The boys from West End continue to conquer. They are playing fantastic baseball. This group of talented youngsters is heading back to the Babe Ruth World Series. The 16U squad dominated the PA State and Middle Atlantic Regional. West End outscored its opponents 116-6 in those two tournaments. They were a perfect 9-0, and they punched a ticket to Branson, MO. A return trip from last year’s 5th-place finish. Happy trails.
“We are super excited,” LJ Hill explained. “We are very confident as a team. We made it last year and fell a tad short. Being able to play some games there last summer will definitely help. We are familiar with the fields and setup. We are hoping to bring it home.”
This year’s team is loaded. It is a collection of some of the area’s finest. The roster is deep and solid. West End is playing well, top to bottom. The defense is outstanding. They are hitting the ball and scoring several runs. The pitching is splendid. Momentum is on their side.
“This is a great group,” Noah Kirby said. “We have been playing together for many years. Yes. I knew we would be solid hitting, but our pitching was a huge plus. We have a super deep staff. They all have nasty stuff. Our offense is top dawg. We feel like this is our year. For some of us, this is our third trip to the World Series. We want to bring home the gold.”
Trey Damschroder got the ball for West End in the Regional Final. The crafty left-hander was feeling it. Trey pitched a masterful one-hit, 75-pitch shutout. My man struck out 11 and led his team to an 8-0 victory over Mifflin County.
“I wanted the start,” Damschroder mentioned. “I was bugging our coaches all day. I wanted to get us back to Missouri. I felt good from the beginning. My teammates were behind me. I had great command with all of my pitches. I kept them off balance. We got the win. I really like our chances. Excited for another opportunity.”
It is a family affair for these guys. So many great memories. One last trip to Missouri for the West Enders. These bonds will last a lifetime. It is a commitment. Imagine the hours. The time away from doing the other things. Travelling back and forth. The practices and games. All for a chance to win a World Series.
“It’s great having my big brother on the team,” Jaxson March chimed. “One last shot for him before he heads to college. But all of these guys are like family. We go way back. Some of us played together in T-Ball. We compete and follow each other during the school year. We are the best of friends when we are together now. I have had many wonderful memories with baseball. I am sure the trip to Branson will be another.
“I think it’s awesome,” Camden March continued. “Not many teams get a shot. Not many make it back-to-back. I enjoyed playing with all of these guys. Everyone brings something different. We have come together over the past few weeks. I am especially grateful to play with my younger brother. My dad helps coach. And my mom is the team’s number one fan. It is a family affair. Something that we will never forget.”
Best wishes to the entire West End squad. Good luck in Missouri. Bring home the gold. Safe travels and enjoy every moment. Be on the lookout for several fundraisers. Continue to make us proud. Thanks to Briar Persing, Zack Neill, Issac Sparks, Nate Crow, Jaxson March, Camden March, Noah Kirby, LJ Hill, Mason Hess, Cade Lusk, Trey Damschroder, and James Carpenter for a job well done. Go West End. Cheers.
