As I watched the much ballyhooed 2010 preseason “debut” of one Ben Roethlisberger I was suddenly encouraged and discouraged. It was a lackluster performance by the $100 Million Dollar Man because his effort only led to three points. Now one would normally consider that a decent effort for a little over two minutes work.

However, Roethlisberger is no ordinary quarterback, remember? In spite of all the continued attention to his off the field antics, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin appears to be indifferent. When it comes to Big Ben. Mr. Tomlin seems to take it all in stride, whether Big Ben throws a nasty pick or is accused of hanging out with a “nasty” girl.

by Allison Brophy Champion

CULPEPER, Va. (AP)—When the National Baseball Hall of Fame recasts the plaque of Negro League standout and Culpeper native “Pete” Hill later this year, changing his given name and birthplace, it will officially give Culpeper County its second inductee into the game’s most sacred institution.

“PETE” HILL

In addition, the Hall of Fame will concurrently update Hill’s library file to fix his birth year.

“New information has shown that the genealogical information and history of his birth were not correct,” said Brad Horn, senior director of communications and education at the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Kamela Gissendanner always wanted to hold a summer basketball camp for young girls in Clairton and surrounding areas.

“I wanted to give back to my community,” said Gissendanner, 25, who hails from Clairton.

“The mission is to develop, teach and educate young women and help them become successful athletes.”

Her dream came true this summer when she held her first Kam’s Kamp at McKeesport Area High School Aug. 5-6.

KAM’S CAMPERS—Back row, from left: Taylor Ohm from Elizabeth and Tish Hines from Clairton; second row from top: Charel Allen from Monessen, Kamela “Kam” Gissendanner and Joncelyn Peterkin from West Mifflin; third row: Jeanette Meacham and Velissa Vaughn from Clairton; front row: Kameron Townes and Deron Jackson from Clairton. Not pictured is Carele Smith of Clairton.

About 60 girls between eight and 17 from Clairton, Norwin, Elizabeth and Monessen, learned such fundamentals as having a positive attitude, maintaining a strong work ethic and setting goals. The girls also worked on their shooting, passing, dribbling and free throws.

PITTSBURGH (AP)—Ben Roethlisberger never got off the bench in a return to Heinz Field that couldn’t have been much quieter. Byron Leftwich probably wishes he had stayed on the sideline, too.

Leftwich, the quarterback who will replace the suspended Roethlisberger when the season starts, was ineffective despite playing much longer than expected, but the Pittsburgh Steelers still beat the Detroit Lions 23-7 behind backup Dennis Dixon on Saturday night.

MAKING AN IMPRESSION—Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon scrambles for a first down in the third quarter quarter of the NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions Aug. 14 at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 23-7.

Leftwich was outplayed by Matthew Stafford in the Lions quarterback’s first game action since injuring a shoulder against Cincinnati on Dec. 6. After Stafford left following a 2-yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson, the Steelers came back from a 7-6 deficit as Dixon led scoring drives of 75, 79 and 68 yards with reserves playing.