Old-Timers Classic at Gaither

Posted Feb 6, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Feb 6, 2012 at 12:47 PM

It’s a preseason baseball classic, but Gaither High School is dubbing it as an “Old-Timers Classic’’ because Hillsborough County’s four most experienced coaches will be participating.

On Wednesday at 4 p.m., it’s Steinbrenner against Jefferson at 4 p.m., followed by Gaither facing King at 7. On Thursday, it’s King against Steinbrenner at 4, followed by Gaither facing Jefferson at 7.

The coaches: Gaither’s Frank Permuy, King’s Jim Macaluso, Jefferson’s Pop Cuesta and Steinbrenner’s John Crumbley.

Crumbley began coaching high-school baseball in the 1980s. Permuy, Macaluso and Cuesta debuted in the 1970s.

Between games, each of the coaches will receive souvenir bats (carved in the shape of walking canes). Also, former Hillsborough High baseball coach Billy Reed, another grizzled veteran who retired after the 1996-97 season, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

“It’s going to be a unique few nights,’’ Permuy said. “We’ve all been around forever. We’re always teasing each other about who’s going to be next (to retire). It’s only fitting that we begin another season against each other.’‘