By Stephen Smoot
While baseball and softball ended for most Pendleton County athletes, two recent graduates enjoyed opportunities to play on.
Cam Beachler, who played second base and pitched for Pendleton County baseball, earned an invitation to the Coaches USA All-Star game in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Regional seniors were divided between a Mountain and a Valley squad.
The Mountain All-Star team won the game 11-2.
“It was a huge honor to be selected,” Beachler said. “Everyone was given a chance to end off their high school baseball careers with an awesome game on a beautiful field at JMU [James Madison University].”
Brian Bocock, a Harrisonburg, Virginia, native who played for the San Francisco Giants, coached the team. Players received jerseys, hats, and a sweatshirt. Beachler said that “he gave all the players a wonderful message about the Lord and how important it is to follow the path He gives us.”
Beachler came up to bat twice, earning a walk and grounding out.
For Beachler, the experience helped him to reflect on his sports careers, saying, “My overall sports experience for high school baseball and golf has been great.” He went on to say “I have made new friends and met a lot of great people while still being able to play the sports I love and compete.”
Kate Hedrick, a power hitting third baseman last season for Pendleton County softball, earned a spot on the Region II team in the North/South softball series. Several West Virginia high school sports allow an opportunity for graduating seniors to play on all-star teams. The softball series took place at Buffalo High School in Putnam County.
“She was absolutely ecstatic to be able to play,” said Eric Crites, Pendleton County head softball coach, who added that “she is a total team player that enjoys meeting new friends.”
Crites got to pitch to Hedrick in the home run derby segment. In that competition, Hedrick displayed the power that has intimidated opponents all year long, tying for first place.
“It was an exciting time as we look forward to sending more players next year, as we have a great group of seniors,” Crites added. He explained also that “special recognition for small schools, like Pendleton County, is by far worthwhile.”