Washington, Pa. – July 2, 2025 – As the Printscape PONY League World Series (PLWS) prepares to welcome the world to Historic Lew Hays Field once again this August, we’re celebrating one of our own. Mike Deegan, a 1993 PLWS alum and head coach of Denison University Baseball, has led the Big Red to the NCAA Division III College World Series and been named the ABCA National Coach of the Year. His journey—from his hometown of Washington, Pa., to the national spotlight—is a testament to where big league dreams begin.
“For as long as I can remember, I watched those games and dreamed of being part of it,” Deegan said of his time playing in the PONY League World Series. As a Washington native, Deegan took the field in the 1993 PONY League World Series and also had the opportunity to compete in the Bronco World Series in Sacramento, CA, and the Palomino World Series in Greensboro, NC. “Finally getting the chance to compete was truly special.”
Now 13 seasons into his tenure at Denison—with a résumé that also includes nine years at Marietta College and consulting work with the Toronto Blue Jays—Deegan credits his early PONY experiences as foundational. “It takes some reflection to fully appreciate it, but witnessing an entire community come together to put on a first-class event is something that stays with you,” he said. “The volunteers who prepare the field, drive vans, arrange lodging, and work tirelessly to create lasting memories are what make it truly special. There’s a level of excellence on display that left a lasting impression on me—one I hope to carry forward.”
Deegan’s favorite memory? “Driving in the back of a truck on the way to the field with my teammates. Coming around the corner and seeing the beautiful field and crowd.” That moment—pure, unfiltered baseball magic—has stuck with him ever since.
In 2025, Deegan brought that same passion and purpose to Denison’s dugout, guiding the Big Red to their first-ever College World Series berth. The achievement earned him the highest honor in his profession: ABCA National Coach of the Year.
This August, when the world returns to Washington, we’ll celebrate not just the rising stars of PONY Baseball, but the legacy they carry. Mike Deegan is living proof that history starts here—one pitch, one dream, one kid at a time.
Printscape PONY League World Series
The Printscape PONY League World Series is an international youth baseball tournament played annually at Lew Hays PONY Field in Washington, PA. The World Series annually attracts over 30,000 fans and contributes over $6 million to the regional economy, with all games livestreamed domestically and internationally. The tournament represents PONY Baseball's 13- and 14-year-old age division. PONY has over 500,000 players ages 3-23 in more than 50 countries. More information is available at plws.org.