Published: July 02, 2009 12:17 am      

MIKE MASTOVICH | Principle’s Bandzuh earns respect

JOHNSTOWN — Gregg Bandzuh joined the AAABA League three years ago, a sometimes wide-eyed 18-year-old from Portage High School.

His solid statistics in 2007 might suggest otherwise, but competing against veteran players who had been around the league was intimidating to Bandzuh back then.

Now, Principle Development’s Bandzuh is one of those seasoned standouts setting an example for the young prospects and earning the respect of players and managers throughout the six-team league.

“When I started, the guys were really good. Now I’d like to think I’m right there were they were three years ago,” said Bandzuh, who was 5-0 through last week’s games. “It was intimidating. When I came down to Johnstown, I was the little guy. A lot of the guys looked big to me. There were a lot of big, powerful hitters. But I held my own.”

No argument there.

Bandzuh was named the 2007 AAABA League Bill Jenkins Award winner as top rookie pitcher. He was 3-0 with four saves and a 1.25 ERA as a first-year player.

Last season, the right-hander had a league-high seven wins with 36 strikeouts and a

1.38 ERA during the regular season. He further established himself with an effective outing against Baltimore as a pick-up player for Delweld in the AAABA Tournament last summer. Bandzuh and Johnstown gave the Maryland Orioles a scare before Baltimore eventually won on the way to its sixth straight title.

This summer, he’s been especially effective as Principle’s go-to guy.

“It’s unbelievable. You can’t understand how confident we are as a team when he’s on the mound,” said Principle center fielder Andy Rubal. “Even when he does bad, you’re going to get the win. He’s a real good spotter. He spots it low and it’s tough to hit him.”

Bandzuh showed his resolve in a 6-4 comeback win over second-place Delweld on June 25.

Principle took a 3-0 lead on the strength of a two-run blast by Rubal, but Delweld put together a four-run fourth to lead 4-3. Bandzuh kept his team in it until a late rally led to an upset win.

“He won (Thursday) without his best stuff. He just gutted it out,” said veteran Principle manager Tony Joseph, himself a former Junior League and AAABA Tournament star pitcher in the 1950s. “When he has his best stuff he keeps it low, he has great control and everything he throws moves. That’s his success, good control and good movement on his ball. And, he’s got guts.”

Bandzuh typically throws his fastball in the 85 miles an hour range. His movement and control usually result in plenty of ground-ball outs.

“No walks,” said Bandzuh, who also plays at Clarion University, of the key to his success. “I’ve kept my control. Everything they hit, luckily, is right at my guys. My fielders are there for me.”

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New Pioneers: After 14 years, the Zanesville Junior Pioneers will have a different look.

An anonymous contribution enabled the Muskingum Valley Oldtimers Association to upgrade the Junior Pioneers uniforms with navy blue jerseys and new stirrups.

“It’s a good boost and something that’s long needed,” AAABA official Bob Wolfe told the Zanesville Times Recorder. “Kids were wearing uniforms that were too small, had buttons that didn’t work or patches falling off. They will feel more like ball players.”

Wolfe’s statements should make Johnstown AAABA League players more appreciative of their sponsors. Most of the local AAABA League squads sport multiple uniforms throughout the season and often hold postgame discussions to determine which set to wear for the next game. Johnstown teams certainly don’t wait 14 years for new threads.

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Warm-up event: One more note out of Zanesville, the Junior Pioneers, Altoona, Toledo and Cleveland all are AAABA franchises that participated in last weekend’s Adornetto’s Pizzeria Bash Tournament at Gant Stadium. The Pioneers, Toledo and Cleveland each will play in the Zanesville Regional. Altoona will host its own regional and earn an automatic berth to Johnstown.



Mike Mastovich is a sports writer for The Tribune-Democrat.