Sports Editor

A 4-3 loss to Montgomery Post 210 cost the Troy Post 70 Junior Legion team a state title, but head coach Russ Jinright was still pleased at how the season unfolded over the course of the year.

Troy finished the year 28-10.

"American Legion baseball has really grown in the past few years," said Jinright. "There were about 20 teams five years ago and now it’s grown to 111. To come in second out of 111 teams is not bad. I hope we can continue to grow, make it back to the state tournament next season and bring home a state title."

Although disappointed at how the final game turned how, Jinright said he was pleased with his team’s performance and

that ace pitcher, Justin Sims, "pitched a great game."

"We just fell one run short," he said. "But this is the first time an American Legion team from Troy has ever made it into a state championship game and I feel this is a great accomplishment."

As a team, Troy finished the season with a batting average of .348. Leading hitters for Post 70 were: Drew Kilpatrick (.432), Wesley Wright (.410), Sims (.402), Luke Sanders (.358), Clint Pugh (.346), Blake Phelps (.338) and Tyson Pugh (.311).

"We played 38 games this summer and hopefully that will help these players in their high school seasons next year," said Jinright.

Jinright also wished to thank Charles Henderson head football coach Hugh Fountain for allowing a few Trojan football players, who played with Post 70, to finish out the state tournament. CHHS participated in a football camp in Livingston the weekend of the American Legion JV tourney.

"I’d like to thank Coach Fountain and his staff for letting these kids finish out a great season," Jinright said. ""I’d also like to thank the Troy Messenger for their good coverage this year. It makes a player feel good to see their pictures and read their names in the paper."

Jinright also wished to thank a long list of sponsors, who supported Post 70 in their bid for state.

Sponsors for Troy Post 70 include: Lyncoach Truck Bodies, Bullard Excavating, Wiregrass Construction, Floyd Construction, Troy Cablevision, Stills Crossroads, American Legion Auxiliary, Beeline Stores, Sanders Lead, K & W Recycling and Plastics, Sanders Truck Lines, AIRTEK, Southern States, Livingston Farms, Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Jinright, The Pinckard Agency, Brooks Furniture, Gibson and Carden, Johnny Stroud, Garrett’s IGA, Ward’s Yamaha, Bishop Excavating, Mr. Fred Kreps, Sheriff Russell Thomas, Danny Graham, Dr. Marvin Blumentritt, and Discount Tires.