NOTES from COACH STOKES

- The American Legion East/West Game was held at Commerce Bank Park on City Island in Harrisburg on Sunday, August 3rd.  The East Team defeated the West Team by the score of 12-10. Dan Norris was the starting shortstop on the West Team.  Dan batted twice, he singled and hit a 3-run homerun over the left centerfield fence.  The game was played with wooden bats.  Dan was awarded the Sportsmanship Award which is given to the most valuable player on the losing team.  On Friday, August 1st the American Legion President from Harrisburg called me to coach the Western PA Team.  Not only was it a thrill for me to coach the team but to also watch Dan perform at his very best.  Dan completed his legion career with a homerun in his final at bat at the East/West Game.  Unbelievable.  Click Here for the News Article in the Patriot-News in Harrisburg.

Pictures from Commerce Bank Park in Harrisburg.  Click Picture to Enlarge.
Photos taken by Tim Norris

-  Every year we must say goodbye to a few players.  It is the hardest thing for me to deal with as a coach.  To have players grow from young men to adults is very rewarding.  I am please to have coached Jeff Cumming, Bryan Morrison, Dan Norris, Kyle Anderson, Zach Miller, & Kyle McGinnis.  I wish these men the very best and to know they have left a legacy to West Hempfield Legion Baseball.  Thank you.


 

Welcome to the Post 53 West Hempfield  American Legion Baseball Website.  We're glad you stopped by to visit our site.   Legion Baseball at West Hempfield has become a rite of Summer in our small community of  Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania.  Lead by Coach Bob Stokes, many great players and role models have emanated from Post 53's teams over the years.  Our web site is packed full of information, photos, rosters of past/present teams and so much more.  We have worked hard to develop a site that is representative of our team and our commitment to developing players into young men who represent their community well.

In 2005, our team won its first District Championship. All who played in 2005 will never forget  the feeling that comes with being a champion.  As much as many of the players have moved on,  the commitment to winning continues.  In 2006, we were the South/East Division Playoff Champions and in time, more championship teams will evolve.  Our coach is an animated character who promotes sportsmanship and integrity with all his players.  His uncanny ability to take average ballplayers and turn them into champions is both exciting to watch and remarkable to say the least. 

Again, we are glad you chose to visit our site and we welcome your comments by signing our Guestbook.  Long live Legion Baseball in West Hempfield.