Junior Legion Baseball Names All-Stars

The American Legion Post 175 junior baseball team will send Matthew Dove, Brooks Harris and Kody Phillips to the 17U state All-Star game this month.

“All three of these young men had overall outstanding seasons this summer,” said Dave Ferris, head coach of the American Legion Post 175 junior team. “They each batted better than .350, can play multiple positions well, and are very respectful team players.”

Ferris, who also is the head coach for the Severna Park High School junior varsity team, said that Harris has played four seasons with him – two seasons on junior varsity and two summer baseball seasons. In addition to being a threat at the plate and batting second, Harris is a strong infielder and pitcher. Heading into the postseason, Harris played in 23 games and was leading the team in home runs and was second in stolen bases.

Dove is another versatile athlete who can play any infield position, including pitcher or catcher. One game into the postseason, he had a .400 batting average, posting the team’s second-highest number of hits. Ferris called Dove “a well-rounded, consistent player who could be counted on to get the job done.” Dove batted fifth in the lineup.

Phillips was the workhorse of the summer season. The No. 3 hitter appeared in more games than any other player and had more than 100 plate appearances to boast a .387 batting average and .600 slugging percentage. He led the team in hits and was second in runs batted in. Phillips primarily played catcher but also pitched and played third base. Ferris called Phillips “a natural leader who led by example on the field and in the dugout.” Ferris noted that, as a catcher, Phillips was especially good at offering the pitcher instructions and constructive adjustments from behind the plate.

Dove and Phillips will be sophomores and Harris will be a junior at Severna Park High School in the upcoming school year. All three players were on the undefeated Severna Park High School junior varsity baseball team during the shortened spring 2021 season.

Dove, Harris and Phillips will join other American Legion junior All-Stars from Maryland on Saturday, August 14, at 2:00pm in Joe Cannon Stadium in Hanover, Maryland. The game is open to the public.