It’s American Legion baseball season once again.
The Washington Post 218 Freshman Legion team managed by Kevin Juergens will be hosting the Post 218 Preseason Tournament through Tuesday at Rotary Recreational Complex - Ronsick Field.
Washington (28-7 last season), opens play Friday against House Springs in pool play.
Post 218 is the defending champion. In 2011, Washington defeated Jackson in the title game, 11-7.
The other Friday night game will pit Ballwin against Elsberry at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, action begins at 11 a.m. with House Springs playing De Soto at 11 a.m. Ballwin meets Jackson at 1:30 p.m.
The second Washington game will be against De Soto at 3 p.m. Jackson then plays Elsberry to close out pool play at 6:30 p.m.
On Sunday, the consolation game takes place at 1 p.m. The semifinal between the Pool A winner and Pool B runner-up is set for 3:30 p.m. and the other semifinal between the Pool B winner and the Pool A runner-up will take place at 6 p.m.
The third-place game will be played at 6 p.m. Tuesday and the title game will follow at 8:30 p.m.
“I believe we have put together a great group of young men and look forward to a lot of success in the coming season,” Juergens said.
Four players return from last season.
Nathaniel Hillermann comes back and will pitch and play outfield.
John Himmelberg is back and will play outfield and infield.
Nick Thiel will pitch and play first base.
Spencer Juergens will play infield and pitch.
Joining the team this season are Evan Ayers (infield and pitcher), Justin Baylard (catcher and pitcher), Ryan Becszlko (catcher, infielder and pitcher), Seth Bollmann (infield), Max Diener (infield), Todd Feldmann (infield), Austin Finder (center field), Kody Halmich (infield and pitcher), Logan Holdmeyer (pitcher and first base), Matt Miller (pitcher and first base), Eric Hasenjaeger (outfield), Micah McNeal (outfield), Gus Kleekamp (infield, catcher and pitcher) and Shawn Mittler (infield).
