Show Case Ball Versus Legion

Fifty years ago this summer as a ten year old boy I was the bat boy for the Ahoskie American Legion Post 102.  Times have changed.  When was the last time you went to a game and a bat boy was on the field for either side.  Not many any more.  There was a time when the best players from the area played Legion to strut their stuff in the summer time hoping to improved for next year or impress scouts whether college or pro.

Today regardless of the sport travel leagues have over taken every sport to show case talent. They are a money maker for those running the show.  I doubt there are many Legion Post that make money providing baseball for the summer so the love of the game is still there.  Saturday Rocky Mount Legion Post 58 held their try outs for this year and many players from the area are choosing to play showcase ball this summer.  I know when I say this I am coming from the old school because my roots are in Legion but I don't understand where all the hub bub is for showcase ball.

I don't care who you are if you are good the scouts will find you.  Legion you are going to be taught when you make mistakes where showcase you are put on display to do your thing.  I quite frankly don't see many players who play showcase get better over the summer while playing travel.  One of the top ways to improve is to be on the field and  in show case ball there are so many players  a pitcher may pitch an inning or a fielder get a couple of swings of the bat before somebody else is in there.

I have no idea when Hank Jones picks this year Post 58 team what they will have this year.  Just from our local high school season there were no top notch on a grade of 1-10 10 pitchers in the area this year.  I don't even know I can even think of one hitter that I would be scared of when he steps to the plate.  From that view you would think Legion this season will be average at best.  Here is why there is hope.  Hank Jones and his coaches will be coaching their butt off to make these players better.  Average players who get better could really be good as the season goes forth.

If there was ever a year to make it to the state Tournament this is a good one to make it as the State Tournament is in Wilson.  Should Post 58 make it this year then many people to go from the area every time 58 plays.

May 20th is the season opener for Post 58 as they will travel to Cary.  Cary will come to Post 58 on the 22nd.  Every time you hear this from this point on all home games will be played at Legion Field or the old Rocky Mount High baseball field.

 High school season is over for all the public schools but there is still one major game left to play Tuesday.  Faith Christian will be at Rocky Mount Academy Tuesday at 7pm and the winner will earn a right to play for the Independent State title.  I think TV will be there, hope so but that is not a done deal as of yet.

You know Rocky Mount Academy and Faith have always been in different divisions  because of their size.  Now that they are in the same conference they are finding like the Nash County public schools have known now for eight years that there are a lot of advantages having your top rivals in the same conference just across the street.