Chapin/Newberry came within a victory in 2019 of reaching a 4th American Legion state championship tournament in 7 years.

Now participating in the 21-team S.C. American Summer League, Chapin/Newberry will compete in a 7-team Midlands region with Lexington, West Columbia, Richland, North Augusta, Edgefield and Greenwood. 

The top 4 teams will make the playoffs and play 2, Best-of-3 series to determine 2 of the 6 finalists for a double-elimination tournament at a neutral site for the state championship.

“I’m excited about it,” Chapin/Newberry head coach Joey Smith said. “I think we’ll be decent if our pitching comes through.”

While Chapin pitching ace and University of South Carolina commitment Cade Austin is among the returning hurlers, Smith said the rotation will be relatively new this season. 

Among the other returning players are pitchers/infielders Bryce Medlock, Blair Rogers, Kelson Palmer, infielder Jarrett Whitley and outfielder Lawson Brand.

Chapin/Newberry will play its home games at Melvin Park in Chapin. It's scheduled to face Lexington June 25 at 6:05 pm at Segra Park in Columbia.