Optimism runs high at Schuylkill League baseball, softball media day
Players and coaches speaking to the media and mingling during Schuylkill League Baseball Media Day 2026 (Photo by Eli Doyle).
POTTSVILLE — Spring was in the air — literally — Sunday at the 2nd Schuylkill League Baseball and Softball Media Day at the Pottsville Area High School Wellness Center.
Sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s greeted players and coaches, just adding to the excitement that the season is here. Some teams have had outside practices and a few have even scrimmaged, meaning the games that count are less than a week away.
Following the lead of the highly successful Schuylkill County Football Coaches’ Association Media Day, preseason gatherings have become the norm in the Schuylkill League for sports like basketball, wrestling and, most recently, baseball and softball. The idea is to promote the athletes and their respective sports while generating excitement for the games to come.
Official preseason practice began March 2, so the coaches have had a week to take a look at their teams. Well, most coaches. The Schuylkill Haven, Marian and Lourdes girls’ teams are still competing in the PIAA Basketball Championships and several other squads had their seasons end over the weekend in the first round of the state playoffs.
Nevertheless, optimism ran high as the coaches brought some of their top players and leaders to meet the media, have photos taken and get interviewed on their thoughts about the season, which, weather permitting, will get under way Friday.
“I think it’s awesome, having a bunch of baseball guys come around,” Tri-Valley senior Jason Stewart said. “You see your competition a little bit, get to know some people from the other teams. I think it’s a great atmosphere, kind of breaks the tension a little bit before the season.”
Does an event like media day get Stewart fired up for the season?
“Heck yeah,” he said. “I see some familiar faces, have some new faces. You don’t really know what to expect. It’s awesome.”
The baseball media day started the festivities at 2 p.m., with the softball media day taking center stage at 4 p.m.
Coaches brought rosters and schedules and did interviews with the various media outlets in attendance. Everybody wore game jerseys or other gear representing their respective school.
“I think it’s really good that all the teams get to come here and be a part of it,” North Schuylkill senior Brigid Flynn said. “I think it really opens up girls’ softball and shows that there are a lot of good teams in the Schuylkill League.
“We definitely feel stronger as a team,” Flynn added. “We all get along. We have really good team chemistry. We’re just really excited for this year.”
The Schuylkill League had another banner spring season in 2025.
On the baseball diamond, Tamaqua captured the Schuylkill League championship. Nativity (Class A) and Tri-Valley (Class AA) won District 11 titles. The Hilltoppers advanced to the state quarterfinals, while the Bulldogs made it all the way to the PIAA semifinals.
In softball, Pine Grove won Schuylkill League, District 11 Class 3A and PIAA Class 3A state championships. The Cardinals outlasted Bald Eagle Area 4-3 in 13 innings in the state title game at Penn State. In addition, Tri-Valley won the District 11 Class A crown and qualified for states; Williams Valley earned the District 11 Class AA championship and advanced to the PIAA semifinals; and North Schuylkill finished as the District 11 Class 4A runner-up and won a state playoff game to reach the PIAA quarterfinals.
The Wellness Center is the former girls’ gym at Pottsville High. It has been refurbished with a green artificial turf floor with a big Crimson Tide logo in the middle. A bright lighting system was installed, and heavy screens cover the windows to protect an errant throw or batted ball from causing damage. Suspended from the ceiling are two batting cages, which can be lowered and used at the same time.
Pottsville’s weight room is also nearby, enabling some athletes to get their swings in while others do their strength training. The batting cages can be raised to the ceiling, making room for various infield and outfield drills.
