By Stephen Smoot
The town that sent Richard and Larry Brown to play as solid major leaguers for a number of squads in the 50s and 60s can add another feather to its baseball cap. Parents and others have organized their efforts to put together a program for Lincoln Middle School.
Newly minted head coach Seth Marshall emphasized that “by all means, this was all the parents. All credit goes to them.”
Middle school baseball represents a new phenomenon in Harrison County. Marshall explained that “two years ago, South Harrison started a team and Babe Ruth ended. Children aging out of little league for a time mostly faced travel ball options.
Travel teams expose players to play outside of the state and can provide great coaching and experience – for a price. Many who wanted to play could not overcome the sometimes thousands of dollars in costs that such experiences require.
Lincoln Middle School parents started the effort. “They had to raise money and go to the board and plead their case,” Marshall explained. He added that “when ours was approved, everyone else got theirs too. Lincoln set this in motion for the county, which is good because this is needed.”
Of the kids, Marshall said “they’re really excited. They were bummed out that their first game on Friday was postponed due to weather.” He also shared that “they are really excited. They’re eager for it to get started.”
More than 40 kids turned out for the organizational meeting, of whom just under 30 came to tryouts. After evaluation, the coaches cut the roster to 15, which Marshall stated caused “a couple of sleepless nights.”
Marshall, who graduated from Bridgeport and played for its powerhouse football program, has spent three years coaching with the middle school football team and has taught for four years.
Lincoln Middle’s baseball program will face strong challenges. They will travel to Elkins and also take a two and a half hour one way road trip to Franklin in Pendleton County. Both Elkins and Pendleton County boast significant baseball traditions at the high school level. Pendleton County also recorded its highest number of children playing little league in 2024 in the history of the organization.
Those who cannot attend the games can follow the team online using the Game Changer phone or computer app.
“These are a great group of kids who represent Shinnston very well,” Marshall said.