By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Legion Baseball is celebrating an undefeated season as summer winds down. The high school team went 16-0 during the regular season, featuring several thrilling comebacks. Although their journey ended at the state tournament, their performance is still commendable.
The summer league hosted by Legion provides high schoolers with valuable off-season practice, and this team excelled. Comprising players from Needham High, Saint Sebastian’s, the Rivers School, and Belmont Hill, they showcased impressive skill and determination throughout the season.
Team manager Mike Taggart spoke highly of the entire team, and their drive to play. “It’s really hard to get that far,” he said on making it to the state tournament. “The team hasn't been since 1996.” Taggart only had good things to say about the team, especially lead-off hitter and center fielder Alexander Giancola, catcher Tyler Carp, infielder Adam Hess, Nolan Bibo a pitcher and third baseman, pitcher Jason Waarich and Jack Mulka a left fielder who has played Legion ball for the past three years. The entire team was a dominant force, especially the graduating seniors.
Head coach Ben Mackey commented on the team's run saying: “20-0 in baseball is an impressive feat. “You can always run into a team with a hot pitcher.” He spoke highly of their pitching squad, especially Nicholas Buckley who threw a complete shutout game, when not expecting to play that night. “Throwing strikes is the first thing I preach. Every single pitcher we put out there threw strikes.”
“It was a well-built team, we got Needham High kids who hadn’t played Legion ball before,” said Mackey on the team's success. Mackey also gave a shoutout to Dan Brown the team's assistant coach, “He was a calming presence, a spiritual leader. He played on the ‘96 team so this season was special for him.”
The Needham Legion’s undefeated season was historic for them, and everyone says they will miss playing with that group. They look forward to next season and another shot at the state title.
