More options for boys of summer

JEFF OSMENT There's another attractive option for the proverbial boys of summer.

American Legion Post 109 will field a junior team for players 17 and under (born on or after Jan. 1, 1991), longtime Post 109 Athletic Director Jerry Wallace announced on Tuesday.

The team will begin practice and tryouts on Saturday, April 19, at 2 p.m. at Commissioners Field.

Players from Gaffney, Blacksburg, Chesnee and Broome high school are eligible to compete for a roster spot, Wallace said.

Former Gaffney High and Limestone College standout Daniel Phillips and Crest High product Jeff Allen will coach the team.

The Post 109 junior team will play a 15- game schedule and compete against teams from Rock Hill. Lancaster, Clover, Chester and York.

The season will conclude with a playoff and state tournament.

Wallace said he's excited about providing more opportunities for players to enjoy American Legion baseball.

Tryouts for the defending League VI champion Post 109 American Legion team aren't far off either.

Wallace said coaches Jeff Osment and Travis Clary will hold tryouts beginning on May 1 at 6 p.m. at Commissioners Field.

Players from Gaffney, Blacksburg, Broome and Chesnee high school born on or before Jan. 1, 1989, are eligible to play.

Last year, Post 109 capped its most successful season ever by advancing to the Southeast Regional after a second-place showing at the state tournament in Rock Hill.

Wallace said this year's team could be just as formidable.