By Patricia A. Douglas
Post 911 Public Affairs Coordinator

With the opening day of the 2022 season a rainout, the Ryan Winslow Post 911 baseball team played its first home game with a double-header on June 9 against Oak Grove. The game was also moved from Pizitz Middle to Liberty Park at the last minute due to the Pizitz field being too wet.
Rain has hampered the team with a lack of practice opportunities. In fact, before the Oak Grove games, the team had only one full practice.
“We’ve only had a practice and a half,” said Coach Shane White.
The junior varsity team consists of a couple of players from last year, several players who play for their school and others who are experiencing their first time with such a team.
With both pitchers out for the game, the team struggled with Oak Grove. But winning isn’t the only lesson White wants the team members to learn. Teamwork and supporting each other is important, he said.
According to the Alabama American Legion Baseball website, “Our focus is basic civics, sportsmanship and Americanism while playing our National game. We are reinforcing respect to our flag, the rights and privilege of being a citizen in this great nation and respect for those that pay the price of freedom. We play the National Anthem before each game and encourage Legionnaires and other veterans to attend the games and wear Legion or service caps and talk to the players and parents to support and encourage them to be responsible citizens.” 
The team’s next home series is at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. against Tuscaloosa Post 34 on July 2.