Knights prepare for 2016 season

While snow is on the ground in Green River, that doesn’t stop a few people from dreaming about summer, and American Legion baseball.

Registration for is scheduled to take place between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the American Legion building in Green River. Players are required to bring valid driver’s licenses or a state-issued identification card with them to register. Registration fees will also be charged, with $300 charged to new players and $250 for returning players. Practices are scheduled to start April 1, with a few winter workouts planned before the first practice. Games are expected to begin around May 1, with the team looking to play 70 games throughout the season.

The Green River Knights are preparing for their 2016 season and with it, a few changes to their competition.

“This year, several things have changed for the Knights team,” coach Brad Hatfield said in a media release. “In the past, Green River was conferenced with Jackson, Evanston and more local teams. This year our conference includes Wheatland, Douglas, Torrington and Cheyenne, with our closest conference competitor being Rawlins.”

The concern arising from the new conference listings is an increase in travel expenses for the team. 

Last year, the Knights created a secondary team after 15-year-old players were allowed to compete. Hatfield said more teams are adapting to the format and believes the second Knights team will have more competition this year.

With increased costs to the team, the Knights plan to focus on fundraising this year. They will banners to local businesses, as well as host the Night out with the Knights barbecue dinner. The team also has other fundraising events planned for the year. The team and board also seek an indoor facility that would give them a chance to practice earlier in the year. 

The Knights took second place in division at the end of the 2015 season. Hatfield was chosen as coach of the year and players Brendan Hopkins, Isaiah Munoz and Tyler Vendetti earning state honors. Winning is important, but not the only aspect of the game important to the Knights.

“Overall our team philosophy is not to gage ourselves on record, but focus on kids learning the game of baseball,” team manager Stub Hatfield, said.