The objective began with simple intentions, searching the closet for an item I thought was readily at hand. Instead, it led to premature ‘spring cleaning’ with unused items finding their way into bags to be donated or discarded. While unintended, the exercise provided a refreshing cleansing experience.
Accordingly, a similar approach provides the opportunity to share a few sports tidbits that have gathered my way in recent days.
The local high school playoff season, which so many winter sports teams and individuals had been working hard to achieve over the past three months, faces the harsh reality of its conclusion as February comes to an end. It has been another great season, and we wish the survivors the best of luck as they go for PIAA gold.
As sports seasons end, changes occur. Following the end of the NFL season, ten head coaches were fired. While such sweeping changes aren’t expected locally, new coaches have emerged.
As reported in last week’s column, Jeanette Spagnuolo has taken the reins of the South Williamsport softball program.
Longtime successful Loyalsock, Hughesville, and South Williamsport baseball coach Casey Waller turns his talents as Loyalsock’s softball coach.
Montoursville has named Reese Holmes its new football coach, replacing Joe Hanna.
At this writing, Williamsport has yet to name its new football coach to replace Mike Pearson, who has moved on to become Mansfield University’s sprint football coach.
With the melting snow, the Williamsport Crosscutters have warmed our hopes that baseball is coming as they are accepting applications for potential host families for the upcoming 2026 season.
“Host families play a crucial role in helping our young players feel comfortable and succeed in a new environment,” explained Crosscutters VP of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi. “We have many host families that return each year, but we are always looking for new families willing to help out. Host families have had many positive experiences that have formed lasting relationships with the players they have housed.”
The Crosscutters season runs from June 2 until September 1. The players typically range in age from 17 to 23. All host families receive Cutters season tickets, on-field recognition, along with other perks from the Host Family Program. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Nate Schneider via email at nate@crosscutters.com.
Speaking of baseball, the introduction of the ABS (automatic ball/strike challenge system) for the 2026 season will reportedly alter the way TV viewers watch the game.
A recent report in the Chicago Sun-Times says the strike zone box fans are used to seeing on the TV screen will no longer show whether a pitch was called a ball or a strike. Different networks used different markings to show whether a pitch was a ball or a strike. Due to the new ABS system, the strike zone box will show the pitch location but not the pitch call. Additionally, the box will not be displayed on any monitor in the stadium, except for those in the broadcast booth, to prevent teams from exploiting ABS.
With the ABS system, the challenge can’t come from the dugout. Only the pitcher, catcher, and batter may challenge the ball or strike call. The challenge must come immediately after the umpire makes the call. The player will signal for a challenge by tapping his hat or helmet. The result of the challenge will then be shown on the scoreboard, including whether the call on the field was confirmed or overturned.
The new ABS system was used in 2025 Spring Training games and has been a part of minor league baseball games at various levels since 2022. Studies have shown that ABS challenges have added about 14 seconds to the time of the game per challenge. This year, MLB teams will get two challenges per game but will only lose a challenge if they are unsuccessful.
In the paranoid MLB world of ‘pitch tipping,’ rule-makers have approved more adherence to a rule already in the books but seldom enforced, requiring base coaches to remain in the designated coaching boxes at first and third base.
MLB’s actions are in response to allegations throughout the 2025 season that coaches were trying to sneak a peek at pitchers’ grips in the glove. To get the necessary angle, coaches would move out of the coaching boxes in foul territory, either toward the outfield or toward home plate, and then relay to the batters what pitch was coming.
Sign stealing has always been a part of baseball lore. What baseball is admitting is that it is not illegal to try to steal signs, but they don’t want coaches going out of position to do it!
While the umpires’ call of balls and strikes has always been something the rule book says cannot be argued, some of the game’s most heated disagreements have resulted from the same. The introduction of the new ABS system will further reduce such instances; instead, the new altercations may come from where the base coaches are positioned.
Like hockey fights, it doesn’t seem like baseball arguments can ever be legislated from the game.
