Congratulations to the Montoursville Warriors. The 2025 baseball team had an unforgettable season. They finished with a 20-5 record: a PIAA District IV chip and a trip to the PIAA AAAA state finals. The Warriors never backed down. They had their opportunities but were nipped 5-4 by a mighty Indiana, PA squad with several Division 1 prospects. Montoursville got hot at the right time. They played some fantastic TEAM baseball. Splendid pitching and a solid defense. Timely hits and superb coaching led to their postseason successes. It was a fun ride for the families and fans. And many of the kids are now appreciating their experiences.
One of the joys of part-time scribing is having the opportunity to touch base with many of these youngsters. Regardless of the sport, I look forward to these interactions. A phone call, a text, or a quick visit to Wegmans. Sure. We chat about the games or events and why I am doing a story. But the conversations we share are priceless. It keeps me in the loop. So much fun. Hilarious actually. Lycoming County is a rather small place, and everyone is related. I already have a connection to most of these student-athletes. I am friends with your parents. You were on a team with my son, Jensen. Your coach played hoops for me. I know your uncle. Last night was no different. And special.
Another thunderstorm was brewing. I decided to stay home instead of fishing. I reached out to Kris because I was getting close to a deadline. He told me the boys would give me a call on their way back from a college visit. The phone rang around 6:30. I spent the next thirty minutes on speaker with my young friends Logan and Noah Kirby. It was a great chat as we went over everything. The Kirby boys were key members of the Montoursville Warriors baseball team. Logan just wrapped up his junior campaign. He is a crafty pitcher and a solid first baseman. Little big brother Noah is a fine catcher. My man is a stud, and he finished up his sophomore season.
“We had a great run,” Logan explained. “It was a total team effort. We got hot when it mattered. A lot of people didn’t think we would go as far. But we were always confident. We really bonded as a squad. Everyone played a part. We were together on and off. Hanging out and having fun. It was a great experience.”
“It was so awesome to make it to the final,” Noah added. “It lived up to the hype. We were down early, but we were never out. We had our chances, but we came up short. We never got rattled and played hard until the very end. It was great seeing all of our fans, and we had so much support. I was so proud of my teammates, and this run will be something I will remember.”
Logan Kirby is one of the best pitchers in the area. He has a career 4-1 postseason record and a stunning 1.78 ERA. Logan was simply outstanding in the PIAA AAAA Eastern Final. He had an absolute gem. The Warriors blanked Pope John II 6-0 to advance to the title game. The older Kirby threw a six-hit shutout. Not today, Catholics. He had the other team double-guessing. Logan’s team was behind him. They made great plays, and his young brother Noah served as the catcher.
“I was so happy for him,” Noah shared. “Logan had his stuff that game. I have so much fun when I catch him. We have done it so many times. But this was on the biggest stage. I have a very close relationship with him. I know what buttons to push, and I hold him accountable. The other guys can’t talk to Logan the way I can. I live down the hall. I tell him how it is.”
“He is a character,” Logan chuckled. “Nobody knows me better than Noah. He knows what to do. How to motivate me. Our chemistry on the mound is super tight. It sure was special having him out there when I ran into trouble. He said the right things, and he was a huge help.”
Little brother Noah was the man in the state final. He went 3-4 with three huge RBIS. Noah was clutch. He did everything he could to keep the Warriors in the game. Noah was also super solid behind the plate. He was a wall and even picked off a runner on third base. Several folks took notice. The younger Kirby was also a fantastic baseball player.
“I had no doubts that Noah would come up big,” Logan recalled. “We were gaining some confidence. Noah was down in the count, but he absolutely scorched one. Scoring two big runs for us late in the game. He wasn’t afraid. That pitcher may be going to Texas Tech, but Noah was never rattled. I knew something good was about to happen.”
“Yes. I had some great at-bats,” Noah said. “We all did our very best. I was able to make contact. And hit the ball hard. That’s what you need to do in those situations. Again. It was a total team effort. I may have had some moments in the Championship. But it was different guys stepping up throughout the season. We all played together. It didn’t matter who got the credit. It was a fantastic year, and it was so much fun. I miss them already.”
Logan and Noah Kirby have a busy summer. They play on several travel teams. Their parents, Kris and Darci, are outstanding folks. They are always in the stands. We go back several years. I also know their Uncle Kevin quite well. Great family. I remember the Kirby brothers growing up. Playing baseball and many other sports. They are somewhat different in their actions, but they both know how to get the job done. I had a feeling that someday they would shine. Major props to the Montoursville Warriors, especially to my young friends. It was a fantastic season, and they turned many heads. Congratulations on your achievements. Many more to come for these two kids. Brothers Kirby. Yes. Cheers.
