Season Outlook
Dave DellaFave - Adreanbaseball.com
Well, the grass is actually starting to turn a lighter shade of brown. The streets are finally getting rid of the sand and salt that not so long ago helped to remove them of snow and sleet. And most importantly legion baseball is right around the corner.

As we look around the local high school scene, we once again see the kids over at Proctor, many of whom will play for Adrean, Utica and Ft. Schyuler, playing the best baseball out of them all. The Jugglers of Notre Dame with many of their players also playing summer ball for those same teams are struggling a bit after two years of post season success. But the close relationships that many of them are sharing right now, will be gone in a few short weeks when legion season kicks off.

There is no better, or should I say bitter, rivalry than Adrean and Utica Post, not taking anything away from Smith Post. And both AP and UP will have returning players that will make them the teams to beat in Legion baseball. Whitestown should see some success when those at Whitesboro high school move over to the legion team. Craig Soja should be one the elite pitchers in the league this year rivaled only by Andy Wengert at Adrean.

Smith Post will no doubt rebound from last year's disappointing season. Coach Tony Abone will not stand for another early exit from post season and will have that squad ready to play. Love will without question field another competitive squad and no team wants to head to Boonville in a late season must win game. Love has a recent tendency of holding serve in their home park.

Helmuth-Ingalls makes a return to legion play this year. After a few years of success on the junior levels, those kids will try to make the jump to legion baseball. But we have seen over the years, many young teams finding it difficult to make the adjustment to the higher level. Nonetheless, they will be an exciting young team. Sherrill will also be a team to watch and one can never count out Moran Post of Camden and their home field advantage at Camden Yards.

So who out of this years bunch is the next Russ Morgan? Is there another diamond in the rough who will be the difference in a team's success this year? Will Adrean be able to get back to the State tournament? Only time will tell. But this year is shaping up to be one of the best in recent Oneida County Legion years.

Dave Dellafave
- Adreanbaseball.com