Jul 2, 2024 By Eleanor Bailey 3 min read

David Shields led Mt. Lebanon in every aspect on the baseball diamond.

Spectators saw the statistics. Teammates and coaches witnessed the behind-the-scenes efforts that should make this 6-2, 200-pound southpaw a top choice in July’s MLB amateur draft.

For example, Shields showed up twice a week at 6 a.m. for winter weightlifting in which he would squat 350 pounds. He also demonstrated humanity as well as humility when he slipped and fell attempting to shag a fly ball in center field during an intrasquad game.

“When your best player shows up and busts it every day in practices and games, it’s pretty easy to get the rest of the team on board,” said Lebo coach Patt McCloskey.

“David was the most publicized player that we’ve ever had. Yet, he was also the most humble and down-to-earth kid in our program,” McCloskey continued. “His total commitment to being a great teammate was a huge part of what makes him a special kid.

“It was more important how he did everything, rather than just what he accomplished with stats. Despite all the pressure he had from being scouted, he never put any of that ahead of his team winning. He was a true leader.”

Shields led the Blue Devils to many victories while shattering all but two school records – single-season ERA and wins for a season by Chris Koutsavlis – during his shortened three-year career. Shields reclassified after his sophomore season to graduate one year earlier this June to be eligible for the MLB draft.

Shields, who set the single-season strikeout record with 106 in 2023, struck out 63 in only 35 innings and six games this spring. He had a 5-1 record with a 0.96 ERA. He allowed just 14 hits and walked four.

For 2024, Shields struck out 16.2 batters per nine innings while only allowing 4.9 baserunners.

When not on the mound for the Blue Devils, Shields started in center field. At the plate, he batted .418 with seven doubles and 28 RBI entering the WPIAL final, compiling an OPS of 1.244.

According to McCloskey, those numbers this season produced the greatest offensive output since Ian Happ played for the Blue Devils.

“As a player, the list of Mt. Lebanon players that have been both elite pitchers as well as hitters in the WPIAL is very short,” McCloskey said,

HONOREES

Nick D’Orazio, sophomore, Upper St. Clair

Aidan Crochier, senior, Upper St. Clair

Brodie Kuzior, senior, Burgettstown

Sam Meredith, senior, Canon-McMillan

Jackson Nopwaskey, junior, Beth-Center

Ryan Petras, junior, Bethel Park

Matthew Robaugh. Junior, Trinity

Ryan Tierney, senior, Bethel Park

Jake Tinneymeyer, senior, Mt. Lebanon

Alex VanSickle, junior, Waynesburg

Bryce Wright, sophomore, Avella