With a mix of veterans and young players, Post 17 compiled 32-32 record this summer
A 32-32 season for Watertown Post 17's American Legion Baseball was certainly a little better than the record indicates.
Still, Post 17 fell short of one of its preseason goals when it didn't qualify for the state Class A tournament last week in Yankton. Watertown fell 2-0 to the Aberdeen Smittys in a best-of-three state qualifying playoff series at Watertown Stadium.
"We have three goals to start ever season," said Watertown Post 17 head coach Ryan Neale. "One is to host a super region, another is to get to the state tournament and another is to win a game at the state tournament."
The Post 17 squad opened the season with a group of seasoned veterans and some talented players moving up the system from a team that had won state Class A 14-and-under and 13-and-under state titles the previous two seasons.
The team's record is a little deceiving in part due to the amount of games played and the program's emphasis on making sure everybody gets some experience throughout the season.
"It wasn't a disappointing season by any means, other than just not getting to the state tournament," said Neale. "I feel bad for the seniors, who didn't get a chance to play at state each of the last two years. That's my No. 1 goal as a coach since I didn't get the chance myself to play at state. On the flip side, a lot of younger players gained some valuable experience."
Seniors Drew Denzer, Chase Christianson, Ryan Roby, Mason Krause, Jack Heesch, Jackson Maag, and Carson Mutschler provided leadership for the squad. Neale said Denzer and Mutschler each could play next summer as super seniors.
Denzer, a left fielder, led Post 17's offense with a .349 average, 68 hits, 17 doubles, four triples and three homers. Heesch, a shortstop and three-year regular, batted .347 with 41 runs scored and a team-leading 41 runs batted in. Mutschler batted .321, Roby .277 with a team-leading 45 runs scored.
Newcomers to the lineup included first baseman Kaden Rylance (.273 with three homers), second baseman Treyton Himmerich (.250 with 41 runs scored and 18 hit by pitches), outfielder Spencer Wientjes (.275 with 42 runs scored) and utility player Dylon Rawdon (.225 average).
Some players mixed time with Post 17 and the Post 17 Junior Legion team and one of those was Nathan Briggs, who took over in July as the team's starting third baseman and batted .421.
"Our schedule gives everybody the opportunity to play and and lets guys fight for positions. Since we've went to this format without high school baseball, we seem to be playing really good baseball by the time July rolls around," said Neale. "This format allows our guys to not get too worried about wins and losses earlier in the year, get comfortable and find a routine."
One of Post 17's biggest question marks heading into the season was pitching. The staff did very well, compiling a 4.31 team earned-run average.
The hard-throwing Rylance became the team's ace, compiling a 4-2 record with 2.30 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings. He missed about a month of the season with an injury. Other leaders on the mound included Will Engstrom (5-2 with 2.66 ERA), Heesch (5-3 with a 3.43 ERA and five saves), Talan Jurgens (4-1 with 1.86 ERA), Jackson Maag (4-6 with 3.65 ERA) and Justin Remmers (2-7 with a .574 ERA).
"Our pitching turned out to be one of four strengths," said Neale.
The future does indeed look bright for Post 17, which should get additional help from other players moving up through the Watertown Baseball Association programs.
Post 17's Junior Legion team advanced to the state Class A championship over the weekend and the Watertown Red Sox (16U), Black Sox (14U) and Grey Sox (13U) all had solid seasons. the Black Sox and Grey Sox each reached the semifinals in their respective state tournaments and only a close loss prevented the Red Sox from doing the same.
"That says a lot about the program in general from top to bottom," said Neale. "Only one team wins their final game of the season and it's always tough when that day comes. Hopefully we'll be able to learn from this season and meet all of our goals next season."
Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on Twitter @PO_Sports
This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: A wrap of the 2023 season for Watertown Post 17"s baseball teamk
