MORGANTOWN — The Morgantown Post 2 American Legion U19 baseball team will open its 2022 summer season with hopes to build on last year’s 16-11 record. Post 2 competes against teams from both in-state and around the country in a league that includes multiple age groups.
Head coach Andy Altemus knows how much talent the surrounding area holds when it comes to the baseball diamond, and he knows Post 2 is a great opportunity for them to continue playing when out of school for the summer.
“I doubt there is a better option in the entire country than Post 2 for a player from the area. I know I would have never had the opportunities I had when I played if it wasn’t for what we had with this program,” he said. “We are lucky to be able to train with these kids year round inside at Pro Performance and they get an unbelievable schedule and opportunity to play in front of college coaches and eventually get recruited and experience a college baseball career. That’s our goal as coaches. Work hard to get these kids to improve and have college baseball opportunities.”
One advantage Altemus and his staff have going for them is the pot of players they have to choose from when it comes to their roster. The local prep talent is nothing short of impressive. All schools locally have players on the roster who can play at the next level. Aaron Jamison from MHS is signed to play for WVU and UHS third baseman Aaron Forbes was named OVAC 5A player of the year this season. It isn’t a surprise to the Post 2 staff that they have a hard time naming a standout player.
“After the first few practices, more than I can list right here. Our staff is really excited about this group. So much young talent mixing with the experienced older guys,” Altemus said of his roster. “Even our Junior Legion team has a chance to be very very good as well as a really strong core of 14u guys below that. And those guys are trying to break down the doors to get up with our older team and the guys that have competed at multiple Regionals and really made a name for themselves. They want to win. I suggest coming out to Mylan Park and seeing what these guys can do because watching them every day is impressive.”
“Like I said before, these kids work all year round inside and with us outside. They know there’s a standard when it comes to playing for our program and they want to be the next group to experience success and represent the area on a national stage.”
Morgantown plays host to the state and regional games this year as well, one more thing that Altemus says is a great experience for the players and coaches, but also the fans.
“We put together a really tough schedule to prepare for hosting the State and Regional. So they will be tested. But like we learned in 2019 and last year in making runs in each Regional, they can compete and they realize how special it is to share these moments with their friends. They will always remember these summers.”
With multiple ages being included in the American Legion leagues during the summer, Altemus mentions the relationships he builds with the players and coaches. He says it what brings continuous success.
“We get to develop relationships. We have 9 former players coaching in our program,” he said. “When we have practice, we always have a large amount of former players, who are now in college, show up to get their work in. Guys care about the program and understand what it means. And we want the guys in the program to experience the same success.”
The Morgantown Post 2 U19 team will begin its season hosting Clarksburg on Tuesday, June 7th at Dale Miller Field at Mylan Park.
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