State Legion coming to Legion

It will be some time before the Havre Northstars American Legion baseball team takes to the field, but the coming season will feature something exciting for the Northstars, and Havre baseball fans alike. When the season hits its last legs, the city of Havre will get to see something that has not happened in quite some time.

Havre is hosting the 2020 Class A American Legion State Tournament.

That's right Havre baseball fans, the state tournament for this season will be held at Legion Field. Eight teams across Montana and Alberta will face off in the crown jewel of baseball facilities for a chance at a state chipper.

To host the tourney is a big thing for Havre Youth Baseball, and Northstars head coach Patch Wirtzberger is excited that they pulled through to win the bid to host.

"Each conference gets a chance to host every year," Wirtzberger said. "Every four years, the North (Division) gets the opportunity to host and then it goes to a bidding process. We were fortunate enough to win the bid this year."

With the location of the state tournament confirmed, Havre baseball fans and baseball fans in general can flock to Legion Field for a chance to watch some intense and exciting baseball. On top of that, it is not often that Havre has hosted a state baseball tournament, so it will be some time till Legion Field may see one again.

Regardless, the Northstars will have the opportunity to put on a show in the postseason on their home field, as the host team earns an automatic bid to the tournament. Not only will the team and fans benefit from hosting, but Wirtzberger sees the community of Havre gaining a lot of bonuses when the state competition rolls around.

"It's great for the community," Wirtzberger said. "Eight baseball teams are going to be up here for five days and that's obviously good for the economy. Hotels will be full, stores should be full and restaurants should be full, so I think it's a great thing for the community."

The other big thing when it comes to hosting the state tournament is that the Northstars will be able to push for a shot at being the top dog in front of the supportive baseball community. Home games for Havre are always a great way to watch the team put in work against their opponents. Now, the Northstars will get to do that for five days at Legion Field.

There will be a great atmosphere at the tournament, too. Havre fans will not have to travel far to come support the Northstars and enjoy the many baseball games that will take place throughout the five-day tourney. After all, they say that baseball is America's pastime.

There will be a lot to look forward to when it comes to having the 2020 American Legion State Tournament here in Havre, but Wirtzberger looks forward to the opportunity to watch his team compete.

"The way the Legion A works is that the host team gets an automatic bid into the tournament, so I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of having our players play in it," Wirtzberger said. "Obviously, the goal all season will be to qualify outright, but I'm excited for our kids to get the opportunity to play the best teams in the state and I think that's just a great opportunity for them to take advantage of."

Wirtzberger knows what Havre baseball fans can look forward to, as well.

"Havre baseball fans can look forward to quality baseball for almost a week long in Havre," he said. "It's been since 2004, that we've had the opportunity to host this tournament. Back then it was an 11-team tournament, but now it's only eight, which means the teams are only better. I think that's great for Havre baseball fans here."

With that, stay tuned throughout the Northstars season this year, as Havre will be looking forward to hosting the 2020 American Legion State Tournament July 25-29 at Legion Field.