BALLISTIC COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH CHRIS COSENTINO

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- There’s a new team in town- and they have powder blue uniforms.  No, we’re not talking about the Toronto Blue Jays, we’re talking about Ballistic, the 10th gem in the gauntlet we call Class B.  Under the tutelage of first-year skipper, Chris Cosentino, Ballistic is out to prove that new franchises can hang with the big boys in Youngstown.

With first pitch coming in just over a week, we had the chance to talk to Coach C about his new team, challenges of a new franchise, and the steps he had to take to lead the charge for this team.

You can hear all his answers and more on Ballistic Coach’s Corner (EP 1) with Chris Cosentino.

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KNIGHTLINE COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH TOMMY OTTO

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- As sure as the sun rises in the East, if there is baseball to be played at Bob Cene Park, Tommy “Juice” Otto is going to be somewhere in the facility with his unmistakable coaching style, loud claps, and fierce cheering of his players.

Otto and his gritty, gutty style of baseball is up against another challenge in a shortened season with time constraints in 2020.  Although he’s in the midst of rebuilding his team due to fallout from COVID-19, the veteran skipper feels that his team can be battling for the trophy at the season’s end.

We caught up with Juice for the season’s first Knightline Coach’s Corner prior to the first pitch to discuss the obstacles, the excitement, and how things may be a bit different at Cene this season.

 

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PROSPECTS COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH BRITT TAYLOR

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- It’s a BIG year for baseball at Cene Park. If for no other reason than we’ve come to expect the unexpected in 2020. With a shortened season, all the teams in the B League are poised to put the chips on the table and let it ride for what will be a month and a half of America’s favorite past-time being played in our backyard at one of the most beautiful facilities in the state.

First-time 18U Manager, Britt Taylor is looking to take his youthful bunch of Prospects and make a big splash this season. A roster loaded with talent provides optimal opportunity for the Red and White.

We spoke with Coach Taylor about the team, the expectations, and the differences he feels this year could have. All that and more on the inaugural edition of Prospects Coach’s Corner with Britt Taylor.

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YOUNGSTOWN CLASS B COACH’S CORNER: ASTRO FALCONS (EP 1) WITH DON PLETCHER

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- “Play Ball” are two words that the Mahoning Valley has been longing to hear for months.  As the official media partner of the Youngstown Class B League, YSN will feature our series of Coach’s Corner for the B League this season.

We had the opportunity to sit with Astro Falcon 18U Manager, Don Pletcher to start the series.  Pletcher enters his second season as the lead bird of the Astro organization, and is looking to once again take the league by storm with his beefed-up roster, and outstanding staff.

Catch the thoughts of “The Sheriff” heading into the season, and how he feels about having the eyes of so many on Bob Cene Park beginning on June 14th.

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AUSTINTOWN FITCH SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1 WITH STEVE WARD)

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AUSTINTOWN OH- Austintown Fitch Softball is coming off their first AAC title in 19 seasons. The target is now placed solidly on the Falcon’s back as the team to beat in the conference. Head Coach Steve Ward isn’t worried about that though, he says last year’s team is left in last year. They are embracing the “new season, new team” mentality. As far as this team goes they are packed with talent. What they lack is experience. They have three players who have strong shots at playing in division 1 at the next level. Coach Ward aye they will miss the preseason scrimmages that would have been used to get his mostly young team ready for high level play. Now because of COVID-19 if there is a season, it will hit the ground running in May. Coach Ward is doing everything he can to keep his team engaged and ready to go if 2020 opening day comes.

Anthony Hartwig got a hold of Coach Ward to talk some Falcon softball. They discuss the team’s mentality, the talent level on the roster, and much more. Get your fix of Falcon softball with Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Steve Ward.

BOARDMAN SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1 WITH FRED MOOTZ)

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BOARDMAN OH- Boardman Softball is in the middle of an upswing. Coming off a 19 win season a year ago, bright skies were ahead for a fairly young Spartans team. Unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic has halted the 2020 season. Still the spirits are high in Boardman as head coach Fred Mootz preaches that no matter when they get back on the field, they need to be ready. Boardman finds themselves with just one senior on the roster. That might seem like an easy rebuild from the outside, but when that senior caught every game for the Spartans a year ago, replacing that leadership will be tough.

Anthony Hartwig charged with Coach Mootz this week in a video conference call. They discuss the youth of the team, the tough schedule they were ready to play this season, and much more. Stay updated on Spartans softball with Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Fred Mootz.

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CRESTVIEW SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1 WITH GREG ESKRA)

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COLUMBIANA OH- Crestview Softball is quickly becoming a premiere program in the area. Last season the Rebels broke a handful of program records on their way to the most wins the program has ever had. They fell just short in the district championship against South Range. According to Coach Eskra, that loss has made everyone hungry to get back on the field. The Rebels graduated four seniors, but return one of the best pitchers in the area Kaedyn Sutton who has a phenomenal freshman campaign.

COVID-19 has rained out the entire spring sports season, taking a year away from everybody. Crestview has two seniors on the team who’s careers have abruptly ended. Coach Eskra feels for his seniors who have given everything to his program. He says all he can do is gear up for the next time the Rebels get to take the field.

Anthony Hartwig has a chance to chat with Coach Eskra. They discuss his seniors, the team’s roster and what it will look like going forward, and much more. The spring season may be done, but our coverage of Rebel softball is not. Enjoy Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Greg Eskra.

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SALEM SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1 WITH MIKE THORPE)

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SALEM OH- Salem Softball was on an upswing coming into the 2020 season. Multiple records have been broken. Despite losing some key players to graduation, the Quakers have big expectations for 2020. A team led by six seniors is always one to be reckoned with. In the midst of COVID 19, that senior season is uncertain for the six senior ladies. Coach Mike Thorpe says that is what bothers him the most that his great group of seniors may not get on the field.

The virus has made the family so important, and the Quakers have a very strong family atmosphere on the softball field. Coach Thorpe is adamant that the bond he sees from his players is like no other. It will take that strong bond to get the Quakers through these uncertain times.

Anthony Hartwig caught up with Coach Thorpe for an update on Salem softball. They discuss the uncertainty of the season, his group of six seniors, and much more. Enjoy a great discussion in Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Mike Thorpe.

UNITED SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1 WITH SAM MATHIAS)

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HANOVERTON OH- The United softball team definitely took their lumps last season. The 3 win season was not the outcome anybody wanted. But it did give the Head Coach Sam Mathias and his Eagles plenty of chances to put young kids in big situations. The growth has led to some great things for the program this season. They came in fully expecting to compete in the EOAC. With the breakout of COVID-19, those aspirations for the 2020 season are in jeopardy. The uncertainty will not stop this Eagles squad from being prepared to go if they get the green light to be back on the field.

Anthony Hartwig has the chance to talk with Coach Mathias. They discuss the COVID-19 situation, what makes United so special to him, and much more. Hear all about Eagles Softball in Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Sam Mathias.

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COLUMBIANA SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EPISODE 1 WITH MADISON KURTZ)

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COLUMBIANA OH- Columbiana softball is a program searching for stability in the head coaching position. First-year head coach Madison Kurtz is just the person to bring it for them. Having a tremendous playing career herself, in high school and college Madison knows and understands what her players are going through. Unfortunately, no one was prepared for COVID-19. Once excited for her first season at the helm, now Kurtz is just hoping the Clippers can get some games in. What a way to start out a head coaching career. One thing is for sure, it will make Coach Kurtz, and the Clipper program stronger as a unit.

Anthony Hartwig got caught up with Coach Kurtz through video conference this week. They discuss the team’s state of mind, the Clippers seniors, and much more. Get your Clipper softball fix while stuck inside on Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Madison Kurtz.