Peyton Vancas is one of Bellefonte’s most widely-known and admired athletes. He strives for excellence in all aspects of life, especially on the baseball diamond.

For many ball players, the love for the game begins at a young age. From the earliest memories of tee-ball, to the revered 12 year-old season in the majors, Bellefonte Little League has encouraged kids of all ages to pick up the sport. This was exactly the case for Peyton. 

Learning to play the sport, Peyton developed his skills by playing in various fall and summer leagues along with the primary spring season. These consecutive seasons all help shape and form a player’s mindset, teaching grit and hard work. 

“When I first started playing the sport, I made the decision that I was gonna give it my all. In sports, especially baseball, you need to commit to the sport to be successful, and that’s what I did,”  he said.

Many other ball players all have their beginnings in little league, however, for most, the love of the game is never truly realized. This was not the case for Peyton. After playing most of his seasons for Plumb’s Drugstore, he built the tools necessary to be widely recognized as one of the best players to come out of the little league system. This was evident in his willingness to go the extra mile to outwork the competition. Not just that, but many also realized Peyton’s innate characteristics, as a leader as well as a friend.

After his 12 year-old season in little league, Peyton received the Dylan K. Crunick award, one of Bellefonte little league’s greatest awards. This award is bestowed to athletes who not just exemplify their skills, but also their hearts, as the award honors the memory of Dylan Crunick, a player who passed away from cancer at the age of 15. 

“The most impactful moment of my baseball career would have to be when I won the Dylan Crunick Award when I was 12 years-old in Little League… When I won this award, it gave me a bigger purpose than just winning or playing well in games. I realized that a good attitude, being a good teammate, helping out, and being a mentor to the younger kids meant more than just winning or losing,” Peyton said.

From there, Peyton moved onto middle school in which he showed out for a variety of interleague and split squad games. Additionally, along with school sponsored baseball, Peyton began playing for Flood City, a team based out of the Altoona area, which boasts a very select roster of some of PA’s best. 

Once in high school, Peyton earned himself a spot in the starting lineup as early as he could. This came as a result of him being a strong starting pitcher, but also a lethal hitter. Additionally, Peyton became a part of one of the best Bellefonte baseball teams in recent history, not only being on the district winning roster, but being one of the key players in the series. From there, Peyton structured his skill sets around becoming the best. The best at everything. From being an all around player to his qualities as a teammate, Peyton Vancas did what it took to be recognized as one of the best high school players in the state.