By Anvil Welch

awelch@joplinglobe.com

Tuesday was the lull before the storm for Pittsburg Post 64 American Legion baseball manager Mike Watt.

“Preparing for this trip is a little different,” Watt understated with a laugh. “It’s been interesting.

“It’s unique to be flying, of course,” Watt said. “We’re being treated like major leaguers this week.”

Post 64 qualified for the Central Plains Tournament at Minot (N.D.) by winning the Kansas Class AAA Tournament last week.

“The American Legion is paying for everything,” Watt said. “The players are even getting $18 daily for meals.”

Watt said today’s agenda calls for the Pittsburg group to leave at 11 a.m. to drive to Kansas City. It will take a flight to Minneapolis and another to Minot. The group tonight will attend a banquet for the participating teams.

The tourney opens at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday at Corbett Field with Aberdeen (S.D.) meeting Omaha NP Dodge. Pittsburg plays Dubuque (Iowa) County in Game 2.

The second doubleheader, starting at 4:30 p.m., is Dickinson (N.D.) vs. Minnesota Eastview and Blue Springs (Mo.) Rod’s Sports Athletics vs. host Minot Vistas.

Records are Aberdeen 40-16, NP Dodge 35-16, Pittsburg 29-10, Dubuque 10-2, Dickinson 38-15, Minnesota Eastview 31-8, Blue Springs 49-6 and Minot 37-21.

Watt and coach Kyle Wolf haven’t worried about a scouting report.

“We really don’t know any people with whom to talk,” Watt said. “I’m unsure right now about a starting lineup.”

Dubuque County, returning to regional play, has a veteran team and the record is deceptive considering that the high school season is played in the summer.

Pittsburg has a roster of 14 players. They are Nate Arnold, Drew Beasley, Tyler Bennett, Shane Drenick, Michael Hayes, Brett Marshall, Adam McCormick, Austin Ross, Tanner Smith, Brandon Spear, Kenny Wachter, Jesse Watt, Willie Watt and Nick Whetzell.