Amateur baseball returns to Austin

Power hitting Kevin Gledhill will anchor the Austin-Coudersport offense.

Alle-Catt Amateur Baseball League action is back in Austin after a 25-year absence.

Plans to field a team in the adult baseball league came to fruition a few weeks ago. With players from the Coudersport area joining those from Austin, the team expects to be competitive right form the start.

Kevin Gledhill, a collegiate baseball standout who got his start in Austin, will be player-manager for Austin. He'll be assisted by Nate Burgett as player-coach.

Games will start in early May and continue through July. Home games (2 pm) will be played at the Austin Area School Babe Ruth Baseball Field.

The 2008 Alle-Catt schedule has not yet been finalized and Austin's roster is still a work in progress. So far, Gledhill and Burgett will be joined by Steve Brink, Kris Gledhill, Jesse Whitman, Kyle Gledhill, Cody Housler, Kyle Dynda, Mike Fowler, Joe Burgett, Kirk Duffee and Zach Buckler.

Team sponsors are Austin Volunteer Fire Department, Austin Masons, Coudersport Beverage, Ritsick's Garage, Chuck and Judy Cabins, and Dana and Alice Burgett.

Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or otherwise helping the team should contact Nate Burgett by email at nburgett@avfd44.com.

Donations, made out to Austin Alle-Catt, should be sent to Nathan Burgett, P.O. Box 463 Austin PA 16720.

Austin will compete for the East Division crown with Emporium, Olean Village Green, Crosby and Port Allegany.

North Division teams are Cuba, Olean Oilers, Shinglehouse and Olean Royals. In the West Division are Ludlow, St. Marys, Kane and Bradford.