 | The Post 2001 Ashburn Knights are American Legion District 16 champions.—Courtesy Photo |
The Post 2001 Ashburn Knights became the first Loudoun team to win an American Legion District Championship in 16 years July 23, capping off an undefeated run through the District 16 tournament with a 15-14 victory in 12 innings over Post 158 Manassas in the championship game.
Spencer Brookbank’s bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 12th inning brought home the winning run for Ashburn in the back-and-forth championship game. Sid Harvey doubled, Ryan Johnston singled and Taylor Clarke was intentionally walked to load the bases for Brookbank. Clarke, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, pitched three scoreless innings in relief to earn the win.
The Knights, a first-year American Legion team, improved to 18-9 on the season and secured a spot in this week’s state tournament as district champions.
“We are playing great baseball at the right time, and teams across the state are taking notice,” stated Knights’ manager Tom Whipple, also an assistant coach at Stone Bridge High School. “I’m so proud of these guys right now for their effort, their attitude and also how they have bonded. They are truly a family when they all don that Post 2001 Knights uniform.”
The championship win was the Knights’ fourth victory in the district tournament. Ashburn, the tourney’s fourth seed, rallied from a 10-1 deficit after seven innings to defeat Post 290 Stafford American, 11-10, in 10 innings before producing a pair of convincing wins - including a 14-1 decision over top seeded Post 21 Winchester - to advance to the final.
Ashburn scored nine runs combined in the eight and ninth innings to force extra innings in the win against Stafford. Ty Lighton led off the bottom of the 10th with a single and came home on Sid Harvey’s game-winning double. Brady Orrison pitched four-plus scoreless innings in relief to gain the win.
Whipple described the impressive comeback as “probably the most exciting game I’ve ever had the pleasure to manage.”
The Knights will now set their sights on the state tournament. The eight-team, double-elimination tourney begins July 26 at Liberty University in Lynchburg. Ashburn will face Post 280 Greenbrier in the first round.
“Going into the season, I told our team that our goal is to win the District 16 tournament,” Whipple said. “By the time we were ready to start the district tournament, it was the players that started to preach that this goal is too small. They started believing, and saying, that they want a state championship ... that they are one of, if not the best in Virginia.”
Diamond support
Post 2001 Ashburn Knights manager Tom Whipple is thrilled with the support his team has received from Ashburn Post 2001, which is sponsoring an American Legion team for the first time.
“Post Commander Jon Canerday, baseball coordinator Chuck Loomis and many of the Legion members went above and beyond what we expected for a first-year venture,” Whipple said. “They have embraced the Knights as part of their fraternity, and their undying support has been one of the reasons, I think, our guys have worked so hard to accomplish something special this season.”
“They have come to all of our home games this summer, making it feel like a true home atmosphere ... and have even ventured out to some of the away games,” Whipple continued. “They provided concessions at all home games, and they are always right there to shake the guys’ hands, wish them well or congratulate their effort. Our guys have a true sense of pride when they do well in front of the Ashburn Legion members.”
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The previous comment was also geared towards “curious too”
My apologies.
@ “Bogus Players”
Mr. Bogus Players, my name is Daniel Gershen and I’ve played American Legion Baseball for Post 181 for three seasons. I’m a reputable player on the squad and was a captain this season. I know and love this team and have a close friendship with the Manager, James Grenier and the Head Coach, Steve Ross. Both of these men are stand up individuals who devote a lot of their time and money to coaching boys who just want to play ball, represent themselves, Leesburg and American Legion Post 181. With that being said, let me correct some of your misconceptions about our squad and change your “facts” that you “know” into what really transpired this season.
If you were familiar with the American Legion Rule Book you would know that each team is allowed an 18 man roster and there is a set date that all these players have to be locked in. Maybe you came out to some of our games this year and saw different players on the diamond? Well if that is the case there is a rule abiding reason you saw these different players. After try-outs we had an 18 man roster, but it soon became clear that 3 to 4 of these players wouldn’t be able to make it to the field day in and day out, these reasons included work, showcase ball, etc. With that in mind we added eligible players from schools from which Post 181 was allowed to pull (Heritage, Loudoun County, Woodgrove, Loudoun Valley, Clarke County, Christ Church and Middleburg Academy) which, if done before the final roster date, is perfectly LEGAL.
Now, with that being said, I was present for the district tournament, which after posting your comment, I’m assuming you also attended. Like the regular season we struggled for players to be present at the district tournament, but seeing as I was there I can tell you which players were present, all of which attended our try-outs and were original roster spots.
Daniel Gershen- HHS
Marco Verdi- HHS
Mitchell Bowers- HHS
Ty Kobylinski- HHS
Devon Guthrie- WHS
Scott VanSteelant- WHS
Daniel White- LVHS
Andrew Creamer- Shenendoah University
Nick Collins- LCHS
Nick Fisher- LCHS
Jesse Smoot- CCHS
Dylan Martinez-Middleburg Academy
David Phillips- Christ Church
Sir, that is our roster, all elligable players, all on the original roster. I’m taken back that you would make such a serious accusation about American Legion baseball, our Post, our coaching staff and more importantly the young men who devote their summers to playing America’s Past time. If you have any questions about what really transpired this season I would love to answer them- email me- daniel.gershen@gmail.com
everyone here is just upset because Post 2001 beat your sons team. all their players are 19 and under or else they wouldnt be playing. The only player who was too old for the district tournament was dropped beforehand. the fact that some of them are in college doesnt matter; all other teams have that option of getting college players too, as long as they are 19 or younger, which Ashburn’s are. in terms of the lineups, give the kids a break, they have other things to do in the summer; this is why there were a few different Ashburn lineups….but all these players were also listed as roster players…so no matter the lineup, all the players were still actual members of Post 2001. and all of them played at least 6 games during the regular season. quit whining because little johnny’s team got smoked by Ashburn and respect them.
i think we cheer them on. good job and good luck.
HELLO??? I think the word 19U team means 19 years old and under. College team? Really? By your numbers 12 or more in HS or just graduated. I also have no idea of forfeit wins. But will say the team had forfeit losses due to not enough players to travel. How about stop hating and cheer on some local good young men competing.
Makes me wonder? You ever been competed?? Sorry prob not!!
The
Post 2001 is nothing but basically a college team.
- (5) 19yr olds 2010 grads
- (1) 19yr old 2011 grad
- (1) 18yr old 2010 grad
- (7) 18yr olds 2011 grads
- (3) 17yr olds 2012 grads
- (1) 16yr old 2013 grad
Further more, it was stated that James Grenier from Post 181 Leesburg is going to become the District Commissioner. If so, did he not try to use illegal players this season? If true, what qualifies him to become District Commissioner if this is true about him using illegal players that were NOT even on his roster.
@Bogus Players ... Of Post 2001 Ashburn’s 9 losses, they had 7 forfeit wins is what I am being told.
So there might be some truth to what you stated. Did ALL of these player’s on Post 2001’s roster play 6 regular season contests or not?
Wonder if the District Commissioner checked the books? NOT!
I thought Legion baseball was “reputable” but after seeing this tournament I have to reassess my opinion.
Rules are that in order for a player to be eligible for tournament play they must play in a minimum of 6 regular season games.
I know that if the commission was to look into the eligibility of players on both Leesburg and Ashburn they would be appalled. During the tournament Leesburg’s team vs. Winchester was the ONLY game in which all of Leesburg’s players were present. I know for a fact that Leesburg has tried to pass individuals not on their roster as players that were registered—and I’d bet Ashburn has done the same.
Shame, shame on these teams for not upholding the integrity and honor of the Legion. —- what’s the oath these players take before each game ??!! Maybe the coaches need to take it also!
I know Leesburg won at least 1 game in the District 16 tournament.
where leesburg finish, or did they even make it???
come on!!! keep it up. Lets go!!!!
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