Tag Archive for: Steve Leslie

LEADING BY EXAMPLE: PLETCHER AND LESLIE TEACHING MORE THAN BASEBALL

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It’s hard to argue with facts.  When you look at the rosters of the Astro Falcon organization from 10U up, you see the talent that is raw and moldable.  The chief artists among the top of the franchise are two men who have finally been afforded the opportunity to work together to build something special in Youngstown.  Astro Falcon General Manager, Steve Leslie, and Big B Astro Manager have been friends for years, but just this year have they become teammates.

Pletcher brought his successful reign as a manager of the Baird Brothers franchise to the Astro organization in 2019, along with his band of brothers, Emil Bertolini, and Pitching Coach, Billy McCartney.  The only thing missing was a seasoned coach who bled Blue and Orange and had ties to Astro Falcon yesteryear, and Leslie fit that mold perfectly.

So this year the Astro Falcons returned to glory with the championship of the Class B League, as well as a proud victory in the Bob Cene Memorial Tournament, and capped off with a trip to Laredo, Texas for the Palomino World Series.

“Our goal first and foremost was to create a great culture for our players from the bottom up, and Pletch understands and strives to give our families in the organization the best experience possible,” says Leslie.  “To give these young men an opportunity to represent their country, their state, their neighborhoods against the best competition in the world is something they’ll never be able to replicate.”  added the Astro GM.

Our Mark Franken caught up with both gentlemen for a special YSN Coach’s Corner presentation from Laredo, Texas.

 

Astro Falcon Manager- Don Pletcher

 

Astro Falcon/YSN General Manager- Steve Leslie

GETTING IT DUN

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When Greg Dunham was told that the University of Buffalo would be canceling their baseball program after his freshman year, he didn’t panic.  In fact, he knew exactly where he wanted to be.  Closer to family, closer to friends, and closer to his hometown.  When he chose Youngstown State to transfer to, the area was elated to have one of their own hurling the pearl within driving distance.

The Salem resident and South Range High School graduate wasted no time proving his worth on the hill.  In his first year as a Penguin, Dunham made 12 starts which matched the team high.  Greg also pitched a team-best and career-high 67.1 innings which also ranked eighth in the Horizon League.  Making the most of his innings, Greg fanned 41 batters in 2018 while pitching six innings in eight of his starts.

Youngstown State Baseball 2019 Photo Day – Dec. 7, 2018 (Photo by David Dermer) CREDIT: YSU ATHLETIC DEPT.

In 2019, Greg looks to get things back on track and find his groove.  Dunham has appeared in five games thus far and is averaging 4.5 strikeouts per nine innings.  A Business Management major by choice, Dunham looks to get back to business this year and shine a light on his talent and work ethic down the stretch.  YSN’s General Manager Steve Leslie caught up with Greg before a recent road trip and sits down with him for this week’s Player Profile: GETTING IT DUN.

THE KILLER WEHL

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There’s a subtlety in utility for the Youngstown State Penguin Baseball Team this year.  For instance, Sophomore Jeff Wehler played in 53 games in 2018- none as an outfielder.  In 2019, the utility specialist has the majority of his starts in left field and has a handful of web gems already under his belt.

The stellar sophomore’s standout play to this point this season is his two-run home run against Florida State in Game 3 of the series.

YSU Baseball Intrasquad Scrimmage – Sept. 22, 2017 at Eastwood Field

 

Wehler’s success is a direct reflection of the work he’s put in on and off the field.  Jeff led the team and ranked second in the Horizon League with 25 stolen bases his freshman campaign.  That total is the most ever by a YSU freshman.  Wehler also became the first Penguin since 1988 to reach at least 25 steals in a season which also rank as the fourth most in a single season in school history.   Only three freshmen in the country had more steals at the conclusion of the regular season

Youngstown State Baseball 2019 Photo Day – Dec. 7, 2018 (Photo by David Dermer)

YSN General Manager Steve Leslie caught up with the Super Utility Man for this week’s YSU Baseball Player Profile- THE KILLER WEHL.

URSULINE IRISH FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH LARRY KEMPE (EP 1)

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Our Steve Leslie sits down with Head Football Coach at Ursuline High School, Larry Kempe to discuss all things Irish.

In week 1, the Irish luck came up short against a very tough Benedictine team from Cleveland.  Coach Kempe discusses this year’s emphasis on becoming a team, and the challenges that the schedule will play.

“Soul Searching” is the key in 2018, and Steve and Coach talk about going back to old-school coaching philosophies, and magnifying the little details

Episode 1 is jam-packed full of in-depth information for all things Irish Football!