SHREWSBURY – After a long run, the Shrewsbury Post 397 Baseball team fell to Idaho Falls Post 56 5-4 in the 14th game of the American Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C. Aug. 15.
Shrewsbury Post 397 Baseball Manager Frank Vaccaro said he was proud of how the boys represented Massachusetts in the World Series, noting how close the team came to playing in the final game.
“We were one hit away from going to the final game,” he said. “We felt like we represented Massachusetts to the best of our ability. There were a lot of tears and emotions. The boys had a tremendous run. Our team gave it 100 percent.”
World Series run
Shrewsbury is the first team to represent Massachusetts in the final four game of the American Legion Baseball World Series since 1978.
Post 397 had been knocked out of the Zone 4 playoffs, but the team punched their card to the World Series earlier this month after they won the Northeast Regional tournament.
On the opening day of the World Series, Shrewsbury lost to Troy, Ala, Post 70 13-1. However, they claimed victory in their following two games, beating League City, Texas Post 554 3-1 and Camden, S.C., Post 17 4-1, securing a spot to play Idaho Falls Post 56 in the final four game.
Before the team faced off in the final four, state leaders cheered them on from back home in Massachusetts.
“Proud to be from Shrewsbury tonight as I cheer on the Post 397 Tea,in the American Legion Baseball World Series,” tweeted Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.
Ultimately, the Alabama team went all the way and won the World Series, beating Idaho Falls 6-5.
Shrewsbury’s David Siciliano was later named to the American Legion World Series All-Tournament Team.
“Fought until the end!” the team tweeted after the loss. “Couldn’t be prouder of this group – they played with passion, pride, and represented the post, state, and region with class. We left the field tonight with our heads held high knowing we left it all out there. Thank you all for the support!”
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