Kiski Valley Legion restarting team after 2-year hiatus
The Kiski Valley American Legion baseball team has been inactive for the past two seasons.
But if the Montgomery brothers — Denny and David — have anything to say about it, the two-year hiatus will end in time for the 2024 season.
The Montgomerys, both Pennsylvania American Legion Hall of Fame coaches, are urging players, ages 16-19, from the Freeport, Leechburg, Highlands, Burrell, Armstrong and Kiski Area school districts to contact them if they are interested in playing next summer.
“It’s a lot cheaper for the parents if their kid plays Legion baseball than pay the high coast of AAU fees and travel,” Denny Montgomery said. “We charge only $200 compared to $2,500 to $3,000, and you’re getting better coaching.
“I’m not sure players are being taught the fundamentals in travel ball. We offer an experienced baseball staff with more than 100 years of experience coaching baseball from high school to college levels. You don’t get more instructional coaching because you pay more money to fund a coaching staff.”
Despite not fielding a team the past two seasons, Kiski Valley did not lose its territory because the American Legion paid the team’s fees.
District 31 American Legion president Jason Bush, who also is the Region 7 director, said getting Kiski Valley back is good or the league.
“I know the Montgomerys are working to get back into the league,” Bush said. “Our league remains one of the stronger leagues in the state. We’ve heard from a few teams that would like to join the league.”
The Montgomerys are trying to get the word out early to see if there is any interest.
Under the Montgomerys, Kiski Valley has been one of the top programs in District 31. Denny said they want to get a feel and interest from the area.
“We enjoy coaching and being around the players,” Denny Montgomery said. “We’d rather coach and teach kids playing on the Legion level. We hope we can get players to commit.”
Those interested should contact Denny Montgomery at 724-882-4667 or by email at coach1821@outlook.com.
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.
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