TOUGH SUMMER: Chris Sumners takes a big swing in recent action for the Princeton Post 218 American Legion baseball team. Post 218, which has struggled to a 1-9 start, will look to get on the winning track as it hosts Trenton Post 93/182 on June 22 and Hopewell Post 339 on June 23 before playing at Lawrence Post 414 on June 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
After falling 11-0 at West Windsor Plainsboro last week, the players on the Princeton Post 218 American Legion baseball team trudged to right field with their heads down for their post-game talk.
In reflecting on the defeat that saw Princeton give up seven runs in the bottom of the second inning to dig a 7-0 hole, Post 218 manager Tommy Parker acknowledged it was a tough day at the office.
“We couldn’t get out of it, that will come with experience,” said Parker, who got hits from Matt Lambert and John Girouard in the defeat.
“They have to stay focused and they have to go to that old school mentality where you dig in when the going gets tough. The spirit of the game comes up and that is what you play on.”
Although Post 218 is off to a 1-9 start, Parker believes that his club can compete with anyone in the Mercer County American Legion League (MCALL).
“It wasn’t like we got overpowered, we have got to get bat smart in the right places and play defense,” said Parker.
“I haven’t seen a team this season that we should not have been able to play with. I would say the one truly flat game we had was Bordentown. You could see the difference in the experience level.”
With the addition of Hun School standouts Alex Mumme, Mike Pedota, Chris Pontrella, and McGwire Tuffy, Parker feels he has the pieces in place to make a difference.
“The talent level is good, we have got some real, real good youngsters,” said Parker.
“I think down the line they will step up with them too. We have to get acclimated; it is good to see that early in the season and see what it is.”
Parker is looking to recently graduated Princeton High standout Lambert to help ratchet up the team’s intensity level.
“Matt is a great team leader, he stepped up today,” said Parker. “He will take the hill and that is what you need. If these guys follow Matt’s example being there for the team, we will go a lot farther in a lot better way.
With most of the season still remaining, Parker is optimistic that Post 218 can get on the right track.
“It is just a week in,” said Parker, whose team hosts Trenton Post 93/182 on June 22 and Hopewell Post 339 on June 23 before playing at Lawrence Post 414 on June 28.
“The post game speech was about it being on them, they have got to bring it. They have to constantly stay on the game, they have to step up. If this team stays loyal and everybody stays together, you are talking about a team that can do tremendous damage in the league.”