First pitch for the home games thrown out! Versailles American Legion Post 173 contributes to local youth
Julie Pollock Elliott
Keith Copeland, Commander of Versailles American Legion Post 173, threw out the first pitch for the very first home game of any of the SR baseball teams.
The Versailles American Legion Post 173 continued its support of the local community with a generous $5,000 donation to the South Ripley Baseball Program. Every winter, student athletes approach local businesses to donate or sponsor their participation in baseball. The sport has become an expensive investment for parents trying to outfit their athlete with cleats, gloves, helmets, bats, and uniforms. Costs can range anywhere between $200 – $600 per player depending upon their position and the type of equipment required.
The Legion’s donation allowed South Ripley’s baseball department to purchase permanent school uniforms along with other expensive team equipment to keep the costs low for the athletes and to ease the sponsorship burden for local businesses who can support a limited number of student athletes. With this donation, the American Legion has ensured that more student athletes have the opportunity to participate in baseball without incurring the steep costs.
South Ripley’s Junior High School baseball team played host to Rising Sun Thursday, April 17th; this was the first home game of the season for any South Ripley baseball team. Keith Copeland, Commander of the Versailles American Legion Post 173, presented the donation to Jeff Gorrell, the South Ripley Athletic Director, and Brian Smith, the varsity baseball coach. The attending Legionaries then joined the team on the baseline for the National Anthem, and Commander Copeland threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
The Raiders baseball team did not disappoint the home crowd after the ceremonies were concluded, defeating Rising Sun with a final score of 6 – 5. Bode Block took the mound and held Rising Sun at bay for five innings. The left-hander recorded the first six outs himself and went on to strike out six batters while walking two and plunking three others. He surrendered four runs with seven hits spread throughout the game. Shawn Riehle pitched the final two innings and earned the save allowing one run and striking out four. Devin Brown (1), Bode Block (1), Keeton Miller (1), and Shawn Riehle (2) collected RBIs for their team, and Shawn Riehle took home plate on a passed ball to round out the scoring for the Raiders. South Ripley Junior High will be on the road for their next game versus Madison Shawe on Monday, April 21.
Success stories like these are only possible through the volunteer efforts of local organizations. If you are a veteran and are looking for ways to continue your service to your community or to be a part of the military camaraderie, the American Legion is waiting for you. High School scholarship presentations and Memorial Day services are right around the corner, and the Legion would love to include you. Post 173 has weekly meetings every Thursday evening at 7:30 PM, so please stop by and be a part of a force for good. One team; one fight!
