Pittsburgh Hardball Academy

representing at the Gateway vs. Allderdice game!

🥎 A NEW CHAPTER STARTS NOW.

First official fastpitch softball practice in Pittsburgh Hardball Academy history!

We’re excited to get our 12U and 14U softball teams on the field and begin building something special. This is about creating more opportunities for young athletes in our region to develop, compete, build confidence, and grow through the game.

Practice #1 is in the books. We’re just getting started!

We're back!!

Last night at our 2026–2027 Pittsburgh Hardball Academy Season Kickoff, we were proud to honor Chyno Spearman, Zion Scales, and Chad Helwich as this year’s recipients of the Coach Pete Memorial Scholarship, with each receiving $1,500 toward their continued education.

The Coach Pete Memorial Scholarship recognizes Pittsburgh Hardball alumni who have continued on to college and are demonstrating the same commitment to education, hard work, and excellence that we strive to instill in every young person who comes through our program.

That mission is especially fitting for Coach Pete. As a college professor, Pete understood the power of education and believed deeply in preparing our young people for success beyond the field. Baseball and softball were important to him, but so was what came next.

When Pete became part of Pittsburgh Hardball, we were one team. This season, we are proud to have grown to six baseball teams and two softball teams. We know Pete would be incredibly proud to see how many young people now have an opportunity to be part of the program he believed in.

A special thank you to Coach Pete’s family for joining us last night. Having you there as we honored these three young men and celebrated Pete’s lasting impact made the evening even more meaningful.

Pete may no longer be with us, but his belief in our young people and the impact he made on Pittsburgh Hardball continue to live on.

Congratulations, Chyno, Zion, and Chad. Continue making Coach Pete proud — in the classroom, on the field, and in everything that comes next.

Earlier this week, we proudly recognized our 2026–2027 Carol Baker Ford Scholars:

🎓 Kaden Fisher — Freshman, Seton LaSalle High School | Brookline
🎓 Mayson Mitchell — Sophomore, Gateway High School | Monroeville
🎓 Kaleb Bynum — Sophomore, Serra Catholic High School | Beechview
🎓 Jacob Ramsey — Senior, Serra Catholic High School | Clairton
🎓 Braylon Johnson — Senior, Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy | Brookline

These five student-athletes were selected for the character, commitment, work ethic, and leadership they demonstrate on and off the field.

The Carol Baker Ford Scholars Program honors the life and legacy of Carol Baker Ford and the values she instilled in her son, Peyton Ford, a proud Pittsburgh Hardball Academy graduate. Carol stood for strength, humility, perseverance, family, and service to others — values we want our young people to carry forward.

As Scholars, these young men commit to maintaining a 3.0 GPA, participating in at least 75% of FOCUS programming, leading by example, and participating in breast cancer awareness or community service efforts.

We are grateful to the Ford family for their continued involvement with Pittsburgh Hardball Academy and to all of the donors and supporters who make the Carol Baker Ford Scholars Program possible.

Congratulations to our five Scholars. We are proud to have you carry Carol’s legacy forward. 💗⚾

Eli Kurta | 2028 | OF/RHP | West Mifflin

High-upside 2028 prospect with a strong combination of athleticism, physicality and tools.

6'1" | 180 lbs. | R/R
6.70 60-Yard Dash
99 MPH Exit Velocity
87 MPH OF Velocity
86 MPH FB

Eli was selected for the 2026 MLB Breakthrough Series and is ranked among the Top 60 players in Pennsylvania's 2028 class by PBR. Two-sport varsity athlete who continues to make significant strides in his development.

College coaches: Eli is a 2028 prospect to follow.

X:
IG: Eli Kurta

2026 SUMMER STAT LEADERS

With the summer season officially over, here are the 12U-18U team leaders and organization-wide leaders.

Swipe through.

Your 2026 Josh Gibson Classic Champions! The Grays!

Josh Gibson Foundation

Pittsburgh Hardball Academy’s Meat Raffle fundraiser is underway!

Support our student-athletes and enter for a chance to win a meat package valued at $500 from Strip District Meats.

Tickets: $20 each
Drawing: September 1, 2026
2 Winners

Prize packages include:

- 10 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- 8 lbs. New York strip steak
- 10 lbs. chicken wings
- 6 lbs. hamburger patties
- Additional custom cuts

Anyone can purchase a ticket. To purchase, email [email protected] or connect directly with a Pittsburgh Hardball Academy student-athlete or team member.

Cash and Venmo payments are accepted.

Thank you for supporting Pittsburgh Hardball Academy and our student-athletes!