California went without an American Legion baseball team for two years, so Romaine Howell decided that was long enough.
"The high school season dictates when Legion teams can begin their season," said Howell, who has been involved in Legion baseball since 1970. "The Legion season starts in the middle of May, but the high school season can go well into June, especially if you do well in the PIAA playoffs."
California Area High School had a very successful run from 2003 until 2007. The Trojans finished third in the WPIAL in Class A in 2003 and '04. In 2006, California won the WPIAL Class A title and advanced to the semifinals of the PIAA tournament before losing to the eventual runner-up. In 2007, the Trojans placed second in the WPIAL and advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals.
"When the high school season goes that long, it makes it real tough on the Legion team to complete its schedule," Howell said. "Because of that, California dropped its Legion team."
California's WPIAL playoff run came to an end in May, as the Trojans finished their section schedule with a .500 record.
"I decided to see if there was interest in starting up the Legion program again," said Howell, who coached California's Legion team from 1979 until 2003, and has been the Fayette County League president for 12 years. "I just didn't want to coach. I've had back and knee surgery, so I'm not in the best of shape. I wanted to find somebody else to coach."
Howell couldn't find a coach, however. That's when he decided to come out of retirement.
"John Zite Sr. agreed to help me with the coaching," Howell said. "I'm the guru who makes out the lineup and makes all the changes during a game. John handles all the other duties. He's been a big help."
California is 7-5 after a 15-0 rout of Port Marion Wednesday.
"We had 20 kids try out and picked a roster of 18," Howell said. "We have players from California, Beth-Center, Bentworth and one from Belle Vernon."
The outfield consists of left fielder Josh Morse, center fielder Nate White and right fielder Chase Roman. Morse and White are from Beth-Center and Roman is from Bentworth. Roman is batting. 375.
The infielders are first baseman John Zite Jr., second baseman Ed McCarty, shortstop Clay Roman and third baseman Joe Tarley. McCarty and Tarley are from Beth-Center. Roman is from Bentworth and Zite is from Belle Vernon. McCarty has a .438 average.
The pitchers are Matt Hartman (3-2), Derek Jansante (2-2), and John Cherup (1-1). Hartmna is from California, Jansante from Bentworth and Cherup is from Beth-Center. Hartman is hitting .410.
The catching duties have been shared by J.D. Hawk and Jeff Tarley. Hawk, a California graduate who has been attending school to become a constable, has missed seven of the 11 games.
"There are eight teams in Fayette County and we are in the middle of the pack," Howell said. "All eight teams qualify for the playoffs, which begin July 7. The top two teams from the playoffs qualify for the Region 6 playoffs."
All-star selections
McCarty and Chase Roman were two of nine players who represented the Fayette County League in the Region 6 All-Star Showcase this past Thursday.
California, Charleroi and Uniontown each had two players selected.
Pitcher Cory Young and shortstop Brandon Costantino represented Charleroi, while first baseman John Voskovich and outfielder Giovanni Schiano were chosen from Uniontown.
The other three players who advanced to the Region 6 Showcase were Belle Vernon third baseman Brett King, Connellsville's Jeremy Molinaro and Colonial catcher Jason Guthrie.
First Published: June 29, 2008, 4:00 a.m.