Summer baseball peaks as Concord faces Weare in American Legion play
Published: 07-12-2025 9:30 AM |
For recent graduates and varsity student-athletes, it does not get much better than summer baseball. Going out without the pressure of winning a state championship, fewer rain delays and a change of pace from work is a joy for everyone involved.
On Thursday night, Concord Post 21 hosted Weare Post 65 in a close New Hampshire American Legion baseball matchup that saw both teams’ best. Despite a big rally in the fifth inning, Concord fell short of tying up the game and narrowly lost, 6-5.
Weare, as to be expected, is largely composed of John Stark’s NHIAA Division II state finalist team and many up-and-coming junior varsity players. The goal is always winning, but the focus is on improving fundamentals and getting reps, according to head coach Dennis Pelletier.
Weare doesn’t pick from multiple schools like Concord does, where Bow, Concord, St. Paul’s and Bishop Brady kids can be found. S, Pelletier uses it as an opportunity for continuity within the Generals’ baseball program.
More than that, though, Pelletier loves giving the boys a chance to escape their summer jobs and play ball.
“It’s just nice weather; there’s less stress. I don’t have to deal with all the school stuff. It’s just we show up to the ball field and play,” he said. “And this program has been a godsend, and the best thing I’ve probably ever done when it comes to sports, combined with field hockey, starting summer programs for the kids to play.”
John Stark fell in the recent D-II final but, three days after, it went right into American Legion play.
For graduate Chase Philibotte, it was a good break. He was dominant for the Generals all season, won multiple accolades for his performances and committed to play for Franklin Pierce in the fall, but nothing beats summer ball.
Article continues after...
Yesterday's Most Read Articles





“We just picked right back up having fun and high school is so much more serious, and you got to really focus, but this is like more laid back,” Philibotte explained after the win. “And it’s just fun. We’re here to compete, win games.”
In the other dugout, the sentiment was shared. Even though the loss pushed Concord further away from making the state tournament, the boys were vocal and enjoyed cheering the team on until the end.
Summer baseball shouldn’t feel like a chore, an extra job or more work to worry about during school break. Coach Matt Hamilton echoed Pelletier and explained that the life lessons and friendships forged through baseball are the most gratifying part of it all.
For many recent graduates, it’s one last chance to play alongside their hometown friends, and enjoying every minute of it is especially cherished.
“What a great, great group of kids, young men, they really are. They’re all extremely respectful, very punctual and committed, a really great group of young men for sure,” Hamilton added about his team.
Baseball can be a good escape. As the summer sun set on Memorial Field, the jokes from the dugout, the chirps in support of teammates, cheers from parents and baseballs dinging off bats filled the air on yet another Friday night.
Alexander Rapp can be reached at arapp@cmonitor.com.