Martinsburg, W.Va- The best teams American Legion have to offer will be in Martinsburg this weekend for the West Virginia State Legion Tournament. The 8 team field is populated by perennial powerhouses, programs on the rise, and a few Cinderella stories.
“I think they’re confident and have overcome a lot of adversity.” said Berkeley Post 14 head coach Tripp Tobin about his team. “Unfortunately they haven’t been able to show what their best 9 can do on the field at the same time dealing with injuries and illness. But the guys just go next man up, it’s water off their backs.”
The Hornets carry an 18-10 record into the tournament, though, starting 6-1, they have lost their last 3 contests.
Balance has been the key for Berkeley, the Hornets as a team are hitting .355 and 9 different players have driven in 10 or more runs. On the mound, 12 different players have started games for the Eastern Panhandle club.
“We’ll play it as it comes.” Tobin said of his pitching depth. “We’ve got a big test game one then we’ll get together to figure out our best chance to get to Monday.”
That big test is Morgantown Post 2 (28-5). Morgantown has won 17 straight games coming into tournament play and have not lost in the month of July. A team 2.36 era highlights a pitching staff with 5 different hurlers who have thrown 20+ innings for Post 2. The Berkeley v Morgantown matchup takes place as the final of 4 games on day 1 of the tournament and can be heard on the Panhandle News Network.
“Post 2 has done it right for years, they get commitment from their kids.” said Legion assistant state baseball chairman Chris George. “They have more 19 year olds than other teams, college level guys with experience”
Game one pits Bridgeport (18-13) against Potomac Valley (16-13). Bridgeport also brings to the tournament a healthy stable of arms with a team 3.19 era. Potomac Valley has socked 23 home runs in their quest for an area title and are hitting .337 team wide.
“Bridgeport just knows how to win at every level from little league to legion. They always play their best when it’s a tournament setting” George said. “Potomac Valley can really swing the bat. One of the best hitting teams in the state”
Game 2 sees South Charleston (19-8-1) lock horns with Wellsburg (4-9) who is in the tournament for the first time since 1994. Both teams are in good form with South Charleston winners of 9 straight and Wellsburg earning their spot in the state tournament after upsetting Parkersburg in Area play.
“What a story Wellsburg has been. They shared a lot of kids with their junior team, it’s a very young roster. Their win over top seeded Parkersburg in the area tournament is one of the big legion upsets over the last 20 years.” George said. “South Charleston may be the hottest team coming into the tournament. They go through regular season ups and downs but turn it on in tournament time.”
The final 2 teams are Wheeling (24-6) and Charleston post 65 (14-21). Wheeling is hitting .353 as a team have swiped 71 bags and have 3 starting pitchers with sub 2 ERA’s over 19 combined starts. Post 65 played upset to get to states downing Beckley in the area tournament.
“Charleston is one of the surprise teams, and they draw from as many as 10 high schools.” George said. “Wheeling may be the most athletic team in the tournament and a very capable club. Should be a fun week of baseball.”
