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First Posted: 1/16/2015
EXETER – Ron Musto Jr.’s accomplishments in three different capacities with the Greater Pittston program have led to his selection for induction in the Pennsylvania American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame.
Musto, 49, of Exeter, will be inducted at a banquet July 27 in West Lawn prior to the state tournament.
Musto participated in the state tournament with Greater Pittston as a player, manager and general manager.
“Having achieved success at all three of those levels, having won regional championships is something that not too many people can hang their hat on,” Musto said.
Prior to playing first base for three seasons at East Stroudsburg University, Musto was the first baseman on the 1983 Greater Pittston team that won league and regional titles to reach the state tournament.
Musto served as field manager of the Greater Pittston team 1988-98 and 2002-03. The 1990 and 1997 teams won Wyoming Valley titles and the 2003 team proceeded from that point to win the region and reach the state tournament.
Following his time leading the team on the field, Musto remained as the Greater Pittston Legion program’s general manager through 2013. The 2004 and 2013 teams went to the state tournament.
“The reason why I’m able to receive such accolades and recognition is because of the efforts and the commitment that, not only my players made, but my assistant coaches,” said Musto, who also coached the Wyoming Area High School baseball team from 1992 through 2005 and has applied for that open position for the second straight year. “And, the support of the community we had with Legion baseball. At one point, we went to four straight regional championship games and our program was actually able to pull the community together.
“It was something that was exciting each summer and was a very memorable experience.”
The selection makes it two Hall of Fames in as many years for Musto. He was inducted to the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.