Blue Devils’ Second Place Earns Team Playoff Spot

Thu., July 23, 1998

By Mike Vlahovich mikev@spokesman.com (509) 927-2180

The Blue Devils won three of four games against the Pullman Patriots to finish in second place with a 12-8 record in American Legion Senior League baseball.

The team, with members from Shadle Park, North Central, Lakeside, Deer Park, Northwest Christian, St. George’s and Chewelah schools, was led by All-Legion infielders Eric Bell and Chris Eggleston, and designated hitter Aaron Farr.

They are currently involved in league playoffs which qualifies one team for the State Senior Legion tournament in Vancouver, Wash., Aug. 1.

Bell was the league’s second leading hitter with a .469 average and led the league with nine home runs. He and second-team selection Levi Penick had a dozen doubles each.

Eggleston batted .423 and had a glossy 0.56 earned-run average as a pitcher. Farr hit .402.

Three Blue Devils pitchers were among the league pitching leaders. Second-team All-Legion Matt Schwarzer had a 2.55 earned run average and combined with Sean Hughes for a total of 90 strikeouts.

The North Stars, from Mead, Rogers and Mt. Spokane schools, finished 9-11 in league. They were led by All-Legion pitcher Taylor West who was 5-2 with a 2.51 ERA and 42 strikeouts.

Bryan Schutz hit .404. He and West each had 10 doubles and Tony Bove tied for third in league with three triples. Kyle Ellenz was a second-team All-Legion outfielder.

Northwest Athletics win title

Northwest Athletics from Mt. Spokane High dominated the North Division of the 16 and Under Legion league.

Its ultimate reward was championship of the league.

The team finished at 14-2 for the regular season, five games ahead of its nearest competition. In the playoffs they swept through two best-of-three playoff series to beat Ferris Boosters two games to none for the title.

Nick Schuerman coached the team to its championship. His older brother Alex Schuerman guided the AA Mt. Spokane team, Granny’s Buffet to a 14-6 record and berth in the league playofs.

YMCA tackles football signup

Registration is beginning for the YMCA Grid Kids Football League which will have its inaugural season this fall.

The tackle league is for fifth and sixth grade youngsters and will cost $100 for YMCA members or $125 for limited members.

Registration can be made at downtown YMCA, 507 N. Howard in Riverfront Park, or the Valley YMCA in Tidyman’s at 13014 E. Sprague. Call 927-1474 or 838-3577 for information.

Based on a previous survey, YMCA officials are expecting 13 teams of 20 players to don pads for the first such contact football league at this age group.

“In doing research,” said spokesman Pat Estes, “per capita it is much safer than other sports.”

Teams will be formed based on area high school attendance boundaries.

Backs and wide receivers cannot weigh more than 95 pounds.

“Sign-up is on a first come, first served basis,” said Estes. “I honestly anticipate turning away as many as we place.”

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