Northstars poised for another big summer

Spring takes a while to arrive in places like Havre. But the it finally does, one of the many things it signals is the start of Havre American Legion Baseball.

And in 2024, the Havre Northstars are about to get it going. The Northstars, of head coach Patch Wirtzberger, are still a week away from officially opening the new season, and, they have intentionally downsized their schedule some this season but, still, the excitement for the new season and another summer on the diamond is building.

"The program is in a really good spot right now," Wirtzberger said. "We are coming off of a great season and are building momentum from winning the district tournament and getting a win at the regional tournament. This year's group may look young on paper, but we have a lot of experienced players on the roster.  After getting tryouts and a few practices in, our coaching staff can see that these kids have very high goals for themselves and the team. We are excited to be able to work with a group that seems motivated to accomplish big things and hold them to a very high standard to get them there."

In fact, the Northstars have had several great seasons in a row, but last year culminated with a district championship, another trip to the state tournament, and Havre hosting the Northwest A Regional Tournament at Legion Field. And while that all might be hard to top, the Northstars have the team to certainly make a go of it again this season.

Havre returns a wealth of experience including flame-throwing pitcher Jevin Jenkins, as well as veterans Terek Shipp, Colter Solomon, Chason Mader and Tanner Delarosa. That group will be the experienced leaders for the Northstars this season, but they also return standouts like Ezra Pyle and Tyson Brandon, who both saw extensive action last season, while Logan Kinsella, Tommy Lewis and Quinn Elliot also return.

Rounding out the Havre A roster will be Connor Essert, Teegan Solomon, Grady Haney and Archer Sawdy, all of whom are expected to be key contributors this season.

And Havre will once again be gunning for a district title and even a state title this season, but before the Northstars get to the postseason, they'll have an exciting schedule to navigate.

The Northstars will play non-conference home games against the Class AA Chargers, and the Glasgow Reds, while also hosting their annual Havre Jamboree May 31-June 2. That tournament will feature Miles City, Gallatin Valley, Glendive and Glasgow. The Northstars also will play at tournaments in Three Forks and Lewistown, while also playing at home and traveling to conference foes from Vauxhall, Great Falls, Fort MacLeod, Medicine Hat, Lewistown, Lethbridge and Tri-County.

Everything culminates with the North A District Tournament July 25-28 in Lethbridge, while the Class A State Tournament will run Aug. 1-5 in Polson.

"We have put together a nonconference schedule early in the season that should challenge us and give us a good idea of what we need to work on as we get into the summer conference schedule," Wirtzberger said.

That schedule begins with the Havre home-opener Sunday, May 5, against the AA Chargers. The Northstars host Lewistown in a conference doubleheader Sunday, May 12, and, they are set to host the professional Great Falls Voyagers in a scrimmage May 18. They will also host the annual Northstars Alumni Game May 31 at Legion Field.