Robert "Red" Locke spent 19 years at Bishop Canevin High School and compiled an impressive record of 293-91 during his time as head baseball coach.

When he was let go following last season, there were some hard feelings. But now Locke, who said he followed his former team throughout its roll to the WPIAL AA championship game, said there is "no malice on my part."

"The kids did well and I'm happy for them," said Locke, who was a volunteer assistant for the Langley High School baseball team this past season. "The thing is, they will be getting a good nucleus back (next season) and they should be back in the stampede again."

Locke, now 68, was let go last year because of what the school called a "philosophical difference in the organization of the program."

This included, according to athletic director Bob Jacoby, changes in practices for the team.

Locke, who needs hip and knee replacements and is confined to a wheelchair, heard from some at the time that his disability was a reason for his being fired.

Now, however, Locke doesn't have any regrets.

"Like I said, there is no malice on my part. I was there for so long and I still have feelings for the school, the kids and the program. I think I'd be lying if I said I didn't want them to do well."

It's obvious that Locke never stopped following his former team. He still remembers names from the roster.

For instance, Locke expects pitcher Zach Washinski to do well next year.

"I think he will be the key," Locke said.

Catcher Pat Leyland, Jim Leyland's son, is "mechanically sound and a good kid.

"He's a smart kid, too."

Locke said he spoke to head coach Dale Checketts once or twice during the season. Checketts played under Locke for four years and was an assistant under him for two years.

Locke graduated from Langley in 1957 and played baseball and basketball there.

"I never in my life dreamed that I'd be coaching there," he said.

But he still remembers the players he coached at Canevin.

"You miss something you did for a long time and you wish them well. And if you felt any different, you'd be a fool."