Well, it’s hard to believe July is in the rearview mirror. August on the calendar in the West Branch Valley goes hand-in-hand with baseball, football, and back to school. The back-to-school thing still makes me cringe, even though I haven’t been a student in decades. This, of course, was coupled with the fact that two-a-day football practices would be starting, and my summer fun was over. I still don’t want to go back to school, but looking back on it now, I miss football practice and being out there with my boys.
We’ve got plenty of time to talk about football in the upcoming weeks. I’ll leave that back-to-school thing for Editor Steph. This week, I’ll catch up with some local baseball and softball happenings, along with our final Williamsport Crosscutter regular season giveaway.
The best part about sports in our great Nation is that they unify folks from all walks of life. This is especially true in our area, as our baseball roots run deep. Please take a break from all that’s being thrown at us to create division and root for your home team. I guarantee you this will bring a smile to your face, even if the game doesn’t turn out quite like you want.
Well, Jim and Bonnie Winder’s boys from the West End are up to their old tricks as a team will again be heading to a World Series. The couple has been overseeing teenage baseball for over 40 years. I wish them great health and safe travels as they head out.
This year, West End Babe Ruth’s 16u squad will make its first trip to a World Series. Jamie Spencer has more details on page 52. The event is being held in Branson, Missouri, beginning on August 8th.
Congrats to Manager Marc Hess and the ball club, who already have had an amazing summer, capturing a Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic Championship. We will celebrate the team in an upcoming edition. If you would like to help the young men defer some of the cost of travel or celebrate their success, donations can be made to West End Baseball, C/O Marc Hess, at 65 Vista Lane, Cogan Station, PA 17728. Please mark in the memo that it’s for the 15-16 All-Stars. Go get ’em, boys!
A tip of my 2024 Little League World Series cap to Lyle Huggler of Montgomery and Trinity Belle of Montoursville. Both slugged their way to the Little League World Series Home Run Derby, which will be held on Thursday, August 22nd, up on the hill. They will represent the Eastern Region, Belle, on the softball side of the event. Good luck to Lyle and Trinity. Keep on hitting dingers and enjoy the moment.
My final pitch this week is for our last Crosscutter giveaway of the regular season.
In case you missed it, congrats to the Cutters for winning the first-half championship of the MLB Draft League. They will host the Championship game on Thursday, September 5th. Free ticket vouchers and details can be found on page 6.
Before I get to how to be the winner, winner chicken dinner for the contest, I’d like to share with you a picture of mom, Mel, and her sons Peter, Henry, and Malcolm. Mel is a fantastic lady and always finds something for the boys to do. Believe me, she keeps them busy. I’ve watched them grow up in front of my eyes as they have been contest winners over the years and become great friends of the Webb Weekly. They are also great growers of green beans, which they recently brought in to say thanks and help me with my healthy diet.
So, words are wasting. Just simply call or text me at 570-337-0755 with the words “Rhashan’s the Man,” and you’re a winner. I will take four winners beginning on Thursday, July 8th, at noon. Each winner receives four tickets and Cutters’ cash for a quick bite to eat at Journey Bank Ball Park at Historic Bowman Field. As always, I’m sure my adopted son Rhashan will pose for a picture with you and your gang. Good luck to all who call.
Rhashan, thank you for all you do for Crosscutter baseball and the community. To all the West Enders heading to Branson, safe travels and enjoy the journey.
God Bless America
