the Wellsburg Baseball and Softball Association, shared the sentiments of Marshall and Joe Pettini, its president, regarding the community's support.

"All of the sponsors, the small businesses, kept this going. Without them, this wouldn't happen. And the Pirates stepping up, that was huge," he said.

Rogers pointed to a sign on which the support of about 30 local businesses and groups was acknowledged, noting many have sponsored teams in the league through the years.

He said the league currently includes about 55 players, from beginners in tee ball to 9- and 10-year-olds in the mustang division.

Rogers confirmed the number has declined in recent years, but he and the league's recently elected officers and board hope to reverse that.

In addition to Pettini and Rogers, it includes Michelle Mazzella, secretary; and Taylor Wilson, treasurer.

A dark cloud fell over the league in March when former president Eric M. Smith was charged with embezzlement following accusations he had taken thousands of dollars from its funds.

The case against Smith is pending in Brooke County Magistrate Court.

But while real dark clouds hovered above the ball field on Saturday morning, a hopeful attitude prevailed among many in attendance.

"I'm glad they're able to keep it going," said Kevin Lyons of Windsor Heights, whose son plays in the pinto division.

Tracy Johnson, another parent of a player, said of the opening day and the Pirates Charities announcement, "This was amazing. It's really great. The Pirates are really great."

Johnson was among volunteers overseeing a drawing for an assortment of gift baskets containing items collected by players from each of the league's teams.

Rogers said the league's leaders are considering other fundraisers, including possibly a concert by a local band that has offered its services.

"We're still throwing around a few ideas, but we're definitely going to have fundraisers," he said.