Post 49 welcomed back to Hamlet from American Legion state finals

HAMLET — The Post 49 baseball team had a welcoming committee waiting across from City Hall for their return home from the American Legion state finals late Monday night.

The team picked up a law enforcement escort by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office when they crossed the Pee Dee River. The Rockingham Police Department assisted as they passed through the city limits, with the Hamlet Police Department joining the convoy in the final stretch.

The small crowd of family and members of the American Legion and Hamlet City Council greeted the team as they rolled down Main Street and circled around into the parking lot.

Players were met with hugs before unloading their gear and hugged each other before going to their respective homes to rest after three days of tournament play.

“As far as the state tournament…we’re all disappointed but we’re very satisfied with the team this year,” said Eddie Martin, who is a member of both American Legion Hamlet Post 49 and the Hamlet City Council. “They did a great job.”

Martin added that the team “performed very well,” putting “their heart and soul” into the season, and “provided great entertainment” to residents of Richmond and surrounding counties.

The team — featuring players from Richmond, Moore and Scotland counties — fell 6-3 to the Garner Nationals Monday at the finals in Cherryville, finishing the season with a 24-7 record.

Post 49 lost their first finals game to Union County Post 535 on Saturday, but stayed in the tournament with a Sunday win against High Point Post 87.

This was the first time Post 49 made it to the state finals in more than 25 years, finishing the season with a 24-7 record.

“I think what they accomplished this year as a team has set the tone to bring back American Legion baseball to Hamlet,” Martin said. “I think this year could be the beginning of bringing back the glory days.

“Hopefully next year, we’ll make it back to the state finals and try again.”