Post 109 opens season with one goal

Post 109's Justin Phillips receives congratulations after scoring in last season's state tournament at Winthrop University. Post 109 opens the season today without Phillips, but with the goal of winning the state tournament. Despite its recent gaudy records and string of playoff appearances, there is still one glaring omission to the American Legion Post 109 resume - a state championship.

That could change this year.

Post 109, which opens its season today against Cherryville at Commissioners Field, returns 11 players from last year's team that advanced to the Southeast Regional.

"We have a good mix this year," Post 109 manager Jeff Osment said. "We have a lot of experience and a handful of newcomers."

Osment said this year's squad has more pitching depth than a season ago.

Bobby Jackson, who posted an 8- 0 record last season, is one of eight pitchers with strong credentials.

"Right now we are ahead of where we were last year as far as pitching depth," Osment said.

Jackson was last season's stopper. He could fill that role again this year after battling an injury during the high school season.

"He's fully healthy," Osment said. "He's such a great competitor."

Ditto for Blacksburg High ace Dustin Byars, who saw his share of action in big games last season.

"He competes every time out there," Osment said.

Former Gaffney High pitcher Jake Watson also is back. He might see duty in the bullpen as well as start.

Another Blacksburg Wildcat, lefty Cameron Byars, has returned from a productive season at USCSumter with a new underarm delivery.

Broome's Jason Biershenck and Spencer Epps will likely see action as a starter and reliever. Broome product Aaron Harris will pitch exclusively in relief.

Chesnee sophomore Dustin Sherbert has a lively arm with a good offspeed pitch and curveball, according to Osment.

Despite the pitching depth, Osment said one of last season's aces, Jordan Propst, will be hard to replace.

"He was the leader of the pitching staff," he said.

Bryan Parsons returns at catcher. He'll see familiar faces around the infield with Jackson at third, Michael Hughey at short, Dylan Jolley or Biershenck at second and Bubba Wright and Harris at first. Epps and Sherbert will play third when Jackson is on the mound. Shawn Finley is another reserve infielder.

Osment said it's an infield "that can make the routine plays."

But Hughey, in particular, can make the extraordinary play.

"He gives you everything he has everyday," Osment said.

McCrae Norton, Jolley, Lee Gerwick will likely start in the outfield, with Nick Mabry, Watson, Cameron Byars and Matt Linder as backups.

Utility player deluxe John Michaels will fill a variety of roles, according to Osment.

"He can play the outfield, infield, pitch and catch."

Two key offensive cogs from last year's team, Trevin Taber and Justin Phillips, have used up their eligibility. Osment said he's counting on Norton, Parsons, Wright and Michaels, to replace Taber's RBI production.

Jolley will set the table as the leadoff man.

"He can run, hit and hit for power and average," Osment said.

Gaffney enters the season as a favorite but will be challenged by Spartanburg, who finished the season undefeated last year, and Inman. Union also will be a threat, Osment said.

The top three teams will advance to the state tournament and a shot at the state title.

"We didn't reach our ultimate goal of winning the state championship last year," Osment said. "We didn't achieve it and our major goal is to win it."