Philipsburg-Osceola Middle School Baseball: Building the Future of PO Baseball

Mar 52 min read

As spring rolls in, so does baseball season at Philipsburg-Osceola Middle School, where Coach Denny Rafferty leads a dedicated group of 7th and 8th graders eager to improve, compete, and lay the groundwork for future success at the JV and Varsity levels.

Baseball player slides into home, raising dust; catcher stands ready. Umpire signals, crowd cheers. Bright, sunny field. Text: PIAA.

⚾ Team Overview: Growth, Dedication, and Chemistry

This season, the Middle School baseball team boasts a balanced mix of returning 8th graders and promising 7th graders, all driven by a strong desire to learn and develop. “Our main focus this year is to improve each day as a team,” says Coach Rafferty. Central to that growth is the team’s exceptional chemistry—players look out for one another, and many are stepping into leadership roles without formal team captains.

Two boys in blue baseball uniforms, one throwing a ball, on a grassy field with trees in the background. Both wear sunglasses.

🥇 Players to Watch

While the roster is filled with talent from top to bottom, two standout 7th graders, Ayden Meersand and Gage Freeberg, are making early waves. Both bring versatility to the team, able to play multiple positions—a skill developed through playing on other teams and transitioning seamlessly from Little League to the larger middle school field. The A Team returns 3 full time starters from last season. Jacob Dugan, Hayden Koptchak and Warren Rafferty will look to build on the experience they gained last season. All three will be relied upon to pitch and play multiple positions throughout the season. They will also be some of the catalysts that gets the team going when batting.

Baseball team meeting on the mound, players in navy jerseys and caps. Coach leads discussion. Green field and trees in background.

🗓️ Key Games & Rivalries

The team’s schedule includes several highly anticipated matchups:

🏟️ Bishop Guilfoyle – A challenging opponent that pushes the team to play mistake-free baseball.

🏟️ Hollidaysburg – Another top-tier competitor demanding the team’s best performance.

🏟️ Bellefonte – A particularly exciting rivalry, with Coach Rafferty noting, “Our games with Bellefonte often come down to the last inning. They always play us tough, making it a fun battle to watch.”

🏫 Beyond the Diamond: Academics & Team Culture

Excellence isn’t limited to the field—the team takes academic performance seriously, with players striving to do their best in school. Off the field, team-building activities are key. A highlight is attending a home Varsity baseball game, where players observe high-level play and gain insight into game-day preparation, setting the standard for their future progression.

Young baseball player tags another sliding into base on a dirt field, wearing navy jerseys. Focused expressions, green grass background.

👏 Coach’s Closing Thoughts

“This is a young group of kids that are going to be the future of PO baseball,” Coach Rafferty reflects. “I’m very excited to see how they continue to grow—not just as players, but as young adults.”

With strong leadership, promising talent, and a commitment to daily improvement, the Philipsburg-Osceola Middle School baseball team is ready to swing for success this season. Come out and support these hardworking student-athletes as they represent the future of the program!

📅 Don’t miss their key games against Bishop Guilfoyle, Hollidaysburg, and Bellefonte!