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Vienna Post 180 repeats as District 17 tourney baseball champs

Reposted from the GazetteLeader

As the top seed, Vienna Post 180 obviously had a strong regular season. Then, the American Legion baseball team really found its “stride,” according to manager Nick Good, when the District 17 tournament began.

Vienna (19-6) finished 5-0 to win the tournament championship, dominating the competition by outscoring those opponents 62-15 with one shutout.

Vienna defeated No. 6 seed McLean Post 270 by a 22-4 score in the championship game at Waters Field in Vienna the night of July 19.

The district-tourney title was Vienna’s second straight, ninth in 12 years and 20th since the competition began in 1964, when Post 180 won the first two titles and three of the first four.

“Our pitching was outstanding in this  tournament, we played good defense and we got timely hitting,” Good said. “We really found our stride in these games. It certainly helped to finally have all of our players present for this tournament and playing.”

The 5-0 tournament record extended Vienna’s overall winning streak to 12 as the squad enters the state tournament in Leesburg.

In the win over McLean (9-14), which bounced back to finish 3-2 in the tourney after losing its first game, left-hander Alex Crudder started and pitched five innings to get the win.

Vienna exploded with the bats, amassing 19 hits (six for extra bases) and the team stole seven bases. Eight of the nine starters had hits.

Shepherd University sophomore player Ethan Jones led the way. He was 4 for 4 and on base all five times (hit by a pitch) with a double, five RBI and two steals.

Leadoff batter Patrick Colyar (four RBI), Connor Moore (three doubles, three RBI) and Will Norman (six RBI) all had three hits. Jason Cassidy added two, Stephen Milman and Asa Hinkle doubled and Robbie Lavey (two steals) and Jonah Neihardt singled. Mac Lewis walked and scored a run.

Vienna scored three runs in the first inning, four in the second, then eight in the third.

“To win this again is awesome,” said Colyar, who has played for Post 180 for three seasons. “It all comes down to pitching, and we had great pitching in this tournament, and we hit and played good defense, too. It’s great to win this in Vienna at Waters Field in front of the community. Waters Field is my favorite field.”

Jones added that the rapport of this year’s team motivated the players to repeat as district champions.

“I think this team is closer than last year, and we were close then, too,” Jones said.

Prior to the championship game, Vienna downed No. 2 seed Arlington Post 139 by an 8-5 score at Waters Field to reach the final. Right-hander Chris Fortunato started and pitched six innings to get the win, striking out seven and scattering 10 hits. He allowed only one earned run and did not walk a batter.

Jones belted a three-run homer for Vienna, his fifth such hit this summer, Colyar added three hits, Cassidy had two hits, No. 9 batter Ryan Halloran had a second-hitting two-run double, Moore doubled and Lavey had an RBI single. Vienna had 10 hits, with Hinkle having a single.

In Vienna’s first three tourney wins, Cassidy, Lavey, Moore (multiple RBI), Colyar,  Fortunato (home run), Lewis (home run) and Norman were among the hitting leaders.

On the mound, Moore started and fanned 10 with no walks and allowed four hits and zero earned runs in a 10-4 win over third-seed Fairfax Post 177. In a 10-0 victory over fourth seed Springfield Post 176, Tanner Vislay (6-0) started and got the win. He scattered four hits in six innings.

Crudder was the winner in a 12-2 first-round triumph over eighth seed Alexandria Post 24.

NOTES: Vienna’s 12-game wining streak followed a four-game losing stretch. The current victory string began with a double-header sweep over then undefeated and first-place Arlington. “It’s a testament to all the guys for coming back and playing well like we are, after losing four in a row,” Good said . . . With the victory in the District 17 tournament championship game, Good earned his 150th win as the team’s manager in seven seasons. As an American Legion player, Good was a top hitter for the Arlington 139 squad that won the 1982 District 17 tournament . . . Vienna Post 180 has not had a losing record since the 2005 season.

NoVA District 17 American Legion Baseball

Why NoVA ALB? Competition, Exposure, Fun

Why NoVA ALB (American Legion Baseball) Should Be Your Next Step!

Calling All Aspiring Baseball Players in Northern Virginia!

Are you searching for a baseball program that elevates your skills, provides college exposure, and boasts a rich history of developing champions? Look no further than NoVA District 17 American Legion Baseball (ALB)! We offer a unique opportunity for dedicated players seeking to refine their talents, gain valuable experience, and get noticed by college scouts – all at a competitive cost.

Why Choose NoVA District 17 ALB?

Here’s what sets NoVA District 17 ALB apart:

  • A Legacy of Excellence: American Legion Baseball, the nation’s oldest and largest program for teenagers, has been a springboard for countless Major League Baseball stars. Since 1925, over 8 million teenagers have donned the ALB colors, and a staggering 65% of MLB players and 75% of college ball players honed their skills on ALB diamonds. The National Baseball Hall of Fame even recognizes the program’s impact, awarding a plaque to the American Legion Player of the Year.

  • Unparalleled Competition and Development: We understand the importance of pushing yourself against top competition. NoVA District 17 recruits from the best high schools in Northern Virginia, creating an elite atmosphere that will elevate your game. Many of our alumni have gone on to prestigious Division I-III colleges, successfully walked on to college teams, or thrived in competitive club ball. But development goes beyond just facing tough opponents. Unlike other leagues, we offer exceptional playing time opportunities with a roster capped at 18 players and a schedule boasting an average of four 9-inning games per week (unique to the NoVA area!). This allows you to refine your skills under the watchful eyes of experienced coaches.

  • Maximize Your Exposure and Potential: Playing for NoVA District 17 ALB isn’t just about competition and development – it’s about getting recognized. Our program boasts a significantly lower cost than travel leagues thanks to generous sponsorships from our local posts. This allows us to focus on what truly matters – developing well-rounded players. But affordability doesn’t mean a lack of exposure. District 17 and many of our individual teams maintain a strong social media presence, actively promoting player achievements and highlighting standout performances. The exposure doesn’t stop there. The American Legion World Series, a culmination of the season’s best teams, is broadcasted nationwide on ESPN, offering a coveted national spotlight for talented players.

  • Invest in Your Future: Scholarships and Recognition: American Legion Baseball rewards dedication and hard work. The American Legion awards a significant sum – totaling between $22,000 and $25,000 annually – in scholarships to deserving baseball players. Standout athletes from NoVA District 17 can compete for departmental and national scholarships, with top performers receiving an additional $2,500 towards their collegiate aspirations.

Join the NoVA District 17 American Legion Baseball Tradition!

Don’t settle for just another baseball league. Become part of a legacy of excellence, compete against the best, and gain the exposure you deserve. Refine your skills, showcase your talent, and take a major step towards your baseball dreams. Contact NoVA District 17 American Legion Baseball today and join our winning tradition!

American Legion District 17 Heats Up with College-Bound Talent

Calling all baseball fans in Northern Virginia! The American Legion Baseball District 17 season is just around the corner, and it promises to be a scorcher – not just because of the summer sun, but because of the high level of competition on the field.

District 17 is an 8-team premier league, ages 17-19, who are looking to showcase their skills against some of the best competition in the region. Here, you’ll witness future college stars battling it out, making this league a must-see for any baseball enthusiast.

Expect to be wowed by:

  • College-Committed Players: Witness rising stars develop their skills and strategies. Many District 17 players are already committed to play baseball at top colleges and universities, many others go on to walk-on to their respective college teams, or even play club ball, bringing a level of talent rarely seen in summer leagues.
  • Intense Matchups: Get ready for fast-paced games with hard-throwing pitchers, clutch hitting, and dazzling defensive plays. Every inning promises to be a nail-biter.
  • A Commitment to Excellence: These young athletes dedicate themselves to the sport, pushing each other to be the best. Their passion and dedication translate into an electrifying atmosphere on the field.

Stay Connected and Support Local Talent:

There are several ways to follow the action in District 17:

  • Social Media: Many District 17 teams have active social media pages, keeping you updated on game highlights, photos, and player profiles.
  • Cheer from the Stands: There’s nothing like experiencing the energy live! Head to a ballpark near you, support your local team, and witness the future of college baseball.
  • Gamechanger: If you cannot make it to the games, you can always follow the progress of your favorites teams on the top play-by-play platform

Interested? If you are an eligible player looking for some high level baseball this summer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team (contacts on the homepage) that supports your region.

American Legion Baseball: A History of Building Champions

American Legion Baseball is a summer tradition for young athletes, offering competition, camaraderie, and a chance to hone their skills. But this powerhouse program has a rich history dating back to 1925.

Born from a desire to promote fitness and positive development in young people after WWI, American Legion Baseball’s first World Series was held in 1926.  However, initial financial hurdles threatened the program’s future.

Thankfully, Major League Baseball stepped in with crucial annual funding, allowing Legion Baseball to resume in 1928. Since then, the program has seen immense growth, with over 10 million participants and 82 Hall of Famers (including Mickey Mantle and Ernie Banks) calling it their training ground.

Today, over 3,500 teams across the U.S. and Canada participate in American Legion Baseball. The program stays true to its original mission, fostering not just baseball skills but also good sportsmanship, citizenship, and character. Recent years have seen the program continue to thrive, providing a valuable summer experience for countless young athletes and serving as a stepping stone for many on their path to college and professional baseball. Current stars like Bryce Harper, Corey Seager, Justin Verlander, Jacob deGrom, and Gunnar Henderson (AL Rookie of the Year, Baltimore Orioles), just to name a few, all honed their skills in American Legion Baseball.