Vale’s Tanner Hamilton makes a throw during a series at the Oregon East-West 3A, 2A, 1A All-Star baseball tournament recently. (Submitted photo).
VALE – Viking prep standout Tanner Hamilton recently played in the Oregon East-West 3A, 2A, 1A All-Star baseball series at Linfield College.
Hamilton played second and third base for the East team in games played June 8 and 9.
He said it was one of the most fun times he’s had playing baseball.
The East and West teams played a three-game series. The East won 2-1.
The West team, Hamilton said, consisted of players from Portland-area schools. The East team represented mostly rural baseball teams across Oregon, he said.
“It was competitive, but it really was more focused on fun and going out there and trying to make plays,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton said it wasn’t long before everyone was playing as a team.
“The first day we met each other and after that second game it felt like we had been playing together for a long time,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton said he is glad he was able to participate in the series.
“It was really cool. It is definitely a different experience when you play against each other and then play on the same team,” said Hamilton.
He said he is grateful he was able to play with a strong group of baseball players.
“The pitching was really good. It was really good baseball,” he said. “The competition was at a high level.”
Hamilton said he was a little sad to play his last prep baseball game – “but I couldn’t imagine a better way to go out.”
Hamilton is slated to play in the 3A East-West football game late this summer and then he will move to La Grande to attend Eastern Oregon University. He will play football for the Mounties.
News tip? Reporter Pat Caldwell: [email protected] or 541-473-3377.
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