HAMLET — The official start of the new American Legion baseball season got underway Saturday at Memorial Park.
Hamlet Post 49, led by fourth-year head coach Chip Gordon, held its tryout for the 2024 senior team.
Over 20 players from Richmond, Marlboro, Moore and Scotland counties participated in the two-hour pro-style tryout.
Helping Gordon with the tryout were assistant coaches Bryce Dixon, Anthony Hailey, Chaz Sessoms and Kevin Wallace.
Players, working in position groups, went through a series of infield, outfield and throwing drills before showing their ability in the batting cage.
“There’s going to be a whole new crop of kids this year and I’m really excited about this season,” Gordon said afterward. “There were a lot of guys from Richmond (Senior High School), which is what we’ve been working toward.
“We’ve had good luck in the past with other area high schools playing for us and I’m really excited to have a good mix of players from Richmond, Pinecrest, Scotland, Union Pines and other schools.”
Representing the Richmond Raiders at the tryout were Riley Brown, Jabari Douglas, James Eason, Isaac Hinshaw, Evan Hodges, Conner Phifer, Jeremiah Ritter, Landon Taylor and Jason Walker.
Five attendees were from Scotland, Pinecrest had four players try out, while Marlboro County and Union Pines each had two players.
Post 49 will release its official 2024 roster later this weekend, with up to 18 players allowed to be on the team.
“The skill level across the board is really good,” Gordon shared. “I think we’re going to have a good summer and win a lot of baseball games.
“I’m also looking forward to having a lot of arms this summer,” he closed. “That way we don’t burn out like we did last year because all of our arms are tired.”
Hamlet is set to open its season May 24 against Eastern Randolph Post 81. Post 49’s home opener will be May 31 against Chatham Post 182.
The Richmond Observer will publish a season preview in the coming weeks. Below are photos of Saturday’s tryout, taken by sports editor Kyle Pillar.
