07/19/2026
Season Remarks from Coach Dale:
We’ve been blessed…and I mean truly blessed with great players throughout the brief history of Post 8 fastpitch. I write the season closing remarks each year and usually include notes on how ridiculously high the team batting average was or how crazy low the team ERA was. Sometimes the theme is about the abundance of mental fortitude that drove us to victory. This year, well, we (the senior team) didn’t win a game. Naturally, you might think it would be a challenge to craft this note in a positive light. It’s actually easier.
I’ve heard from some who suggest Legion is “community “ ball and they often hint that this is a negative thing. If you are in that camp, you might want to stop reading. I’d hate for you to be disappointed. You see, hurricanes, school shootings, and pandemics have recently taught us the value of “community “. Community, among other things, is the result of a group pulling together and never saying “I give up”. So, from that perspective, let me tell you about the 2026 Senior Choppers.
It’s easy to hang around when the score is in your favor. We never had to worry much about previous teams and their reaction to losing. Would they have stayed the course? I bet they would have because we’ve also been blessed with high character players. But, this team had to prove it. The wind blew against them every game. Sometimes we had to duck for cover. Many times, giving in would have been so much easier. But, they kept showing up and kept wearing the jersey. In fact, player attendance this year was the best we’ve ever had….and by that measure this year was a coach’s dream.
They didn’t just show up. They grew up. The few older players on the team had to show new leadership while the younger players had to get better (quick). I didn’t hear many excuses. That’s where the character really shines. Coaches and parents know….the tendency so often is to blame someone else for our failures. This group, usually, didn’t do that.
And…I think we had fun. Let’s not kid ourselves. Losing is no fun and I think we all had enough to last for awhile. Still, somehow the ladies seemed to enjoy being around each other. It’s almost like they were building a community.
At the end of the day we’re all just walking each other home and community is important. I attended a funeral a few weeks ago for one of my Legion teammates. Another teammate was there with me. We remembered the old times. We told stories about what happened (best we could remember) and what could have happened. Mostly, I was reminded of how important community is. I was reminded of how long those friendships last. So, you play the game for whatever reason motivates you. For me, the 2026 squad is a perfect example of the community American Legion represents and it’s why I’m proud to be a Chopper. And here’s to hoping the junior team can bring a ‘26 banner back to DC!
Chop on Post 8,
Coach Dale
