Summer team gives Vernon County players chance to play locally

NEVADA, Mo. -- Nevada and Vernon County high school-aged baseball players will have an opportunity to play for a local team again next summer.

Nevada plans to field two American Legion teams -- one for players 19-and-under and another for 17-and-under.

"The whole idea was to get kids from Nevada and also get kids from Hume, Sheldon, Bronaugh and Rich Hill," Red Sox General Manager Pat Chambers said.

Jim Rayburn, head coach for both Red Sox teams, came up with the idea.

"I've been pondering over it the last two years. The timing just wasn't right," Rayburn said. "The kids I had the last several years have been in the 13-14 age range and a couple of the older boys were playing travel ball. Really, the numbers wouldn't have been here.

"I've watched spring baseball and felt we need to get more playing time for kids. If they get more reps in, maybe they can be competitive with a Webb City."

The majority of the schedule, anticipated to be roughly 50 games for each team, will be played against opponents south of Nevada in Legion District 16 as well as Arkansas and Kansas.

The Red Sox, not sponsored by the American Legion, will conduct tryouts for the two teams, which have maximum roster limits of 18 players apiece.

Perhaps the most enlightening fact regarding the teams is players will be chosen on a level playing field.

Rayburn has arranged for three coaches out of the Kansas City area who have no ties to Nevada to conduct the tryouts.

Although the schedule won't be comprised until January, Chambers anticipates a full slate of games throughout June and July, with tournaments possibly running as late as mid-August.

Rayburn came up with the idea for starting up the teams and discussions regarding the Red Sox started this past July.

Coach Sanderson of Northeast Vernon County and Jason Irwin of Nevada will serve as assistant coaches.

While some teams charge outrageous fees just to try out for their teams, Red Sox players can play for no charge.

"We want to give everybody the chance to play," Chambers said. "There will be a $150 deposit on uniforms and if the uniform is returned (in good shape), they will get their deposit back."

When the Red Sox travel, players will have some expenses.

The Red Sox Board of Directors includes President Kip Schasteen, Vice-President Steve Ogle and board members Don Wehmeyer, Jody Norcross, Byron West and A.J. Terry. A seventh board member is expected to added at a later date.

"To our knowledge this is the first time a sports program in Nevada has been established with a Board of Directors," Chambers said.

Carrie Rayburn is the Secretary and fund-raising chairperson.

The Red Sox will play their home games at Lyons Stadium.

"We really appreciate the cooperation of the (Nevada School R-5 District) working with us. That is going to save us $6,000 on fees," Chambers said. "And Lyons Stadium is an excellent place to play baseball. There have been a lot of improvements made by the Griffons over the years."

Nevada will compete in American Legion District 6, which also consists of teams from Harrisonville and Warrensburg.

The Red Sox name comes from a semi-pro baseball team based in Nevada in the 1940s and 1950s.

"We're planning on honoring the players that are still around from those teams (at the first home game)," Chambers said.

The projected expenses to field two teams in 2008 is $32,500, which covers new uniforms, equipment, umpire fees and field fees. To help cover some of those expenses, the Nevada Red Sox will hold a Texas Hold 'Em Tournament fund-raiser at the Elks Lodge on Saturday, Dec. 8.

Those interested in entering the tournament should call Sports Stuff at (417) 667-5150.

The tournament, which starts at 2 p.m., is limited to the first 80 paid entries. There will be a barbecue lunch beginning at noon.