News Summary
A celebration was held to honor the 10-year anniversary of the Chapin-Newberry American Legion team’s World Series victory at the Smith Road Complex. Former players, coaches, and fans gathered to reflect on the milestone achievement. The event featured the participation of key team members, including MVP Justin Hawkins, and showcased the ongoing spirit of local baseball. The current team, fresh off a victory against the Joanna Hornets, also joined in the festivities, emphasizing the camaraderie and enduring legacy of the championship squad.
Newberry, South Carolina – A celebration honoring the 10-year anniversary of the Chapin-Newberry American Legion team’s victory in the 2015 World Series took place on June 27 at the Smith Road Complex on the Newberry College campus. The event drew substantial community support, providing an opportunity for former players, coaches, and fans to remember a historic achievement.
The celebration featured the attendance of key members from the 2015 championship roster, including the coaching staff. Current players from the Chapin-Newberry team, who recently triumphed over the Joanna Hornets with a close score of 3-2, also participated in the festivities. This game marked the team’s third consecutive win of the season, improving their record to 4-5.
Activities for the celebration began at 6:30 p.m., with the former players introduced to a large crowd. In a nostalgic highlight, Justin Hawkins, who was recognized as the MVP of the 2015 World Series, threw out the ceremonial first pitch alongside former head coach Daniel Gregory. Current head coach Ryan Stoudemire expressed enthusiasm about reconnecting with his former teammates and underscored the themes of teamwork, camaraderie, and the character that defined the 2015 championship squad.
On the field, Tyler Stephenson started as the pitcher for Chapin-Newberry during the recent game against the Joanna Hornets. His early performance was critical, escaping a bases-loaded situation without allowing a run. In the first inning, Chapin-Newberry took the lead by scoring two runs, primarily thanks to a strong double from Bobby Gummere. However, the Hornets responded, tying the game in the third inning with two runs driven in by Hayden Lake.
Chapin-Newberry reclaimed the lead in the sixth inning, successfully managing their pitching and defense to secure the victory despite the Hornets recording six hits. Despite their offensive efforts, the Joanna Hornets only managed to score two runs, marking their second consecutive loss. Coach Stuart Lake of Joanna acknowledged that missed opportunities contributed significantly to the outcome.
The Chapin-Newberry American Legion team boasts an illustrious history, having achieved a remarkable 32-1 record during the 2015 season. The pinnacle of their success came when they defeated a team from New Orleans to claim the American Legion World Series title. This honor not only exemplifies their skills on the field but also showcases the solid foundation and palpable pride for baseball that permeates the local community.
Highlights from the championship include standout performances by players, notably Justin Hawkins, who hit three home runs and received the prestigious George W. Rulon Player of the Year award. Several members of the 2015 team have continued their baseball careers at higher levels, further enhancing the legacy of the program.
The recent celebration served to reinforce the bonds formed within the Chapin-Newberry baseball community, revealing the ongoing enthusiasm for American Legion baseball and its significance in fostering local youth engagement and pride. Upcoming games for the current Chapin-Newberry team include contests on June 30 and July 2, leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, while the Joanna Hornets are set to face West Columbia Post on July 1.
As the event concluded, the overwhelming sense of community support highlighted the lasting impact of the 2015 championship victory and the shared memories that strengthen the ties among players and fans alike.
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Additional Resources
- Newberry Observer: Chapin-Newberry Wins on 10-Year Anniversary Celebration of the 2015 World Series
- Wikipedia: American Legion Baseball
- Newberry Observer: Chapin-Newberry Set to Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary of World Series Title
- Google Search: Chapin-Newberry American Legion Baseball
- My Newberry News: Newberry Post Forms American Legion Riders Chapter 74
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Cola Daily: Camden Wins S.C. American Legion Baseball Title
- Google News: American Legion Baseball
