Local Juniors prepare to host Area Tny.
HARTINGTON — With the Juniors District baseball tournament for the American Legion coming to Hartington, the excitement grows just a little more for the potential of what could happen.
Hartington was supposed to host the tourney last year, but the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out post-season for the Legion teams.
The tournament is set to begin July 9 and run through July 12 or 13.
Ryan Heimes oversees the American Legion Seniors in Hartington, while Scott Heine coaches the Juniors squad.
The team will see plenty of contributors, but two in particular have had quite the spring and summer to date in juniors Lucas Wortmann and Keaton Steffen.
Wortmann is the team’s ace, Heimes said, adding he really excels in the big games.
“Lucas is a competitor when he is on the mound and off,” Heimes said. “He comes to games early to take BP and work on pitching. Even when he is not playing, he is up on the fence cheering on his teammates biting at the bit, ready to play.”
Wortmann has struck out 28 batters and has a 4.8 ERA going against some of the best hitters around, according to Heimes. “He sometimes plays second base and outfield.”
“I am doing pretty well,” Wortmann said. “When the team does good it makes me look a little better. This whole team can do well, too, to win games. I really like to throw fast and curve balls. I think my curves work well against some kids. They don’t know what hit them.
“We are kind of on and off as a team. When we start hitting and get things going, we win games by a lot, and that’s fun.”
Wortmann said he enjoys playing baseball in the summer since it gives kids something to do.
“Baseball just kind of fits in there,” Wortmann said. “Without school, you kind of enjoy it more.”
Steffen has batted .460 through last Friday and even contributes on the senior team. He has even pitched a little and has a 2.7 ERA.
“I would love to have a whole team of Keatons on my team,” Heimes said. “He is the kid that will put his teeth in the dirt to stop a run from scoring. He wants to be on the field doesn’t matter what position he is at: he is our utility player across the board.
“He’s not going to blow it past guys (when he’s pitching) but he lets his defense work for him.”
This year Steffen has played left and right field, shortstop, third base and pitched.
“I have played pretty much everywhere but catcher,” Steffen said. “I play wherever they need me. I like playing all around. The ball comes differently at you. It is my favorite sport.”
Steffen looks forward to his team hosting the tournament.
“It’s a pretty good advantage and it’s going to be fun,” Steffen said. “It’s a huge advantage when the lights come on and you know your whole town is behind you. It’s great to be back, since last year all we did is play games and this year we are playing to achieve a goal.”
ngs in the South Central League.”
Stay in the know!
To get news alerts on your cell phone, get the Cedar County News app in the ITunes store or in the Google Play Store.