American Legion Baseball Comes Up Short Against Union Catholic in Season Opener

The season began Monday for the Westfield American Legion team with a loss to Union Catholic. But wins and losses aren't necessarily the main objective during summer play.

Head coach Kenny Miller, the high school's junior varsity coach, said much of  the 18-game schedule is to make sure players are prepared to step up to the varsity next spring.

"Overall the coaching during the summer is more laid back,'' said Miller, also the Westfield defensive coordinator during football season. "We want to see if the kids can do it. This is really next year's supposed varsity team. You get them together and see how it goes."

"You really coach a lot differently,'' Miller said. "You want to see what the kids can do. It's a great opportunity for them to get experience''

Two of the varsity starters – catcher A.J. Murray and first baseman Dan Kerr, who will be seniors in the fall, are playing for an AAU team. Shortstop Tim Younger and third baseman Matt Rivera are two starting varsity players who'll be with Miller. Rivera played third base when starting third baseman Robbie Anderson pitched. Steven Forgash is another varsity player. He'll be in right field.

Other players will be catcher Will Riggs, first baseman Mike Coletta, outfielders James O'Rourke and Matt Varakian. Varakian had two of Westfield's three hits in the 11-1 loss to Union Catholic and O'Rourke drove in the only run. O'Rourke will also be one of the team's pitchers along with Zach Archambault, who pitched some important innings for the varsity in the spring. Another pitcher who got to see varsity time is Justin White.

"Justin is going to throw a lot of innings for us,'' Miller said.

Brett Ryan and Mike Mondon, who was the junior varsity's No. 1 pitcher, will also get plenty of innings. Ryan also plays shortstop and third base. Justin Erickson and Ben Kraus will also pitch.

Aris Pfyhojof will back up Riggs and play some third base. James Barry is the team's second baseman

"They are really a nice group of kids,'' said Miller, whose team plays its home games on the Blue Devils' varsity field.