Clarion Area’s Derek Smail Selected To Play In Pennsylvania State Baseball Association’s Inaugural East/West All-Star Game On Sunday, June 22nd At Medlar Field In State College
The Pennsylvania State Baseball Coaches Association (PSBCA) will be holding their inaugural East/West Baseball All-Star Game on Sunday, June 22nd at Medlar Field in State College, with Clarion Area’s Derek Smail being selected as a member of the West Squad. The event is scheduled to take place at 12:00 Noon, at Medlar Field in State College, the home of the Penn State Nittany Lions and State College Spikes minor league team.
The game will feature some of the top senior players from programs in the in all classifications, 1A-6A, from across the commonwealth. The West Squad will consist of players from Districts’ 4-10, while the East Squad will have players from Districts’ 1-3, 11 and 12.
To be considered players must be in programs that are members of the PSBCA. Registration is open year round on the PSBCA website:
https://pastatebaseballcoaches.com/memberships
PSBCA President Brian Jardine shared about the growth of the organization and the great things they are doing for the advancement of High School Baseball in the Commonwealth.
“The PSBCA is in its second year of existence. It has already recognized All-State teams in 2024 and 2025, conducted the Winter Coaches Clinic this past January, in State College with over 20 professional and college coaches presenting and now will proudly host the inaugural PA High School All-Star game.
“Our membership is encroaching on a third of the high school programs in the state and we are actively seeking 100% participation to benefit all players and programs.
“The 2025-2026 membership drive begins on August 1, 2025. Information can be found on our website: https://pastatebaseballcoaches.com/
https://pastatebaseballcoaches.com/
“So, coaches and athletic directors, get involved so we can continue to promote, unify and develop baseball at all levels in the state of Pennsylvania.
“This is year one for us so hopefully we will make the right adjustments moving forward and grow this game to an annual must see like its football brethren (the BIG33 and East/West games).
“I hope you enjoy the game!”
Some of the rules of the contest:
The game will be nine innings, with no extra innings to be played.
Each pitcher will throw a maximum of one inning, while position players will have at least three innings in the field and record one at bat.
Each pitcher will throw a maximum of one inning. Position players will play at least three innings in the field and record one at bat.
There will be a nine man batting order, with no extra hitter throughout the contest, with a designated hitter being used. Free substitution will be allowed in the field including allowing the designated hitter to play the field for any length of time.
The officials from the game venue will make the final call in the case of inclement weather. The rest of the game will be in the hands of the four umpires.
CAPX sponsored the caps.
AD Starr a lead sponsor designed, produced and donated the jerseys.
The West uniforms will be in Pirates colors.
The East uniforms will be in Phillies colors.
Derek, who is committed to play for the Division II PennWest Clarion Golden Eagles, was selected as a Second Team first baseman on the PSBCA’s Inaugural 1A All-State Team in 2024, along with his brother Dawson who was a First Team infielder. Dawson now plays for the Division I Xavier Musketeers, in Cincinnati. Also selected to the All-State Team was Clarion-Limestone’s Tommy Smith who was selected in 2A Second Team as a pitcher. Tommy is currently a member of the Golden Eagles.
Derek and Dawson were both members of the Bobcats’ 2023 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class-1A State Championship Team.
Derek has delivered on some very impressive numbers and had many accolades throughout his career, throw Little League, Travel/Club Ball, Invites and Clarion Area Varsity.
There are a several players from the region, joining Derek on the West Squad, pitchers Coy Martino from Punxutawney and Lakeview’s Maddox Bell, outfielder Brayden Fox from DuBois Central Catholic; designated hitters Aiden Snowberger from DuBois Central Catholic and Owen Dye from Lakeview and infielder Jaxon Covell from Titusville.
Derek shared, “I feel honored to be one of the guys selected for the East/West All-Star Game. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without my family and teammates pushing me to be better everyday.”
Clarion Area head coach Rob Jewett shared, “Derek 100% deserves to be on this team.
“He had a tremendous year batting .463 with 6 doubles, 5 home runs, and 26 RBIs. He also was our ace of the pitching staff. He played an excellent 1st base. He is an all around great baseball player who had an absolutely tremendous senior year.
“I could not be more happy for all his success this year.
“He will continue to grow and shine with the Clarion University (Penn West) baseball team next year.
“Super excited to see how he does in this all-star game and how he will succeed at the collegiate level.
“I will sorely miss Derek next year as he was a 4 year starter for me. He has really grown and actually helped me also grow and evolve as a coach.
“I will miss him and he will be very hard to replace next year.”
There is no admission fee for the game and all are welcome to attend. Parking may be a minimal fee for the State College Parking Department’s commission.
WEST TEAM BREAKDOWN
West’s Best: District 4-10 Stars Aim to Shine in All-Star Debut.
COACHES: Mike Myers (Southern Columbia), Mike Kramer (Central Mountain), Sid Landsberry (Clearfield) and Dan Oliastro (Riverside).
FIRST BASE: Derek Smail (Clarion); Zane Haggans (Somerset).
PITCHERS: Guy Longenberger (Southern Columbia); Eric Mykut (Huntingdon); Adam Radowski (Bishop McCort); Greg Minnic (Indiana); Colby Weber (Shaler); Cy Herchelroath (Elizabeth Forward); Keegan Diehl (Pine Richland); Coy Martino (Punxsutawney); Maddox Bell (Lakeview).
CATCHERS: Callen Miller (Somerset); Brock Budacki (New Brighton).
INFIELDERS: Trent Wetzel (Hughesville); Jett Burger (Southern Fulton); Jay Hoenstine (Central Martinsburg); Sebastian Rhodes (State College); Ryan Petras (Bethel Park); Jaxon Covell (Titusville).
OUTFIELDERS: Jeremy Haigh (Fox Chapel); Chase Williamson (Forest Hills); Luke Kosko (Thomas Jefferson); Brayden Fox (DuBois Central Catholic); Eli Mandler (Upper St. Clair); Wyatt Burchill (Saegertown).
DESIGNATED HITTERS: Lucas Oleksa (Windber), Aidan Snowberger (Dubois Central Catholic), Owen Dye (Lakeview).
EAST TEAM ROSTER BREAKDOWN
Meet the East: District 1-3, 11 and 12 Standouts Headline the Squad.
COACHES: Sandy Menichetti (Holy Cross); Jesse Bortner (Big Springs); Scott Buffington (Schuylkill Haven).
PITCHERS: Trevor Lugara (North Penn); Evan Jones (Methacton); Austin Dahl (Upper Dublin); Richie Bayachek (Archbishop Wood); Mason Keith (Pennsbury); Gavin Miller (Exeter Township); Conner Rippo (Northeastern); Noah Heath (Lower Dauphin); Eddie Dingle (St Joseph’s Prep).
CATCHERS: Chase Jones (North Penn); Erick Lopez (William Allen)
FIRST BASE: Nick Ledger (Hazleton), Caeden Deegan (Bethlehem Catholic).
INFIELDERS: Silvio Giardina (Pittston); Mason Sanno (West Perry); Rocco DelGuidice (Pocono Mountain East); Trey Strickler (Berks Catholic); Thomas Kratz (Methacton); Ryan Webber (Pennsbury).
OUTFIELDERS: Max Forgione (Dunmore); Brett Connolly (Downingtown West); Chase Kilareski (Nazareth); Robbie Grasso (St. Joe’s Prep); Eric Berman (Upper Dublin); Travis LaCoe (Abington Heights).
DESIGNATED HITTERS: Travis Jenkins (Governor Mifflin); Ethan Hunt (Ephrata).
(Congratulations to Derek and the rest of the Inaugural PSBCA All-Star selectees!!!! Thanks to Brinley Kiskadden-BK Media, AD Starr and PSBCA for photos and images!!)