American Legion Baseball - The Beckley Bash Makes its Return

Following a five-year absence, American Legion baseball returned to Beckley with a splash last year.

For head coach Jordan Meadows, however, the splash wasn't quite big enough.

"I just told the guys that we kind of have a chip on our shoulder. We had a really good regular season last year. We finished like 25-5, but it was somewhat unexpected," Meadows said. "Me and Kendrick (Epling) started this last year and really didn't know what to expect. We started out 13-0, but we have the chip on our shoulder because we didn't even make it to the state tournament."

Also in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of American Legion Baseball, the Beckley team is returning its name to Beckley Bash Post 32.

"Bringing the Beckley Bash back is something that needs to happen here in southern West Virginia. I think they went from 1997 to 2007, or 2008 and they were in the state championship four of those years," Meadows said. "I was growing up at that time, but when I was watching them I felt like it was the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees. I was in fifth or sixth grade. They were all big time baseball players and big names."

Meadows is convinced this team can add to the Beckley Bash legacy.

"I really like this team. It is special and can make a lot of noise," Meadows said. "I did a little recruiting this year and I feel like I have the best guys in the area."

In the first year back in the American Legion ranks, Meadows faced some different roster requirements that are no longer an issue since he stepped away from high school coaching.

"Last year since I was the Shady (Spring High School head) coach, I talked to the WVSSAC and pretty much they said that I could (enlist) graduated seniors and college freshman," Meadows explained. "This year I have three underclassman on the Senior Legion team. Degan Williams (Independence) is a first team all-state guy that is unbelievable. Kadyn Hines (James Monroe) is a top-notch player that has hit five home runs and Cameron Sartin, a kid from Virginia. I have two kids from Virginia."

Beckley will be anchored by a solid group of returning players including Jake Meadows (Glenville State), Brayden Kiblinger, Grayson Kesterson and Cole Brown (WVU Tech), Gabe Patton (Allegany College of Maryland) and Bryson Redmond (Patrick & Henry).

"They look grown compared to some of these kids. It's fun because they have the experience and know what to expect," Meadows said about his returners. "Last year we started with nothing and this year we have six returning guys that are kind of the core for us. Two good pitchers from last year. A lot of experience to go with the raw talent that we have in this area."

Meadows will also have extra resources this season with Beckley fielding a Senior Legion team and a Junior Legion team as well.

"I have a bunch of underclassmen that can help us. Talking to the (league) chairman, Chris George, you can have 36 guys on the roster, 18 Senior (Legion) and 18 Junior (Legion)," Meadows said. "Sam Barnett will go with us on Tuesday to fill the roster because we have a lot of guys on Senior Week and stuff like that. We will only have 12 guys, so I can bring up anybody at really anytime. I feel like I have 36 guys."

Tuesday will be the official opening date for the Beckley Bash Post 32.

"We now open up Tuesday at Buckhannon Post 7," Meadows said. "It was supposed to be Thursday, but it was moved because of scheduling issue for them. Wednesday we play against the Junior Legion here in Beckley."

The Area Tournament for Beckley this year will be June 17-19 at Linda K. Epling Stadium and will include South Charleston Post 94 and Charleston Post 65.

Mylan Park in Morgantown will be the site for the American Legion State Tournament.