The Alton Legion baseball team traveled to Ballwin, Missouri, to compete in the annual Baseball Battles Cancer tournament, a charity event that blends competition with awareness for the disease that claimed the wife of their manager.
A Tribute in Gray
In honor of Doug Booten's wife, Kelly Booten, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer, the players wore gray jerseys emblazoned with the name 'Kelly Strong'. The gesture turned the field into a moving memorial as the team took the diamond.
From the first inning the Legion posted runs, building an early lead that they never relinquished. The final score read 10‑4 in favor of Alton, a result that was sealed when the game was halted after the top of the sixth due to time‑limit constraints.
Ryan Lowis anchored the offense with three hits and three RBI, while Dagan Cordes, Jayce Steinkuehler, Abe Kribs and Reid Murray each contributed multiple hits. The depth of the lineup reflected the team's preparation and confidence.
Coach Josh Collman emphasized the importance of putting the ball in play and capitalizing on early opportunities, a strategy that paid dividends as the squad moved runners around the bases with purpose.
New pitcher Hayden LaPlant made a pivotal appearance on the mound, delivering key innings that steadied the game and allowed the offense to maintain its momentum.
Looking ahead, Alton is slated to play again on Sunday, with the possibility of entering as either a wildcard team or as the pool winner, depending on the tournament's final standings.