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 on Aug. 3.

"The major leagues have cut down on scouting in the United States to concentrate on players south of the border," said Ohio River League Director John Werner. "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, Allegheny Southern, Mon-Yough and Ohio River -- held 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 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 are hit flyballs and 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," said Wilson. "It also gives us a quick look at the top pitchers and what they have to offer."

The Allegheny County leagues conducted their showcase on Monday in two different 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 League and Allegheny Southern League, 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."

Plum had the best showing of any team at the Allegheny County Showcase. Holmes will have eight players participating in today's Region 6 Showcase.

"I knew we had a talented group of players, but never expected to have eight make it to the next round," Holmes said. "It will be interesting to see how many make it to the Western Showcase."

Plum has four players who are making a return trip to the Region 6 Showcase: shortstop Scott McGough, catcher Anthony DeFabio, pitcher Rich Navari and outfielder Brad Beckett.

"McGough has played in the East-West All-Star Game the last three years," Holmes said. "I would be surprised if he didn't make it again this year. Beckett is making his third appearance in the Region 6 Showcase."

Beckett has made it to the Western Showcase the past two years.

"I played in State College two years ago and Altoona last year," said Beckett, referring to his previous two appearances in the Western Showcase. "But I still want a shot to play in the East-West game."

The other four players who advanced from Plum are second baseman Vince Garofalo and outfielders Nick Fracano, Joseph Garofalo and David Weifenbaugh.

"It's cool to have so many teammates moving on," said Beckett, a Plum graduate who recently completed his first year at Slippery Rock University. "I didn't play baseball [at Slippery Rock] last year, but want to try out this year."

The only other area player to qualify for the Region 6 Showcase was Swissvale second baseman Shawn Samsa.

Region 6 includes six leagues, four leagues 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 chosing the kids who will play in Harrisburg [at the East-West All-Star Game]," said Holmes.