PIAA Class-A State Champion Bobcats Honored In 2023 Youth Baseball And Softball Group Salute At PNC Park

on 14 August, 2023 at 15:42

Above photo by Diane Lutz – Bobcats making their way along rightfield.

The 2023 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class-A State Champion Clarion Area Bobcats were honored in the 2023 “Youth Baseball and Softball Group Salute,” at PNC Park prior to the Pirates-Reds afternoon game, on Sunday, August 13th,

The Pirates won the game, the first of a double-header, 4-2.

The “Youth Baseball and Softball Group Salute” is a mass celebration of championship teams from various levels from western Pennsylvania.

Teams in this Parade of Champions include champs from a number of leagues including Little League through high school, with some of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) and PIAA State Champions taking part in the procession. Clarion Head Coach Rob Jewett estimated that about twenty to thirty teams participated.

**Photo by Rachel Matus –** **Hayden Weber receiving congratulations from a fan.**

Three baseball State Championship teams were on hand – the Bobcats in Class-A, Riverside in Class-AAA and Shaler in Class-AAAAA.

The teams lined up for the procession around the ball park before cheering fans and well-wishers. As each unit got to third base, they were announced over the public address system, while at the same time being shown on the Jumbotron.

Photo by Stephanie Brinkley – 2023 Bobcats gathered for a team photo outside the park: Front and Middle Rows (L-R): Coach John King, Coach Adrian Weber, Hayden Weber, Gabe Anderson, Eli Rudesyle, Gary Matus, Noah Harrison, Tanner Miller, Aaron Renninger, Head Coach Rob Jewett. Back Row (L-R): Coach Lee Weber, Drew Martz, Derek Smail, Devon Lauer, Dawson Smail, Bryce Brinkley. (Missing: Dauntae Girvan, Matt Alston, Wyatt Watterson, Trainer Steve Seifert.)

The Bobcats, along with the other teams being honored, proceeded the rest of the way around the field, receiving congratulations along the route and then exited through the outfield gate in right.

The Bobcats then joined their families, who were sitting near each other in three different sections, to enjoy the game.

Other folks from the Clarion area were in attendance as well.

(What a great way for the Pirates to honor the Bobcats and the other championship teams!!!! Congratulations to the Bobcat and the other teams honored in the “Youth Baseball and Softball Group Salute!!!!” Thanks to Stephanie Brinkley, Diane Lutz and Rachel Matus for their photos!!)