Results fluctuate for Post 81 through season

Liberty Post 81 manager Nate Cockman’s team had ups and downs throughout the season. (PJ Ward-Brown / Randolph Record)

LIBERTY — There were numerous twists and turns for Liberty Post 81 during the American Legion baseball season.

After a rough start, the team went on a roll in divisional play and later reached the second round of the Area 3 playoffs.

“It has been a roller-coaster,” manager Nate Cockman said. “It’s always fun.”

Post 81 finished with a 10-14 record.

There was largely a revolving door of available players for Liberty, but the team made the most of it.

Chance Holdaway, who played different spots in the field, said the pitching became worn down at times.

“Sometimes we don’t have the guys,” he said.

Infielder / pitcher Cade McCallum said the team’s roster had quality, though pointing out the difficulties connected to having only nine players available for some games.

Pitcher / shortstop Mark King and catcher Eli Holland, both former high school players for Southern Alamance, were key producers for Post 81.

“They’ve been a big help,” Cockman said.

Holland provided power with his bat and regular production, while King was atop the order and the most consistent and durable pitcher.

Cockman said among the goals was identifying a core group. With roster concerns on many nights, he said the approach was to focus on who was available and let the rest take care of itself.

There were times that up to three players from Post 81’s junior Legion program were in the lineup for the top team. Even then, those players were able to come through from the bottom of the batting order.