By Mark Nance/Sun-Gazette Special Correspondent West End's starting pitcher Briar Pershing (17) and catcher Lucas Notein (25) beat the media to receive their Babe Ruth Pennsylvania State Championship plaques for the 13-16 championship. West End's Babe Ruth program has won countless titles in its history, including a Pennsylvania state title, a Mid-Atlantic Region title and a World Series appearance.
As you park and walk towards Rogue Field, it's hard to miss the giant banners adorning the dugouts, concession stands and press box. Numerous placards chronicle the accomplishments of West End's Babe Ruth All-Star teams over the years.
When you walk into the press box, you'll feel like you're walking into the Boston Garden as there are plaques hanging on the walls – there are dozens of them, each one telling the story of the various championships won over the years.
Pennsylvania State Title Championship.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship title.
The Babe Ruth World Series features players competing in various age divisions.
The faces and names in the dugout at Rogue Field change every few years, but the one thing that stays constant is the success and tradition of West End baseball.
No matter who the coach is, the expectation is that they'll compete for a Mid-Atlantic Division title and a World Series appearance every summer, and this summer was the latest example of that.
West End's all-star team, ages 13-16, will win the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship in late July and advance to the Babe Ruth World Series in Branson, Mo. The tournament begins Saturday with first-round pool play against Alabama.
This isn't a new feeling for West End manager Mark Hess, who coached West End's 13-year-old All-Stars that played in the World Series in Virginia in 2022. Now he's back with a group of extremely talented kids looking to build on that legacy and tradition.
Every time a West End all-star team wins a state or regional championship, West End president Jim Winder calls the kids into the press box to help hang a commemorative plaque on the wall. The kids enjoy it, and it just makes the tradition even more special.
“It's just great to carry on the rich tradition of West End. When we go to the state and Mid-Atlantic tournaments, everybody knows who West End is,” Hess said. “They know we're from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and we're a tough team to beat. It was (cool) to hear New Jersey talk about us about last year and the year before and how good we are. It's good to get our name out there and let people know that when we come to the games we bring a really good baseball team and we're going to keep playing baseball all seven innings.”
It's a feeling that all of the players share. Every summer they have the chance to add to their trophies and successes, and every summer they continue to deliver.
“I think it means a lot to the team and to me personally. I look out there and there's a lot of people I know and have seen play,” West End's Wyatt Bear said. “It's a fun experience.”
“Right now we have two names on it (on the plaque),” West End's Mason Hess said, referring to their appearance in the World Series in 2022. “So, I'm happy.”
Needless to say, winning another title this summer would be even sweeter, but win or lose, this group of players has already made a name for themselves alongside former West End stars, winning a state title and a Mid-Atlantic Regional title.
Jon Gerardi is the Sun-Gazette sports editor. Contact him by email at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @JonGerardi.
Get the latest news from the day and more delivered to your inbox
