For Enid Majors head coach Bill Mayberry, it’s never too early to think about next summer.

The Majors made their fifth straight appearance in an American Legion regional tournament, but in order to return next year, the Majors will have to plug major holes in their lineup.

Only five roster players from 2009 are eligible to return next year — Zach Gonzalez, Seth Floyd, Seth Sturgeon, Blake McMullen and Logan Nault.

Tuesday’s loss in the Mid-South Regional tournament finals to Texarkana, Texas, was the last game for fixtures such as Nick Rountree, Eddie Cervantes, Tobin Mateychick, Dylan Nave and Zach Sell.

The Majors, however, will benefit from a strong class coming in from the Enid and Area AAA ballclubs.

The Enid AAA was one win shy of a state title this summer. Area AAA fell in the state semifinals.



Mayberry concerned about state direction



After Tuesday’s loss to Texarkana, Mayberry expressed concern about the future of American Legion baseball in Oklahoma.

He said the state is adopting policies about “mileage limitations” and the number of releases a team is granted.

Mayberry said the Midwest City Outlaws, who draw their players from all across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, may be hurt by new rules that potentially may be put in place by American Legion officials in Oklahoma.

Mayberry said he thinks the state should adopt the national American Legion baseball national rulebook and “live by it.’’ He said he is pleased with American Legion baseball national leadership, but expressed his disappointment with decisions made by state officials.

“They’re doing big things at the national level,” said Mayberry. “I’m concerned about the future of American Legion baseball in Oklahoma. We need leadership to make good and prudent decisions.”





Ballpark hosts its final summer game



A long and busy summer for David Allen Memorial Ballpark concluded Tuesday. The downtown ballpark hosted its second consecutive American Legion Mid-South Regional.

The ballpark hosted the Division II Junior College World Series earlier this summer. The ballpark will host the Juco World Series again in 2010.

“The regional and Juco World Series really taxed our volunteer help,” said Mayberry.

Two hundred volunteers were needed to take care of the field during the Juco World Series. Players and coaches worked hours after Monday’s rain postponement to get the field ready for Tuesday.