The Alton Legion baseball team has begun its summer schedule, fielding a blend of promising talent drawn from a dozen local high schools.
Manager Doug Booten, who has been at the helm for several seasons, acknowledges the early setback but remains confident that the squad will tighten up as the weeks progress.
The roster reads like a small town directory, featuring names such as Logan Bromaghim, Hayden Schepers, Dylan Vandiver, Nolan Bowsher, Bradley Herrin, Tate Powell, Jerald Downs, Landon Sitze, Reid Murray, Johnny Kunz, Jayce Steinkuehler, John Kodros, Ryan Lowis, Chase Collman, Abe Kribs, and Dagan Cordes.
Coaches Dan Collman, Josh Collman, Doug Steinkuehler and John Bogard have been working closely with the players, emphasizing fundamentals and teamwork.
A Program in Motion
Booten stresses that the program’s long‑term goal is to establish a pipeline that not only retains recent graduates but also draws back former players who wish to continue competing for their hometown organizations.
The ultimate ambition is to capture the District 22 tournament and earn a berth in the state tournament, a milestone that would mark a significant step in the team’s development.
With a core of 14 to 15 athletes, the Legion is already seeing a culture of mutual support, as Booten notes that the group “has a good group of kids who support each other.”
The optimism extends beyond the field, as community leaders and local businesses have begun to rally behind the effort, hoping to sustain interest and participation for future seasons.