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George steps down from Post 29 program

Elkins manager had served in numerous roles with American Legion baseball

The Inter-Mountain file photo Chris George, left, has announced he will step down as manager of the Elkins Post 29 American Legion baseball team.

ELKINS — The Elkins Post 29 American Legion baseball program has taken a big hit as Chris George has stepped down from his duties.

George had served in numerous roles with American Legion baseball — both locally and statewide.

He was currently serving as acting chairman for West Virginia American Legion baseball while Bill Burkett is tending to health issues.

George was Burkett’s assistant for several years and represented West Virginia in the national convention, which was held virtually in the fall.

The decision was then made by the Legion state administration to replace George as acting/assistant director, which led to his departure.

“I will not and cannot work for the current (Legion) state administration,” George said. “Therefore I’m no longer a part of any aspects of American Legion baseball, including being manager of the Elkins Post 29 team.”

George had served as the manager of Post 29 since 2004. Under his tenure and coaching staff, the program was one of the top in the state, compiling a record of 451-266-4.

Elkins captured the state title in 2012 and finished as runner-ups in both 2010 and 2011. Post 29 has won an unprecedented 13 straight area banners.

“All of the credit for the success we’ve had goes to the assistant coaches and players,” George said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with great kids and the kids are what it’s all about.

“I guess the time has come, however, for somebody else to take over and I wish them the best of luck, whomever it is.”

Fortunately, George will still serve as president of the annual Hillbilly Hardball Classic Tournament, which takes place each year around Father’s Day weekend.

The event, which attracts nearly 30 Legion teams from around West Virginia and surrounding states, was not held in 2020 due to COVID-19. It will also not take place this summer.

“We tried our best to have the Hillbilly this year but the dates didn’t work out,” George said. “With the SSAC (West Virginia Scholastic Athletic Commission) pushing the start date for high school baseball back due to the pandemic, postseason play will still be going on.

“We looked at the first weekend in July, but there are two other established tournaments taking place at the same time and getting enough teams and umpires was not feasible.”

Along with the success of his teams on the field, George is also proud of his work on the administrative side with Legion baseball.

“We were able to work with nationals to bring a regional tournament to Morgantown for the next three years,” George said. “We got the ball rolling and the folks in Morgantown did the rest to bring this event to our state.”

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