The American Legion Post 247 baseball team began its season last week under Head Coach Kasey Wilson.

Wilson began his second-stint as head coach after taking some time off during the last couple of years.

"I took a break to be home with by children during the summer," Wilson said. "I am pretty excited about getting back into coaching such a talented team."

Wilson played baseball at Middle Georgia College and Southern Poly Tech before being drafted into the pros. He played for several professional teams, including the Macon Peaches, San Angelo Colts, Jackson Senators and Windy City Thunderbolts.

Post 247 played a scrimmage game double header last Thursday against one of the better teams in the state, Georgia Elite.

Despite losing both games, 13-3 and 15-0, Wilson was pleased with his team's effort.

"Georgia Elite ... 90 percent of its 25 players have already signed in college. They are a really good team," Wilson said.

"Our goal as a coaching staff is to get the players ready for college baseball," Wilson said. "We want them to play at a higher level than highschool ball."

Wilson said as a team the goal is to advance as far as possible.

"Our goal for this American Legion team is to get to state. With the talent we have on this team, we should make it easily," he said.

There are four Dawson County players on this year's team: Hunter Wehunt, David Chester, Jeffrey Partington and Elijah Fitts.

Players from Lumpkin, Gilmer and White counties, as well as Duluth will make up the majority of this year's team.

"The chemistry on the team is good. Our guys are ready for the season to start. This group works really hard and we have a great core of players," Wilson said.

Saturday the team will play a doubleheader against Forsyth at Dawson County High School.

First pitch for game one will be at 6 p.m.