New scenery usually means uncertainty, just ask Colony native Zach Beckmon. The Lancers ace was unaware how this summer would pan out after agreeing to join the AA Iola Indians for the summer.
Last year, the Indians successfully brought the AA American Legion Kansas State Championship back to Iola. One piece Iola lacked was a left-handed pitcher. Beckmon fills the void, giving them a good chance to repeat.
During the spring, Crests head baseball coach Roland Weir, mentioned Beckmons name to Indians head coach Jason Bauer. Weir believed Beckmon could be a solid addition to the Indians pitching staff for the summer. When Bauer saw Beckmon play, he was at his best.
Bauer umpired one of my games that I pitched, Beckmon said. I happened to throw 12 strikeouts, have a home run and two doubles. I think that game helped me get the opportunity to be a part of this team.
Last season for the Lancers, Beckmon averaged eight strikeouts per game and batted .453. Crest is a 1A high school, and Iola 4A. The talent level varies, and playing baseball in Iola brings high expectations.
Early moments of the American Legion season were difficult for Beckmon. He expected life with the Indians to be the same as at Crest, but that wasnt the case. Beckmon found himself with other talented teammates. All of a sudden, he wasnt the go-to guy, which affected his self-confidence and level of play.
Before the Indians played Burlington away on June 12, Beckmon told Bauer he felt Legion ball in Iola wasnt for him. He ended up sticking it out, and threw a shutout in Game 2 of the double header in Burlington.
He has come along way, Bauer said about Beckmon. I think he was trying to fit in too much with the group, and not being himself. He has relaxed a lot more since then.
Being a part of a new team isnt always easy. Indians pitching coach and former Humboldt High pitcher, Grayson Pearish can relate.
Playing in college, and even when I was younger, the change of playing with a different group isnt easy, Pearish said. You just have to realize that you are there to play baseball. Once you figure out how to do your job, it is almost like being a part of another family. And thats a good thing to have once you figure out your place.
Beckmon said the Burlington game brought confidence both behind the plate and on the mound, describing it as a turning point for the summer. Being around a new group with winning in their DNA has been a pleasure for Beckmon.
Its great, and nobody likes to lose, Beckmon said. Dont get me wrong, I love Colony, but playing with this group is totally different. It has changed the way I like baseball. It makes me want to win even more after being a part of this team who rarely loses.
Legion play has also introduced Beckmon to new friends. At Colony High, he is one of only six guys in his graduating class.
Leaders like Isaac Vink have made Beckmon feel more at home. Vink said the players recognized Beckmons capability and took it upon themselves to make him feel a part of the team.
He has been a big part of the team so far this season, and has pitched a lot for us, Vink said. When he is loose and comfortable, he is great. Last year we didnt have anyone who could throw from the left side. He gives the team a different look, and can help us gain momentum. He brings a lot of encouragement and does a great job of picking people up. Zach is a great guy to have in the dugout.
The Indians start their zone tournament today. Iolas zone features Columbus, Yates Center, Rose Hill, and Fort Scott. The Indians will face the winner of Fort Scott and Yates Center and 10:20 a.m. on Saturday. This season, American Legion baseball has a shake up in play. No longer will there be a AA and AAA state champion due to the limited number of teams, making winning state no easy feat.
