Pennsylvania's American Legion baseball leagues have a structured and traditional way of showcasing their top players.

A series of all-star showcases are conducted by every league with the players' ultimate goal of advancing to the East-West All-Star Game at Harrisburg's Commerce Bank Park Aug. 3.

"The major leagues have cut down on scouting in the United States to concentrate on players south of the border," Ohio River League Director John Werner said. "With that in mind, we have to do everything we can to showcase our kids to college coaches and professional scouts."

The four leagues in Allegheny County -- Allegheny River, Southern, Mon-Yough and Ohio River -- conducted a combined All-Star Showcase Monday, with 38 players advancing to today's Region 6 Showcase at CCAC-Boyce in Monroeville at 10:30 a.m.

"It's a great way to showcase the top players," said Duquesne University coach Mike Wilson, who was one of several college coaches in attendance. "The workout is quick and allows you to see quite a few players. It gives you a chance to see their tools."

All players entering the all-star showcase are timed in the 60-yard dash. The outfielders shag flyballs and are judged on their throws to the plate from about 250 feet. The infielders field ground balls and are judged on their throws from third to first base. The catchers are judged on their throws from the plate to second base.

After the skills evaluation, a three-inning game is played to evaluate the pitching and hitting.

"The showcases show us who can throw, who can run and a player's bat speed," Wilson said. "It also gives us a quick look at the top pitchers and what they have to offer."

The Allegheny County leagues conducted their showcase Monday in two separate sessions. The first session featured players from the Allegheny River League and Mon-Yough League, with 18 players advancing to today's Region 6 Showcase.

The second session featured players from the Ohio River and Allegheny Southern leagues, and 20 players advanced.

"Our goal is to find the best kids at each position," said Allegheny County Director Bill Holmes, who is also the coach of Plum's Legion team. "They all get a chance to show the college coaches and pro scouts what they have to offer."

The Elizabeth Forward team had two players advance to the Region 6 Showcase, third baseman Zach Grayson and outfielder Zach Mickolics.

"I couldn't enter last year's showcase because it conflicted with my graduation party," said Grayson, a South Allegheny High School graduate who recently completed his first year at Bethany College. "I wanted a chance to show what I can do."

Grayson made the most of his chance. He hit a home run to left field in one of his two at bats.

"I tried out at third base, but catching is my favorite position," said Grayson, who made his collegiate debut on the mound. "I pitched in 10 games at Bethany. I will probably be playing all three positions next year."

Mickolics, a recent graduate of Elizabeth Forward, was also making his first appearance in a Legion showcase.

"I was under the assumption that we were playing an all-star game," said Mickolics, who was a participant in the WPIAL Class AAAA/AAA All-Star Game. "I didn't realize what the setup was until I got here. I really like the format. I'm glad I didn't pass on this. I'm really looking forward to the Region 6 Showcase."

Mickolics will be attending Pitt-Greensburg in the fall.

"I plan to major in engineering, which has a very demanding course load," he said. "I hope to play at Pitt-Greensburg next year, then transfer to the main campus."

Chartiers Valley/South Fayette had three players advance -- first baseman Ryan Landy, third baseman Andrew McIntyre and outfielder Ken Turpack. South Park had two players advance, outfielder Kyle Lucot and shortstop John Salas.

Other players from the PG South area who advanced are Lincoln Place first baseman Adam Cristallini (Serra Catholic), Keystone Oaks third baseman David Hoover, Upper St. Clair shortstop Roberto Capriotti, Bethel Park second baseman Ryan Kragnes and Mt. Lebanon catcher Thomas Sims.

Region 6 includes six leagues, four from Allegheny County, the Beaver County League and the Fayette County League.

"The Western Showcase will include Regions 6, 7 and 8, with the goal of choosing the kids who will play in Harrisburg [at the East-West All-Star Game]," Holmes said.