Henderson to ‘Light the Night’ vs. Avon Grove

Baseball teams have always been woven into the communities they play in, creating a family like feel.

One of the closest baseball communities is at West Chester Henderson. Longtime head coach Luke McNichol, assistants Steve Fitch and Joe Blythe are always looking for ways to help Henderson give back to the community.

This Wednesday, the Warriors will host Avon Grove at Bob Owens Field for “Light the Night.” The game will be a fundraiser for leukemia and lymphoma patients, two of whom are part of the Henderson baseball family.

During both the varsity and junior varsity games, Henderson will be offering a 50/50 raffle and will be selling t-shirts, bracelets, snacks and more. After the game there will be an after party at Barnaby’s of West Chester ($30 for those over 21, $20 for those under 21). This is all a prelude to a “Light the Night” walk in Wayne on Oct. 14. Henderson hopes to raise $5,000 from the game, the after party and the walk.

This fundraising effort is a way for the Henderson community to help two of its own, and others. Some things are much more important than baseball, and the Henderson family is one that goes beyond the diamond.

The game is also a very important one for both the Warriors and Red Devils as they try to secure District 1 playoff berths. Henderson is currently 5-5 in the Class 5A bracket and Avon Grove sports a 4-6 mark as it tries to qualify for the 6A playoffs. Playoffs are coming soon and preliminary power point numbers should be out next week. On the diamond in the Ches-Mont League, Bishop Shanahan is on fire, having reeled off eight straight victories. Shanahan is at the top of the National Divsion, along with Downingtown West and Downingtown East.

The Eagles are getting strong pitching from Austin O’Dell (who has already thrown a no-hitter this season) Dan Browne and Kevin Dodds. The lineup, led by Nick O’Day, is solid and the Eagles are defintiely for real. This is a big week for the Eagles as they host an improved Oxford team Monday and then visit Coatesville and Downingtown West, Wednesday and Friday.

*** Malvern Prep’s bid for an undefeated Inter-Academic League slate and an outright title was derailed by Penn Charter last week. The Friars’ Billy Corcoran was superb on the hill, but

the Quakers’ Joey Lancelotti struck out 11 batters and Penn Charter came away with a 1-0 win. The Friars will try to turn the tables on the Quakers May 9 when Penn Charter comes calling at home.