Essex Post 91 captured the 2026 Vermont American Legion Baseball state tournament on July 31, delivering a pair of victories that crowned the team as champions for the first time since 2023 and added a 14th title to the program’s storied history.
Road to the Championship
The championship run began with an elimination game against Ludlow Post 36, where Essex posted a 9‑5 win, followed by a decisive 11‑6 triumph over Lyndon Post 30 in the title match. The two games combined for 20 runs, 19 hits and five errors committed by the opposition, underscoring the intensity of the final day.
Jake Philbrick earned the win on the mound, tossing six innings while allowing five runs (four earned) and striking out six batters. At the plate, Garret Carter delivered a two‑run double in the sixth inning that helped seal the championship, and Owen Labor added a two‑run single in the fifth to push the lead to 9‑3. Nico Caiano contributed three RBIs and two hits across the tournament, fueling the offense.
The victory sends Essex Post 91 to the Northeast Regionals, scheduled for August 5‑9 in Worcester, Massachusetts, where they will face the best amateur teams from the region in pursuit of a national title.
Finishing the summer with a 22‑7 record, the champions reflect a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, a combination that has kept the program competitive for over a decade. The organization, supported by its partners and the local community, looks forward to building on this momentum in the coming seasons.