Published: May 07, 2008 11:45 pm            

Grays seek new prescription for success

One of the most recognizable franchises in recent Johnstown AAABA League history will be under new sponsorship when the regular season opens on May 27.

Martella’s Pharmacy will take over the team formerly known as the Johnstown Grays. The Grays went 231-140 in nine seasons including three league titles and ensuing appearances in the national AAABA Tournament.

“We’re really excited to have Martella’s come on board,” manager Chris Pfeil said. “The Martella family has been very active in promoting amateur sports in the area for many years. They’ve made a nice commitment to help us make sure we were able to maintain a first-class organization.”

Under sponsor Denny Altimore and manager Pfeil, the Grays advanced to the AAABA Tournament Final Four three times while winning 11 games, one shy of the local record held by the former Coca-Cola franchise.

“In 1999 Denny Altimore and Dr. and Mrs. Cardellino formed the Grays,” Pfeil said. “They were the co-sponsors of the team for the first three years. After that Denny continued to sponsor the team by himself.”

At a time when finding local businesses to sponsor teams was a challenge, Altimore, a retired school teacher, did a commendable job as an individual sponsor.

“Denny was outstanding,” said Pfeil, who noted Altimore will remain the team’s director of baseball operations. “He always made sure that we had what we needed. He came out to the field every night and supported the kids. To have someone step up to the plate and sponsor out of his own pocket speaks volumes about his love of baseball and commitment to the kids.”

Joe Martella of Martella’s Pharmacy said the sponsorship will help his family honor their late father, Joe Martella Sr.

“My father, who started this business years ago (in 1964), always said what a great thing the AAABA is for Johnstown,” Joe Martella Jr. said. “We’re trying to fulfill one of my father’s dreams to have a team there. Myself and my five siblings are excited to be a part of such a great thing in Johnstown. It turned out to be a pretty good marriage that Chris Pfeil and Denny Altimore were looking for a little more support. It worked out for everybody.”

Six teams will compete in the local league this year.

Another sponsorship change had Graham Masonry Incorporated taking over the GMI Renegades formerly known as ACRP Renegades. Former Seward VFW Johnstown Junior League/AAABA player John Graham was instrumental in the change.

“GMI is our new sponsor,” manager Roland Black said. “He (John Graham) is a previous AAABA player. He operates a construction company in Ligonier. He approached one of my coaches and asked if he could be a part of this. We said, ‘Sure.’ I couldn’t turn him down.”

Black also will have a new assistant coach with big-league experience. Former Anaheim Angels reliever and AAABA Hall of Famer Mike Holtz joined the Renegades staff.

“Having Mike Holtz on the staff helps our pitchers tremendously,” Black said. “He’s anxious to get some of the new talent that we have and vice versa. Most of these Division I colleges don’t have that kind of experienced pitcher to help them.”

Longtime Delweld manager Chris DelSignore, who led the team to the AAABA Tournament twice as a manager and once as an assistant coach, moved to the general manager position. Rick Roberts, a former Los Angeles Dodgers prospect, will manage Delweld.

Tony Joseph will manage Principle Development after holding that same role in an interim basis for nearly half of last season. Scott McClelland returns as NORAC manager. Matt Duval will manage the new MCS Bulldogs team that is part of the Highland program.

In other notable developments, the AAABA League will have a dual-roster set-up in which as many as three players per AAABA team may also play in the Cambria American Legion league. While American Legion baseball traditionally has allowed dual-roster participation, the AAABA League prohibited such an arrangement until an offseason vote.

In accordance with Major League Baseball rules, AAABA League first- and third-base coaches must now wear protective helmets in the coaching boxes.

        

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