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," 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, 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.

"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 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."

Springdale, Shaler and West View-Ross each had two players advance from the Allegheny County Showcase to the Region 6 Showcase.

"I really like the setup," said Springdale first baseman James Healy, who recently completed his sophomore season at Fox Chapel Area High School.

"My hope is to eventually play baseball in college. I'm trying to get some exposure, get my name out there. It was a pressure-free atmosphere in which everybody was really calm."

Healy is joined by Springdale teammate Tracey Banas, an outfielder who recently completed his senior year at Fox Chapel.

"We're both looking forward to playing in the Region 6 Showcase," Healy said. "Hopefully, we can move on to the Western Showcase."

West View-Ross will be represented by outfielder Pat Bauer Jr. and first baseman Travis Cooney.

"This is the third time in four years that I've entered the showcase," said Bauer, a graduate of North Hills who will attend Slippery Rock University this coming academic year. "This is the first time I advanced to the second round."

"I just want to prove myself and show everybody what I can do," said Cooney, who plans to play at California University of Pennsylvania next year.

"This is my second time in the showcase and the first time I made it to the next round."

Shaler had two players advance: shortstop Ed Skonieczny and pitcher John Kobler.

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 choosing the kids who will play in Harrisburg [at the East-West game]," Holmes said.