Off to 2-0 start, Wright’s Legion ‘A’ Stars primed for greatness
Several local athletes on roster
By Ray Rodriguez
Argus Observer
Thursday, June 4, 2009 9:19 AM PDT
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| Argus Observer file photo
Members of the Treasure Valley American Legion ‘A’ Stars baseball team listen in as their coach gives them some instruction in this Argus Observer file photo. The ‘A’ Stars will be in action at 4 p.m. Friday as they travel to Eagle High School for a doubleheader. |
Fruitland—American Legion baseball is back.
The Treasure Valley ‘A’ Stars are off to a 2-0 start and are ready to make a run into the state playoffs.
With several returners and a few newcomers on the squad, head coach Russ Wright, who enters his 19th season as an American Legion coach, brings in a crew that ended the 2008 season with a 32-16 overall mark and lost a pair of district heartbreakers.
A season ago, the Stars finished second in their district, behind Emmett and ahead of Eagle, before entering district play. In district, the Stars defeated the Boise Seminoles in opening-round action before losing to Mountain View 3-1 in the next round.
The loss put the Stars in the loser’s bracket, where their season was cut short after a 11-2 loss against Eagle.
“There were some great pitching performances at district,” Wright said. “We hit the ball hard but just couldn’t get anything to fall.”
The Stars are looking to finish the deal this time around, as they have the experience of varsity starters from all over the Treasure Valley.
Ontario’s Nico Martinez and Eddie Lopez are on the team along with New Plymouth’s Jake Mellenthin and Matt York. Vale catcher Nate Rutten, coming off his semifinal run with the Vikings, is slated to get plenty of action behind the dish. Fruitland standouts Tyler Graves, Reed Johnson, Joe Martarano, Miguel Rios, Lane LaCrone and Coleson Warrington are also on the roster. The versatile Zach Stratton, of Nyssa, rounds out just some of the names ready to don the blue and orange for Wright.
“These kids are eager to learn. They’re always looking, giving you their eyes,” Wright said. “That’s the important part. When you have kids that are here to improve, you will notice the biggest difference going into next year.”
At first glance, Wright is impressed with the depth at pitching, where as many as 10 on the roster have made appearances on the mound through the years.
“We got a lot of arms. We have seven or eight guys who can legitimately throw,” Wright said. “It’s a very good group of kids.”
Geared up with a solid mix of some of the area’s up-and-coming stars, Wright’s goal is to expose the talent to the rest of the state.
“I think it’s great that we have kids from all around the area,” Wright said. “I am not concerned with whether they went to Vale or Ontario. We want them play well and show there is good baseball being played here in the Treasure Valley.”
Even though Wright has coached for many years, he still enjoys the art of teaching.
“I certainly enjoy coaching the younger group. You get the chance to get them going on the right foot,” he said. “Being around the kids and teaching them keeps me coming back. It is definitely something I have a passion for.”
Maybe they can get over the hump in 2009.
“It was great season for us last year,” Wright said. “We want to improve on that. Getting to the state tournament will be a tremendous achievement for this group.”
