| During their first home game, the pitcher for the Price American Legion team puts the tag on a Vernal runner stealing home just a bit too late. |
Like any new team, the Price American Legion team will need some time to find themselves and gel into a cohesive unit. They began that process on Friday with a double-header against Vernal at home.
Price lost both games by the scores of 0-8 and 6-16, but feel like they played well for their first time on the field together. Coach Willie Ellington was encouraged by what he saw.
A large, enthusiastic crowd was on hand as the players took the field. “The atmosphere was really awesome.” stated Ellington. “The crowd stayed for both games and we had a great turn out. We made enough to pay for the umpire. We couldn’t have ask for more.”
The Price team gave them something to cheer about in return. They played Vernal in a scoreless tie until the fourth. “Bases loaded and two outs and we let one slip by. The kids kinda hung their heads and couldn’t get back after that.”
Travis Wilson took the mound for Price and pitched a solid game. He only gave up four hits.
In the second game of the double-header, the Price bats finally got rolling and even though they lost that game by 10, they put up six of their own. Zach Rodriguez and Jordon Maughan went 2-3 in both games and look to be an offensive force in games to come.
There are not too many chances to see the new team play at home this season, mainly because the league plays most of their games at night. There are no lights at the Carlson-Colosimo field. Ellington has spoken with Mayor Piccolo about the situation and hope therre will be some funding available to fix the situation.
But Ellington is most appreciative of the support his team has already gotten from the community and parents. “This is a team that may give some kids a second chance to revive their baseball career in high school,” he said “Right now only three of the boys on the roster are on the high school squad. I think many will get another good shot at it, if they work hard this summer. That is why I started this team.”
He went on to say, “If I can keep this team together for the season, I will consider it a success. It will not be the wins and losses, but the way they conduct themselves and work together as a team.”
The Price team heads up to the Uintah Basin this week for several games, including Roosevelt, Rangley,Colorado and Vernal.
The next chance to see the team in action will be June 26-29th at the Helper tournament. Game time TBA.