Norwalk's Legion Champs Look Ahead to Regionals

NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk's Post 12 Senior Legion team has been in uncharted territory for a while now. After an incredible run to the team's first-ever state championship Saturday, Post 12 will venture further into the unknown at the Northeast regional tournament in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. According to state tournament MVP Spencer Jacoby, the unknown is not a problem for Norwalk.

"The beautiful part of it is that nobody knows what to expect. It's the same as states—not low expectations, but no expectations," said Jacoby, who hit .545 in the tournament. "Just go in and have fun. Right now it's all gravy, and hopefully we can string a few wins together like in states."

That seemed to be the attitude of the entire team as Post 12 practiced at City Hall Field on Tuesday. Players still seemed to be in a bit of disbelief that less than 24 hours after what was arguably their worst game of the season they bounced back to take their first state title in the 83-year history of Connecticut Legion baseball. The magic of that flawless 3-0 victory over Branford was nowhere close to rubbing off anytime soon.

"The guys were fired up in the first game [against Branford]--maybe a little too fired up--and that's why our defense played like that [with six errors]," first-year head coach Chris Brown said. "But I firmly believe in baseball that any given time any team can beat another, no matter how good they are."

One huge reason Norwalk was able to bounce back the morning after their fielding debacle was the scintillating pitching performance by Leon Fleming. The big righty induced ground ball after ground ball, keeping Branford off the bases and off the board.

"The best thing you can say about these kids is they compete," Brown said. "They want the ball on the mound and they want to be up at the plate."

Added Jacoby, "I've been playing with some of these guys for a long time—Leon, Kevin Daniele, Eric Stenger. When you're in that dog pile celebrating, it's means so much more to be in there with people you love and trust. It means a lot."

Norwalk begins the journey toward a regional title when it takes on the Maine state champion at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Follow Eric Gendron on Twitter for updates on Norwalk's progress in the Northeast regional tournament and for the latest MSC-Fairfield County sports coverage.

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