A select group of individuals were invited to the park for a festive evening to honor Indiana University of Pennsylvania baseball coach Jeff Ditch. For the record, and for those who have not really followed IUP baseball, Ditch took the reigns of the Crimson Hawk squad three years ago. From a 10-41 season in 2006, the Hawks improved to 20-28 in 2007 and this year set a new school record with 36 wins.This surpasses the school mark of 35 set in 1990 and is only the third 30-win season in school history.

Not only did Ditch's squad set a new standard in number of victories during a season, they also clinched their first playoff berth since 1998 and were awarded a No. 2 seed in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference baseball playoffs held in May. Although the Hawks didn't fare well in the playoffs, where they were ousted early on, the young team and the experience in post-season play could carry IUP a long way next year.  Ditch said he was well pleased with the effort from the squad this year, as indicated by the 36-19 record they posted.

Each year, under the leadership of Ditch, the team has steadily improved.  Thus, he was honored by local businessmen and IUP baseball fans at the event hosted by Indiana insurance man Roger Reschini. But this event served a dual purpose, it just did not honor Ditch and the team, it also provided funding for the program to continue its steady climb in the coming seasons.

Ditch, personable and gracious, was thankful to all those who supported the program. Now he continues his search for new talent and will spend the summer at sandlots and ballparks where youngsters are involved in America's favorite pastime.

And this Triple Nickel Park event raised nearly $20,000 to assist Ditch in his search for future Hall of Famers.

The Reschini Group