Detroit Tigers third baseman Kevin McGonigle (7) gets ready for a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks before a baseball game, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

By RAY WILDE

Sports correspondent

LEWISTOWN — Here is a little-known fact, the rookie shortstop for the Detroit Tigers once played against Mifflin County in Babe Ruth baseball.

His name is Kevin McGonigle and he played for Drexel Hill. Lindy’s Sports (baseball magazine) had McGonigle rated as the No. 2 major league prospect going into the 2026 season.

Mifflin County beat Drexel Hill, 6-5, in a 14-year-old state tournament game in Williamsport in 2019.

Mifflin County scored six runs late to down Drexel Hill by a run. Mifflin Country scored four times in the fifth as Mathew Weimer had a two-run single. In the sixth inning, Jullian Krainak and Preston Arbogast had RBI base hits to clinch the win.

McGonigle was the leadoff hitter for Drexel Hill as he went 1-for-3 with a first-inning triple.

He scored two of the five runs and added a walk in the fifth.

Here is what Mifflin County manager, Justin Yoder, had to say after the game.

“We were down, but we never hung our heads. We hit all game, but they made the plays. I thought their shortstop (Kevin McGonigle) was the best shortstop that I have seen at this level since I have been coaching Babe Ruth.”

Mifflin County finished third in the state tournament, while Drexel Hill was second.

Broomall-Newtown won the state title by beating Drexel and went on to win the Mid-Atlantic Regionals and went 4-2 in the World Series.

Other major league players who have played against Mifflin County as Babe Ruth players are Andre Thorton, Phoenixville; Josh Edgin, Raystown Area and Travis Cook, Arkansas.