Bethel Park seniors leave a baseball legacy

With their 5-0 win against Selinsgrove in the 2022 PIAA championship game, six seniors left their mark on the Bethel Park High School baseball program. By winning a second straight state title, they go down in history as one of only three schools in WPIAL history to achieve the feat.
“These seniors deserved nothing less than to end their high school careers with a win on the biggest stage,” said BP manager Patrick Zehnder. “I am forever grateful for their leadership and the impact they will have on this team for years to come. They have left (the program) in much better hands than when I started and what better things could you ask for such a group of leaders.”
Cody Geddes and David Kessler were the biggest leaders among the stellar six, which also included Bo Conrad, Ben Hudson, Dylan Schmude and Will Sokira. They particularly excelled during the state final played June 17 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on the Penn State University campus.
Geddes tagged three hits, including a home run. The senior third baseman drove in two runs and scored twice.
Geddes, who tagged a two-run triple and earned a save on the mound in the 2021 championship, was named the Player of the Game for the second straight year.
“Cody has been an unbelievable clutch player all season long and in his high school career,” said Zehnder.
This spring, Geddes led the Black Hawks in hitting with a .425 batting average, on-base percentage (.483) and slugging percentage (.738) thanks to nine doubles, two triples and four homers. He was tied for first in runs scored with 25 and No. 2 on the team in RBI with 21.
A two-year starter at third base, Geddes was 2-0 as a short reliever with one save and a 1.44 ERA, 11 strikeouts.
Kessler and Conrad anchored the BP defense at shortstop and second base respectively while Hudson and Schmude dominated the outfield in left and center.
Kessler, who scored two runs and singled in the state final, batted .354 with .671 slugging percentage thanks to seven doubles, two triples and a team-high five homers. He also led the team with 13 stolen bases. He drove in 23 runs.
Conrad batted .324 with six doubles, 19 RBI and 20 runs scored.
Hudson batted .360 with six doubles and three homers. He led the Hawks in RBI with 23 and scored 14 runs.
Schmude batted .338 with four two-baggers. He drove in 12, scored 17 runs and swiped nine bases.
A key reserve, Sokira helped the Hawks post a 21-4 record and rebound from the disappointment of losing the chance for a 35th section title and 11th district final appearance in program history. BP finished runner-up to Peters Township in Section 4 with an 8-2 slate and they lost to West Allegheny, 3-0, in the WPIAL semifinals.
“I am so thankful for everything that our six seniors have done for this program. Their hunger is a huge testament to our success,” Zehnder said. “These guys did not let this team tuck its tails between their legs after some losses in the regular season and after we lost the chance for a WPIAL championship. They refused to let us give up.”
By fostering a positive environment in practices and games, the seniors engineered a comeback in the PIAA playoffs. On a wild pitch, BP slipped past Central Mountain, 4-3, then avenged the loss to West-A, 7-0. The Hawks edged Donegal, 5-4, to reach the state finals for the sixth time in program history.
“This team had a togetherness,” Zehnder said. “They found a way to work together for the ultimate goal. Not everyone had to be best friends but this team, maybe more than any other team, just found ways to interact so well with each other. They hung out together after practices and games.
“I think there is something to be said that through the ups and downs of a season, when you play together and play as one, you are going to maximize your chances for success.”
According to Kessler, the seniors have been playing together since Little League. They forged an unbreakable bond.
“These guys aren’t just great teammates, they are great friends and my family,” he said. “I love them so much and I’m so happy to go out winners with them.”
When the summer breezes shift to Autumn airs, the six will scatter. They will play for a variety of collegiate programs.
Geddes will continue his career at Penn State (Greater Allegheny), hoping to eventually get a professional break as his uncle (Craig White) did when he was drafted out of Slippery Rock by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1989.
Kessler will major in business while playing at Indiana University of Pennsylvania while Conrad will compete at Marietta.
Schmude and Hudson are both bound for St. Vincent and Sokira is off to Chatham University.
“I am sure they will be successful in whatever they strive for,” Zehnder predicted. “They can use the experience, success, and perseverance they showed throughout their baseball careers in their future lives.”