FROM GCC to the major league: Meet Warren Shaeffer

By John Sacco
Contributing Writer

GREENSBURG – When it comes to baseball, Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School graduate Warren Schaeffer is not about to be deterred or denied.

Taking the managerial reins of the first Major League Baseball team to lose 50 games before winning 10? That’s just a little obstacle on the way to better days.

At least that’s how Schaeffer sees it.

After the Colorado Rockies dismissed manager Bud Black earlier this season, they selected one of his coaches — Schaeffer — to become manager.

It wasn’t the way he wanted to become a big-league manager, succeeding a fired friend, but it’s one of just 30 such jobs.

“Once I started managing in the minor leagues, I worked on my progress every year and tried to get better at things related to being a manager,” Schaeffer said. “I think it’s just me being a natural competitor. You always want to get a shot at the highest level.”

While his name was virtually unknown in MLB, Schaeffer is beloved on GCC’s school and campus. And he has a great reputation among baseball people throughout the professional ranks.

His former coaches and teachers attest to his popularity at the school.

“It was truly my pleasure to have Warren in class during his junior year at Greensburg Central Catholic for both English and history,” said David Ferranti. “I greatly appreciated the enthusiasm and passion for learning that he brought to the classroom.

“Warren was held in the highest esteem among his teachers, administrators, coaches and classmates for the genuine kindness, sincerity and concern that he had for others and for the commendable example of scholarship and impeccable citizenship that he displayed with unwavering consistency and humility. Most importantly, Warren is remembered for the Christian principles and convictions that he lived each day here at Greensburg Central Catholic. Our school community’s affection and admiration for him as a distinguished and successful alumnus are beyond measure.”

Dr. Gregory Bisignani, Schaeffer’s basketball coach at GCC, says Schaeffer’s baseball talents and acumen aren’t solely what allowed him to stand out in high school. It was his attitude, personality and good nature.

“It’s pretty hard to find someone who doesn’t like Warren,” Bisignani said. “He is just literally an all-American kid. He is so wholesome, so pure. There’s just a glow that radiates from him. It just sets him apart. I’m not surprised one iota of where he’s at now and his success, because that personality that he has, people just are attracted to him. He’s going to be a great leader.

Bisignani hopes the Rockies give Schaeffer time.

“Unfortunately, when they make a coaching change, it’s usually for one or two reasons: the coach retires or the coach isn’t performing well. It’s hard to get a managerial position in the major leagues otherwise. Unfortunately, most people, when they start managing, aren’t taking over winning programs.”

Colorado has played better under Schaeffer but the season has been a struggle.

While Schaeffer’s entire experience at GCC was outstanding, the Centurions’ PIAA baseball championship in 2002 ranks at the top.

“Oh man, that was the maybe the most fun baseball season I’ve ever been a part of it,” he said. “All things considered, it’s just different when you’re playing baseball with your high school buddies who you’re going to class with and you know. At that time, you’re just going through life with them and growing up together. My teammates were so special to me. You think of those good memories on the baseball field.”

Jack Korpar, who coached Schaeffer at GCC, echoed the thoughts of others who taught and coached him.

“I remember when his parents came up to the school to visit,” Korpar said. “They walked out to the baseball field where we were practicing and they watched the practice. I spoke to Warren afterwards. They were a nice family. He was a mannerly kid, a polite kid. I had a great first impression.

“You could just tell he knew how to play the game. I mean, he knew the fundamentals, and his dad really taught him well. Warren has a very high baseball IQ. That’s only gotten better.”

Schaeffer is battling through the team’s inadequacies, stressing playing sound baseball and grinding each day to get better.

“You can’t think too much on it,” he said. “You don’t think of the situation you’re in. I’ve known these guys. They have been my players for a long time (in the minors). I love them all and I just want them to succeed. My whole day is spent trying to get the most out of them. That’s all I’m thinking about.”