'Dirtbags' mix well, dust off a strong season on American Legion diamond
Pete Hoffman knew there was something extraordinary about his American Legion Post 834 baseball team from Falls Township. He couldn't quite figure out how they'd do in 2022, but the head coach knew they'd do something special.
Count the program's first appearance in the state tournament in close to a half century as exceptional.
"I just had a feeling," Hoffman said. "I knew they'd be winners. I could see that they had it in them. I knew they were ready and more than capable of doing a great job. I felt it."
On July 26, American Legion Post 834, or more affectionately known as the Dirtbags, wrapped up their season by competing in the Pennsylvania American Legion Baseball Tournament, a first for the program in 49 years according to Hoffman.
It was the perfect send-off for some of the area's better baseball players. Former Pennsbury High star and team co-captain Jake Schilling, now at Lycoming, joined former Falcons Eric Kulb (Mercer County Community College), Joe Limongelli (Elizabethtown) and current standouts Mateo Artiga, L.J. Nelson, John Beighley and Chase Stover, got together and formed a tightly-knit group.
"I could see three games into the season that we were going to be specials," said Schilling. "The first three pitchers, Ryan Bailey, James Baker and myself, went out there and won. I knew we had something then."
Bailey (Gwynedd Mercy) and Baker (Bucks County Community College) went to Truman as did co-captain Michael Burns (Kutztown), Ethan Helbling (Bucks County C.C.) and Brian Cavanaugh. Holy Ghost Prep, which played for the PIAA state championship, was represented by Matthew Goldenbaugh and Pete Hoffman.
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"We had a lot of talent and it all came together for us," said Burns. "Seeing it all come together on the field made it very special. Everyone played a role in helping us develop as a team."
The Dirtbags captured the Lower Bucks League title and earned the Region 3 crown with a 5-0 victory over Bristol, led by Burns, who earned the Outstanding Player award for the tournament. The win earned the program a trip to the state tournament in 49 years where they finished fourth, losing to eventual state champion Philipsburg 2-0 and Paxton 12-3 after opening with victories over Blackhawk (11-3) and host Boyertown (3-2). Falls Post 834 finished the season at 25-5.
Baker paced the Dirtbags at the plate, hitting .434 with a home run and 27 RBIs. Stover hit .394 with a pair of homers. Schilling contributed 33 RBI. Pitching-wise, Bailey was the leader with a 7-0 record and a 1.21 ERA.
"We had a great season," said Hoffman. "We got on a [winning] streak where we won about 15 straight. We came together as a team and we played pretty well. I'm very proud of what they were able to do. Very proud."
Daryl Bell is a regional sports reporter for the Courier Times and Intelligencer. He has covered the area for more than 30 years. If you have a sports story that needs to be told, contact him at (267) 374-9035 or email dwbell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @dawabe. Help support local journalism with a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: 'Dirtbags' from Falls mix well to finish strongly in American Legion tournament
