SPORTS SCENE: Joe Bennett of West Lafayette, Ind., has a
follow-up to our article on Frank Langianese’s career as a football
umpire:

“Growing up in Lewis Run, I remember him as much for his
involvement in baseball. Frank, who was known as Leftie, was always
supportive of youth teams, and I believe he both played for and
managed the Lewis Run Indies in the old McKean-Elk League. He was
always a gentleman and helpful to young players.

“McKean-Elk was an adult amateur league that had teams in
Smethport, Cyclone, East Smethport Roulette, Rew, Bradford, Mount
Jewett, and other towns.

“Lewis Run played its games at a field next to the road that
leads to Big Shanty. Later the team moved to a field behind the
schoolhouse near where McCourt Label is located now. Games were
Monday evenings and Sunday afternoon.

“In the late innings, the team would pass a hat for donations to
pay for travel, equipment, and maybe a case of beer for the players
to share after the game.

“Some of Lewis Run players over the years were Bruno Vecellio,
George Songer, Anthony Ross, Bob Tassone, Tom Vinca, Ron Vecellio,
John Siffren, Carl Zandi. Bradford had a flame-throwing pitcher
named Jack Randolph.

“Lewis Run and Bradford had some very good teams. They played
for fun, but the competition was very intense. It was not unusual
for a hard slide or a close pitch to lead to a fight between
teams.”