Valley's American Legion baseball team has been suspended for the rest of the season because it forfeited three games due to a lack of players.
District 31 (Westmoreland County) rules prohibit teams from forfeiting that many games, and the league strictly enforces those rules, fining teams $100 per forfeit, plus umpire fees.
The league made the decision to suspend Valley, although the program can return next summer and won't be placed on probation. Valley owes the league about $400.
"The biggest problem this year was commitment," first-year Valley coach Anthony Campana said. "We had guys sign up but had other recreational activities that were more important. I am old-school. When you sign up to play, you make a commitment, and you play."
Valley had a 3-4 record in seven games but forfeited three, including two in a row. It had five games left to get in this week.
"When teams don't play, it causes chaos," said Mike Hogan, Sectional Director of Westmoreland and Cambria counties' Legion leagues. "Valley's recreation board does a great job. They tried everything to keep it going. Valley is more than welcome to come back next year. They need to prove they're viable. Sometimes, teams need time to grow. You don't want to put the death penalty on teams."
All games Valley played against other teams were wiped out.
"It wasn't like we had an 'Oh my God' moment when they shut us down," Campana said. "We deserved it. We affected other teams, too."
Due to the forfeits, Valley and Lower Burrell did not meet this season.
Forfeits also hinder scheduling of umpires. When teams forfeit games, umpires only get $10 per game. They make $40-plus normally.
Three Valley players are 19-year-olds and were in their final years of eligibility.
"It's kind of heartbreaking for me and them," Valley infielder Shane Beattie said. "It kind of hurts to end like that."
The other 19-year-olds are John Whitlinger and Shane McNair.
Campana hopes to see an improvement in interest so Valley can return to action next year. Valley draws players from New Kensington and Arnold, while teams such as Kiski Valley stretches its boundaries to include players from Armstrong County and Murrysville.
That, however, isn't the big issue, Campana said.
"The problem is getting the kids committed," he said. "We have the kids in this area. We have the numbers. Some of them would rather play video games and waste the day away. They're a different breed. I don't know how to change that."
Hogan said previous suspended teams have flourished upon their returns.
"We have had teams in the same situation that have come back two years later and won the district," Hogan said. "It can be done."
