Jace Essig, a member of the Junction City Brigade, came to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning and drilled a single to right field. That hit lifted the West team to a 2-1 victory over the East squad in the Mid Plains League / Conner Taylor All Star Game at Rathert Field Saturday night.
Essig's hit scored Orlando Lorduy of Sabetha with the winning run. Lorduy and Bobby Galindo of Sabetha both reached base following fielding errors by the East, and Ryan Webster of Sabetha drew a walk prior to Essig's single. For his play Essig was named the Most Valuable Player in the game. He recalled what was going through his mind when he got the hit. "Whenever I was a little kid we always dreamed of this, bases loaded, tough situation, just get the job done and Glory to God."
Approximately 450 people were in attendance at Rathert Field for the ballgame which was followed by a huge fireworks display.
League Commissioner Michael Moore enjoyed the event. "The people of Junction City, the people in charge of the Junction City Brigade did an outstanding job, the fans came out. It was a great night, what a great game. "
Brigade General Manager Cecil Aska said there was a good crowd and an exciting crowd that cheered a lot. "I loved the crowd, but what I loved when I did have a chance, there were some really fantastic plays by some of the players." Aska referred to three plays where outfielders left their feet to catch the ball.
The Junction City Brigade presented a check for $250 to the Change4Connor Foundation before the game. Conner Taylor, a former Coffeyville Red Raven pitcher threw the first home game in Baldwin City Blues history in 2014 against a team of ex-collegiate and professional ball players. He earned a win in that inaugural game. He then furthered his baseball career at Arkansas Tech. On Feb. 9, 2016 Connor tragically ended his life.
Connor's family, Marcy, Mike and Ryan, established the Change4Connor Foundation to bring an awareness to suicide prevention and mental health issues. To date the Foundation has provided thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships to various mental health, educational and athletic programs. The Mid Plains League has benefitted by the Taylor's support, annually recognizing the League's Pitcher of the Year with the Connor Taylor Award and Scholarship.