Post 122 Juniors boast depth

By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
Posted 11/7/19

When it comes to creativity and a fresh look, Coach Kenny Dildine will have considerable freedom.That’s because his Post 122 Junior Legion team features just one player with previous experience in …

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Post 122 Juniors boast depth

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When it comes to creativity and a fresh look, Coach Kenny Dildine will have considerable freedom.That’s because his Post 122 Junior Legion team features just one player with previous experience in the organization.“I’m still getting to know each boys’ skill set, but we definitely have a lot of talent on this year’s team,” said Dildine.Depth shouldn’t be a concern, with 16 players filling the roster.“I have 16 boys I can put out there right now to field a good team,” said Dildine.The pitching staff includes several newcomers that have shown early promise.Brandon Purkaple will be a key starter on the mound.“We’re really looking for good things from him,” said Dildine. “We’re relying on him to hold down the fort as we establish other pitchers.”He is also expecting Dalton Owenby, Shane Emge and Collen Leslie to contribute in terms of pitching.“We’re working on getting them all ready to throw strikes,” said Dildine.Purkaple will be playing first base when not pitching.At second base, Matt Dildine will be the go-to-guy.Ryan Adams and Chris Garrett will each offer time at shortstop.If not pitching, Emge and Leslie will shore up the third base role.In the outfield, Dildine is looking at Austin Dixon to be a steady in left field.“He has good height and tracks down the ball well in outfield,” said Dildine. “He’s also got a good plate approach.”Justin Rice will likely play centerfield, with Devon Oden in right field.Owenby may either play first base or outfield.Behind the plate, Post 122 will look to Sebastian Camerena or Zach Shepard at catcher.Dildine says Adams is a utility-type player.“He’s a solid ballplayer, and we should be able to put him whereever needed,” said Dildine.He expects Dixon and Purkaple to be key leaders.“They’re the oldest and most experienced as far as playing,” said Dildine.The Post 122 Junior has 22 games scheduled this summer.


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