MORGANTOWN — The Morgantown Post 2 American Legion baseball team is gearing up for its first contest of the 2023 season tonight at Dale Miller Field at Mylan Park, playing host to Garrett County, (Md.).
With a strong mix of experienced returners and some fresh, young faces, head coach Andy Altemus and his staff are excited to get going with what he thinks could be “as talented a team as we’ve had in recent years”.
“Our roster is very exciting this summer,” Altemus said. “I’m most looking forward to seeing the players continue their success from the spring and see if we can do a little damage this summer as well.”
The success he mentioned came from local area schools Morgantown and University this spring, as each took home a sectional title, eventually squaring off in a best-of-three series in Regionals, won 2-1 by UHS, who played in the state tournament.
Also from players like Aaron Forbes and Reed Bailey who each completed their freshman year season in college, Forbes with Salem University and Bailey at Ithaca College.
“We have some guys that have been with us for upwards of five years like Reed and Aaron,” Altemus said. “Those guys are winners. I’m also excited to see a guy like Cody Thomas lead this group. All of our guys have worked hard to have this opportunity.”
Thomas, who just graduated from UHS, was a standout shortstop and is signed to join Forbes at Salem next season.
Altemus also spoke about his younger group, seeing multiple players who are ready to come in and make a positive impact.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what Drew Bailey and Tommy Montague do at the plate too,” he continued. “Then pitching we are pretty solid with guys that had great springs like Hunter Dakan.”
Dakan is coming off of the 2023 season with Morgantown High School in which he put up some impressive numbers on the mound. The junior went 6-0 in his six starts with a 2.10 ERA in 43 innings. He allowed just 20 runs on 40 hits and struck out 35 batters.
“Our kids workout together all winter and then obviously had a ton of success in their high school seasons,” Altemus said. “We put together a schedule to challenge us and prepare us for the postseason grind. We are playing teams from all over the east coast to see how we stack up against our potential regional opponents.”
Post 2 will begin the summer tonight at home against Garrett County, Maryland at 7:00 p.m. at Dale Miller Field.
“People aren’t going to want to miss the opportunity to see this lineup all summer,” Altemus said.
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