HAMLET — American Legion baseball will make its long-awaited return to Hamlet this summer.
Originally planned to return last summer, the American Legion Post 49 program will hit the diamond for the first time since 2007. Last summer’s season was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, but as the sports world continues to get started again, so is Post 49.
Led by head coach Chip Gordon, the team is seeking local players ranging from high school freshmen to college players who do not turn 20 during this calendar year.
A 2004 Richmond Senior High School graduate and former Raider baseball and college player, Gordon said the team is open to interested players from Richmond, Scotland and Anson counties.
There is no cost for players to join the program, and Gordon, who also helped coach at Richmond from 2013-2015, said each player will only be responsible for his own glove, cleats and personal gear.
American Legion Baseball, which is a national institution, dates its origins back to 1925. While Hamlet hasn’t had a team in nearly a decade and a half, Gordon is hoping the revitalization of the program helps the sport’s growth in Richmond County and the surrounding area.
“With all that’s been going on, I want to give kids the option to play where they want and play the best baseball,” Gordon said. “Whether that’s with us or another team, better competition builds better players.
“And I think American Legion baseball can provide every kid the opportunity to play really good baseball.”
Post 49, which use white, navy and gold as its colors, will compete in the West Division of Area 2. Included in the West Division are teams from Columbus, Cumberland and Robeson counties.
Area 2 is under the direction of supervisor Rick Zickafoose, who Gordon has worked closely with to kickstart the program’s comeback.
In August 2019, Gordon secured $10K from the City of Hamlet to go toward renovations of Memorial Park in Hamlet, which will serve as the program’s home field. Part of that facelift included 60 tons of dirt on the infield, and the redoing of the outfield fencing and lighting, as well as new netting around the backstop.
“The field looks great, but it needs a little work before the season starts,” Gordon said. “The mound and plate are in playing condition, and the outfield fences are in great shape.
“All of the lighting issues have been resolved, and with the help of our coaching staff and Hodges Landscaping, we should have the infield in pristine condition before the season starts.”
The first official day of the American Legion season is May 21, but Gordon said that will be delayed because of the current modified high school baseball season. Under the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s modified calendar, the high school baseball postseason won’t start until June 15.
“The biggest thing that is different this year is how we start because of the high school schedule,” Gordon explained. “It’s still a work in progress, but we can’t put a definite date on playing until a high school baseball team’s season is finished.”
In other words, as long as Richmond, Scotland or Anson high schools are in the NCHSAA playoffs, those players can’t join the American Legion team.
No official schedule has been released by American Legion Baseball, and Gordon said there’s a possibility that teams may play doubleheaders in order to meet the state tournament deadline.
Also new this summer will be players and coaches following COVID-19 protocols, which Gordon said shouldn’t present an issue.
“We are going to follow all state and American Legion COVID guidelines,” Gordon said. “Those will determine how we can and cannot operate. Our goal is to be as safe as we can possibly be, which is most important.”
The Post 49 team is also in need of sponsors for the upcoming season, and Gordon noted that sponsors from last season will be honored this year.
For more information on the Post 49 team and the upcoming 2021 season, contact head coach Chip Gordon at 910-995-2496.
