"There's no place like home for us," said Wood River American Legion baseball coach Matt Nelson about the State A tournament that starts today in Hailey.
Wood River, the tournament host, is one of eight Gem State teams competing for the top prize in the A junior circuit of Idaho American Legion ball.
It's the first time that Hailey has hosted the state summer hardball tournament for youngsters in the 15-18 age class—and the Wood River Baseball and Softball Association is working hard to make sure things run smoothly.
"This has been a very successful summer for us and I know our kids realize they can compete with the best of Idaho's teams," said Nelson.
Wood River had received an automatic bid to the State A tournament by virtue of hosting the four-day meet at Founders Field in Hailey, but Nelson wanted his boys to earn their way into the tournament and that's just what happened.
The Hailey nine (21-18) won its first three games at last week's Area C district tournament in Pocatello, and battled Blackfoot in the championship game before falling 8-4. Wood River defeated Hillcrest 7-2, Buhl 12-3 and Twin Falls 2-0 to earn the title berth.
In the championship game, Blackfoot's hot hitters averaging over 15 runs per game in the tournament came out and "hit our mistakes," said Nelson. Blackfoot took an early 8-0 lead and held off Wood River.
"We wanted to prove to people in our conference that we belonged in the state tournament," Nelson said. "We did that and then some, as far as I'm concerned. I'm proud of the kids. They gave me more than I could have asked. They've made huge leaps since the end of high school ball in May."
About his team's state tournament prospects, Nelson said, "I would fear our team coming into state. The kids have that hunger and desire, and they like playing at home."
State tournament schedule
Four opening-round state games will be played today, Friday, Aug. 3 at Founders.
In the top bracket of the eight-team meet, Area C champion Blackfoot tackles Centennial of Boise at 9 a.m. and defending State Legion A king Mountain Home clashes with Orofino at 11:45 a.m.
Mountain Home's Royals enter state with a 32-8 record after beating Emmett for the Area B championship.
Lewiston and Bear Lake of Montpelier open the bottom bracket action at 2:30 p.m. today. In the feature game, at least for the avid Wood River Valley baseball fans, Wood River will play Emmett at 5:15 p.m. to close the day.
Games continue Saturday and Sunday at Founders Field. If Wood River wins its first game today, Nelson's squad will play the Lewiston-Bear Lake winner Saturday at 5:15 p.m. If Wood River loses, the home team will play again Saturday at 11:45 a.m. against the loser of Lewiston-Bear Lake.
The championship contest is Monday, Aug. 6, at 1 p.m. with an if-necessary game of the double elimination tourney set for Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m. Moscow and Mountain Home clashed in last year's state A title game in Coeur d'Alene, with Mountain Home winning.
Wood River (21-18 overall, 18-12 league) is making only its fourth appearance at the State Legion A tourney—and its first since 2000 when first-year Legion coach Nelson took a strong team to Lewiston. Other state trips were 1993 and 1994.
The second-place district tournament finish was only the fifth such placing in the Wood River Legion program's annals. Never winning, the Hailey squad also finished second at the Area C district tournament in 2000, 1994, 1993 and 1978.
Wood River American Legion pitcher Trent Seamons throws to first after scooping up a bunt in baseball action earlier this year. Wood River hosts the State A American Legion tournament that starts today at Founders Field in Hailey. Photo by David N. Seelig
