MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent West End’s Briar Persing, 17, and catcher Lucas Naughtoin, 25, receive the Babe Ruth Pennsylvania state championship plaque for the 13-16 year olds title after defeating Media. West End’s Babe Ruth program has won countless titles in its history, including Pennsylvania state championships, Mid-Atlantic Regional titles and World Series appearances.

As you walk to Logue Field after parking, it’s hard to miss the giant banners that adorn the dugouts, concession stand and press box, with numerous posters highlighting the successes West End’s Babe Ruth All-Star teams have achieved over the years.

Venture into the press box and it looks like you’ve entered the Boston Garden, with plaque after plaque hanging on the walls, dozens of them pointing out the various championships won over the years.

Pennsylvania State Championships.

Mid-Atlantic Region Championship title.

Starting positions and runs at the Babe Ruth World Series in the various age groups.

The faces and names in the dugouts of Logue Field change every few years, but one constant is the success and legacy of West End Baseball.

No matter which coach takes over, the expectation is that each summer they will be competing for a Mid-Atlantic Regional title and a shot at the World Series. This summer is the latest proof of that.

The West End All-Star team of 13- to 16-year-old players will compete in the Babe Ruth World Series in Branson, Missouri. They qualified by winning the Mid-Atlantic Regional championship in late July. The tournament begins Saturday with a first-round group match against Alabama.

It’s not a new feeling for West End manager Marc Hess. He coached West End’s 13-year-old All-Stars in 2022 that reached the World Series in Virginia. Now he’s back, with a group of extremely talented kids looking to continue building on that legacy and tradition.

Whenever a West End All-Star team wins a title, either at the state or regional level, West End President Jim Winder sends the kids to the press box and hangs one of the plaques on the wall. It’s fun for the kids and adds to the tradition.

“Continuing the rich tradition of West End (is great). You go out and play in these state and Mid-Atlantic tournaments and people know who West End is,” said Hess. “They know you’re from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and you’re a tough team to beat. Hearing New Jersey talk about us last year and the years before and how good we are (was cool). It’s good to get our name out there and make sure people know when we come to play that we’re bringing a really good baseball team and we’re going to continue to play all seven innings.”

This is a mindset shared by all the players. Every summer they have the chance to build on these titles and successes, and every summer they continue to perform at their best.

“I think it means a lot to our team and to myself. I look up there and see a lot of people I know and have seen play,” Said Wyatt Bair from West End. “It’s a gratifying experience.”

“Now we have two names up there (on the memorial plaques),” Said Mason Hess of West End, referring to his participation in the 2022 World Series. “Well, that’s nice.”

Of course, another title this summer will make it even sweeter. But win or lose, this group of players has already made a name for themselves like the other former West End stars with a state title and a Mid-Atlantic Regional title.

Jon Gerardi is sports editor at the Sun-Gazette. Reach him via email at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @JonGerardi.