Day One Recap Of The 2024 American Legion World Series
By: Roger Sigmon – Wise News Network
2024 American Legion World Series Opening Ceremonies on Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, NC 8-15-2024 by Roger Sigmon (WNN)
Shelby, NC (WNN) – In game one, August 15th, of the ALWS, the Defending Champions, League City, Texas, opened their quest for a repeat against Fargo, North Dakota. The series’ first run was scored by Thomas Huang, Texas shortstop, on a sacrifice to shortstop by pitcher Asa Sampson. The first out of the series was a two-out double also by Texas shortstop Thomas Huang. Fargo gave the defending champs a close game until League City’s first baseman hit the first home run of the series, a three-run 325-foot shot that sealed the game for Texas. They never looked back as they took a 7-3 opening game victory, also aided by a three-run, three-hit effort on the mound from Asa Sampson.
The Fargo, North Dakota Team warming up on Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, NC 8-15-2024 by Roger Sigmon (WNN)
Game two between Midland, Michigan, and the Phillies of Bossier City, Louisiana, showcased some great defense and pitching. The top of the second saw two outstanding defensive plays, one a hard-hit line drive to shortstop Blayne McFerren, and the other was a spectacular grab and throw from the third baseman Britain Pipes. Michigan shortstop Cayden Smith also made a major league type of stop and threw on a very hard-hit line drive.
The early pitcher’s duel saw a double no-hitter after three innings, but that would not last. Bossier City’s Kade Bryant saw his hopes of a no-hitter dashed on an RBI single from Mitchell Walters in the fourth inning. Midland’s Chad Brown would see his no-hitter hopes fade in the fifth inning on back-to-back singles from Easton Sanders and Blayne McFerren. The top of the fifth inning appeared to be the beginning of a rout by Michigan with a walk, sacrifice bunt, wild pitch, single, and a throwing error. Louisiana rose to the occasion defensively to stop the bleeding before it got out of hand. Right-fielder Fielder Jackson Jones and shortstop Blayne McFerren put tremendous effort into diving catches to save the inning from turning ugly. The difference in the game comes down to the arm of winning pitcher Chad Brown, as he pitches a shutout on three hits, with two walks and eleven strikeouts. Michigan downs a tough Louisiana 3-0.
The third game of what is jokingly called Marathon Thursday saw 2022 Champions from Troy, Alabama, facing off against Hudson, Massachusetts, in their first World Series appearance. Alabama jumped out to an early 4-0 lead on a walk, three doubles, and a single. Unfortunately, Massachusetts never recovered. They attempted a rally at the top of the fourth. However, they left the bases loaded and missed their opportunity. Alabama went on to win easily, 10-1.
The nightcap had a rather strange beginning. Starting Billings, Montana pitcher Colter Wilson seemed bothered by footing due to an overwatered pitcher’s mound. The game was halted after four walks and an error in the top of the first. The grounds crew was summoned and did an excellent job of quickly remedying the problem. Delaware was able to stop any momentum Montana could muster, shutting down each of their rally attempts. Montana stranded ten runners on base, proving costly in the battle of two first-time teams. Wilmington, Delaware, edged the Scarlets of Billings, Montana, by a score of 6-1.
Opening Day Pitching Mound Repairs during Game 4 (Nightcap) on Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, NC 8-15-2024 by Roger Sigmon (WNN)
Since this tournament uses the pool play format instead of double elimination, there are still plenty of games left to play, and no one is at a major disadvantage yet. The teams that seem the strongest after day one appear to be Michigan, Alabama, and Texas. Other teams also had strong showings, meaning everyone still has a shot at winning the crown.
I will be spotlighting players later in the week, so stay tuned for those articles and the daily updates. There are some incredible young men on these teams with bright futures, not only in baseball but their educational choices. As I have interviewed several players already, I have been reminded of how the American Legion program strives to instill character and sportsmanship in the players. It is refreshing to see such well-mannered and professional attitudes and responses from each one. If you have the opportunity, come out to Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium on the campus of Shelby High School and support this wonderful organization.
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