Room For More Keefer Wants Another Trophy

Moments before the Alliance Title American Legion team took batting practice Wednesday in preparation for the state tournament, coach Tracy Turrell put the 3-foot tall district title trophy on top of the dugout.

It wasn’t a show-off gesture. Turrell was sending a message to his players that their business is far from completed.

“He told us that there was more room for other trophies and hardware,” left fielder Chad Keefer said.

It’s a message Keefer also will remind his teammates about when state begins Saturday morning at Lewis Clark State College’s Harris Field.

Keefer, perhaps, is most symbolic of a team long on heart, character and determination. Although he’s not the most physically blessed player at 5-foot-8, he has filled his role exceptionally as the team’s leadoff hitter. He’s made himself into a consistent, if not dangerous, hitter. His best asset, though, is “little ball.”

“He’s the best bunter in the state,” Prairie coach Darren Taylor said. “He’s had at least five drag bunt hits against us. He’s torched us all season.”

In the district final against Prairie on Monday, Keefer broke a 7-7 tie in the seventh inning when he put down a perfectly executed squeeze - then beat the throw to first for a hit.

What particularly pleased Keefer - and his coach - is he executed the bunt on a difficult pitch.

“It was an off-speed pitch and it was dying hard on the ground,” Turrell said, smiling.

Keefer smiles when Turrell flashes the bunt sign.

“It’s something I take a lot of pride in,” Keefer said. “It’s my way to spark the team.”

Said Turrell: “That’s why we’ve got him there (leading off). He almost drags on a dime. Even if the third baseman is up, I’ll have him (bunt) because he can run it out. He provides us quite a bit of spark.”

This has been a rewarding summer after a disappointing season a year ago.

Keefer injured his throwing elbow and shoulder and missed three weeks prior to district. He played in just one district game as Alliance failed to qualify for state.

Even when Keefer played last year, his time was limited. He was behind three other experienced players.

“So when he turned out this year, he was a seasoned veteran without the season in a way,” Turrell said. “He had some adversity. But his play has been exemplary this year. We know we’re going to get a great effort every time out.”

Keefer plans to continue his career at Community Colleges of Spokane. At first, though, he’ll have to pay his way as a walk-on.“At the moment, I’m not on the team, so I know I have to go over and play my best,” Keefer said. “I think I have a chance to get in there and do something.”

Keefer isn’t looking beyond this weekend, though.

“We’re going to state with a lot of confidence,” he said. “We beat a very good Prairie team twice (at district, five out of six overall this season). I think we’re sitting pretty good.”

Keefer and teammates want another trophy, too.

ON DECK IDAHO STATE AA AMERICAN LEGION At Lewiston First-round games, Saturday Alliance Title (34-19) vs. Upper Valley/Rexburg (27-18), 9 a.m. Boise (37-13) vs. Prairie (32-22), Noon Twin Falls (32-16) vs. Caldwell (26-21), 3 p.m. Lewis-Clark (37-22) vs. Pocatello (24-20), 6