WESTFIELD – Next year’s high school superstars displayed their talents in front of scouts, coaches, family and friends at the inaugural Western Massachusetts American Legion Baseball All-Star Game and Showcase Wednesday at Bullens Field.
While the Blue Team All-Stars went on to defeat the Red Team All-Stars, which featured a pair of Westfield ball players, 11-5, the end result was insignificant, according to those delivering the final grades.
Red American Legion All-Star first baseman Steve McKenna (Westfield Post 124), right, holds the Blue base runner close to the first base bag during Wednesday’s College Prospect game Wednesday at Bullens Field. (Photo by Chris Putz)
“I’m looking for guys who hustle, not necessarily the at-bats,” said Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts head baseball coach Mike Gladu, one of several scouts in attendance. “For me, it’s about the mental approach. When something negative happens, I watch how a player goes back to the dugout.”
The Red Team was tested several times, falling behind 9-3 after a six-run, fifth inning for Blue.
In the top of the sixth, Westfield Post 124 catcher Jack Blake drew a lead-off walk. Fellow teammate, both on the Red Team and Post 124, Steve McKenna smoked a single past the third baseman. A hit batsman loaded the bases, but all three runners were stranded.
Red American Legion All-Star catcher Jack Blake (Westfield Post 124) throws the ball back to the pitcher. (Photo by Chris Putz)
The Westfield teammates did not pack up and go home, and did not point fingers.
“That’s just the way I was brought up by my cousins, my Dad and my uncle,” Blake said. “I come into every inning with the thought that each inning stands on its own.”
That is also the same approach that Westfield Post 124 has taken this season in compiling a record of 10-2.
“The key to our success has been our hitting,” McKenna said. “We’ve been able to put up some runs.”
McKenna said if Westfield can continue to hit – Post 124 is armed with a wealth of pitchers – and play as one unit, there is no limit to their success.
Westfield Post 124 returns to action Thursday against Wilbraham Post 286 Blue at Minnechaug High School at 5:45 p.m. Westfield hosts Greenfield Post 81 Friday night at Bullens Field at 7. A special ceremony featuring the post’s color guard will precede the first pitch.
