LEGION BASEBALL: Grand Forks Blues more youthful than usual

Grand Forks Blues Ty Straus is safe at home after colliding with Casselton pitcher ???????? in teh fifth inning of the Blue's win Friday in the Montgomery Legion Baseballl Tournament in Grand Forks. Herald photo by John Stennes.

By Tom Miller

June 23, 2012 at 6:45 AM

The Grand Forks Blues American Legion baseball team is usually one of the youngest teams at the annual Robert Montgomery Memorial tournament.

And this year's version of the Blues is particularly youthful, even for its own standards.

Yet as the first day of the Montgomery tournament unfolded Friday, the Blues showed their age doesn't have to get in the way of success.

Grand Forks beat Casselton 12-7 during pool play at Kraft Field.

"We're young, but we have a lot of smart guys who understand what they're capable of," said Blues coach David Spies, who is in his first season as head coach. "They catch on quick. They know what they can and can't do. They know their strengths."

The Blues are usually comprised of mainly 16-year-olds, but this year's group is different.

"We have one 14-year-old, a few 16-year-olds and a bunch of 15-year-olds," said Spies, whose team improved 6-6-1.

The 14-year-old is Grand Forks' leadoff hitter and shortstop, Colin Hennessy, who was 2-for-3 with a double against Casselton.

"He anchors our defense and has spectacular hands and awareness for being 14 and playing at this level," Spies said. "Baseball comes easy to him, but he doesn't let that get in the way of work ethic. He comes in and works hard every day."

Spies said the young players have come to the Blues with a background of strong coaching.

"They know the fundamentals," he said. "We're just polishing that."

One of those areas of improvement has been at the plate, where the Blues racked up eight hits against Casselton and also drew 11 walks.

"I was impressed with us as a team because we've 180'ed from the beginning of the year at the plate," Spies said. "Our approach is really good. We're hitting the balls we should hit and not chasing."

The Blues continue the Montgomery tournament today.

"We told them from the beginning that the season isn't going to be easy and they need to come every day with the right attitude," Spies said. "A lot of coaches just say their team is getting better every day, but I truly believe that."

Miller reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1121; (800) 477-6572, ext. 121; or send e-mail to tmiller@gfherald.com .

Grand Forks Blues right fielder Jace Turner bobbles the ball before making a running catch in the first inning against Casselton Friday during the 2012 Montgomery Legion Baseball tournament in Grand Forks.Herald photo by John Stennes.

By Tom Miller

Miller has covered sports at the Grand Forks Herald since 2004 and was the state sportswriter of the year in 2019 and 2022.

His primary beat is UND football but also reports on a variety of UND sports and local preps.

He can be reached at (701) 780-1121, tmiller@gfherald.com or on Twitter at @tommillergf.

LEGION BASEBALL: Grand Forks Blues more youthful than usual

The Grand Forks Blues American Legion baseball team is usually one of the youngest teams at the annual Robert Montgomery Memorial tournament. And this year's version of the Blues is particularly youthful, even for its own standards. Yet as the fi...