Remember When?: Mon Valley Catholic’s baseball farewell

By JEFF OLIVER

Mon Valley Catholic baseball
March 25, 1989

Although his team has always managed to more than hold its own on the baseball field, Jim Costantino admits times have changed for the baseball program at Mon Valley Catholic High.

Costantino is about to embark on his ninth – and last – year as the head coach of the Spartans. It has already been announced that the enrollment-struggling school will close its doors after the current school year.

During his career, Costantino has seen the Spartans win section titles, go to the WPIAL playoffs and even advance to the PIAA playoffs. he has seen some good teams wear the Spartan colors. He pointed out that there were more good teams than there were poor ones.

But he adds that it is not the same as it used to be.

“After we did so well in 1981 (going to the WPIAL title game and PIAA semifinals), we had 63 kids come out for the team in 1982,” Costantino said. “I remember we didn’t have enough room in the high school gym to throw a baseball. This year, we only have 14 kids. It’s tough, but our kids have pride.”

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