Baldwin's entry in the Tri-State Palomino Baseball League has a different objective than other teams.

"Our goal is not to be the best team in our league," admitted Kevin McCarthy, Baldwin's business manager. "Our goal is more of a developmental thing. We are using this team as a feeder system for the high school team. We just want the kids to have a good time, while gaining experience."

Winning has been a bonus.

Baldwin won the Southern Sectional with consecutive victories over Roth Brothers, Pittsburgh Eagles, and Washington (Pa.).

"That qualified us for the Western Region tournament of the East Zone playoffs," said McCarthy. "We finished third out of 18 teams.

"That's pretty amazing when you consider we were probably the youngest team in the playoffs."

Baldwin advanced to the finals of the winners bracket before dropping a 12-1 decision to North Hills, then lost, 12-2, in the consolation final against Springdale.

"The Northern Section allows teams to use college players," said McCarthy of his squad, which posted an 18-12 record for the season.

"The Southern Division doesn't allow college players. That's a disadvantage for us, but we are more interested in developing the kids."

With that in mind, it was no surprise that North Hills defeated Baldwin. Especially when North Hills used "a 19-year-old who pitched at Wagner University."

Baldwin had only four players older than 16 on its 17-man roster.

"We had one 19-year old, two 18-year olds, and one 17-year old," said McCarthy.

"The rest were 16 and under."

McCarthy is in his third year with Baldwin's Palomino team.

"Our head coach is Dan Caponi, who is the son of Baldwin's varsity head coach, Dan Caponi, Sr.," said McCarthy. "He handles the coaching and I handle the finances and deal with the media."

All 17 players are from the Baldwin School District.

"Seven kids were varsity players last year. The rest were JV and freshmen players," said McCarthy. "We try to go after some of the younger kids in our program. We had 17 players and everybody played if they showed up. I like a bigger roster because we encourage our kids to go on vacation with their family and work, if needed."

Baldwin's infield consisted of first baseman Mike Hustava, second baseman Dave McCarthy, shortstop A.J. Kavinsky, and third baseman Joe Aul. McCarthy, the coaches son, is a Seton Hill recruit who has a .405 average and seven home runs.

Aul is hitting .410, while Hutava has six home runs.

"My son, Dave, is a Seton Hill College recruit," said McCarthy. "Dave went 5-5 with four home runs and one single in a recent game against East Pittsburgh. Joe will be playing at CCAC-South next season."

McCarthy's other son Pat played left field. He was joined in the outfield by centerfielder Neil Caponi and right fielder Adam Weimer. Caponi, also a coache's son, led the team with a .420 average.

Also in the starting lineup were catcher Zach Kozlowski and designated hitter Brian Bacik, who had a .310 average and 7 home runs.

"Brian was a very good pitcher for us last year," said McCarthy. "He had arm problems this year, so we used him as a designated hitter."

Steve Grosse (6-1) was Baldwin's ace pitcher. Others who saw considerable time on the mound were: Dave Sedlock, Jeff Betz, Ron Bernick and Jake Lew.