Former Little Leaguers, Babe Ruth All-Stars, and current high school players of nearly all ages are invited to become a part of an annual rite of summer. A rite of summer that current MLB stars Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols once were a part of.
On Saturday, May 5, the American Legion Westfield Post 124 will hold baseball tryouts for its summer baseball team. The tryouts are scheduled for 8 a.m., with a rain date of May 6.
All players from Westfield schools, and city residents are eligible to participate.
“It’s very competitive,” said Westfield Post 124 coach Rob Atkocaitis. “You’re playing in the best league around. It’s a league with a lot of recognition, an established program for many, many years. And it provides the credibility and opportunity for kids who want to play at the next level.”
Players from Southwick-Tolland and Gateway Regional schools are also welcome to attend, but must present a MapQuest showing that their school or residence is closer to Westfield High than the nearest school hosting a squad, such as Agawam, Northampton, or Pittsfield.
It is also a showcase that high school or college coaches often attend, Atkocaitis said.
Last season, major league scouts were often in attendance at Westfield games watching the development of former Westfield High School Bomber, Ryan Summers, who recently signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Louisville.
According to Atkocaitis, on average, close to 30 ball players typically attend the tryout session. Eighteen spots are up for grabs.
Westfield Post 124 is scheduled to open its season June 9 against South Hadley, but with Westfield High School poised for a deep tournament run – currently the Bombers are 9-1 – the opener is likely to change.
Anyone interested in attending the Saturday tryouts is encouraged to attend.
For more information, contact coach Rob Atkocaitis at 413-335-2244 or [email protected]. If you are expecting to attend, contact manager Freddy Luna at 413-348-7828.
NOTES: Post 124 has sponsored a Legion baseball team for more than 60 years. …More than ten million teenagers have participated in Legion baseball over the last six decades. …Recent notable American Legion graduates have included current Triple Crown threat, Josh Hamilton, of the Texas Rangers, and Angels’ slugger Albert Pujols. Hamilton played for the South Rowan County American Legion Baseball team.
