Idaho Falls bandits ready to take on the Chukars – LocalNews8.com

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – It’s a tradition that Idaho Falls baseball fans look forward to every year.

The bandits and Chukars of Idaho Falls have been fighting each other for years. This friendly match gives both teams the opportunity to have a little fun before the start of their season.

Although they technically keep score, this game is essentially the live-action version of Sandlot. They play for the love of the sport. No real winners or losers. Just baseball.

Dax Whitney, pitcher and shortstop for the Idaho Falls Bandits, has been a member of the team for three years. He helped the Bandits win the American Legion World Series title in 2021 and recently helped the Blackfoot Broncos finish in third place in the Idaho State tournament. While being on top of the baseball world is nice, Whitney loves the feeling of playing at Melaleuca Field.

“It’s a great experience and the atmosphere is great,” Whitney said.

For three years, this journalist has been going to the friendly match. During those three years, it was filled with baseball fans.

“It’s a huge honor,” said sophomore Bandit wide receiver Tommy Woodcock. “Being able to carry on the legacy of the guys that came before us and being able to play for Ryand and Mick is huge.”

It was the training that they say helped them achieve one of their baseball dreams: advancing to the next level of play. Woodcock committed to play ball at South Mountain Community College in Arizona and Whitney committed to play at Oregon State University.

Even though the annual exhibition game is just the start of the Bandits’ season, it’s on the road where players say they have the most memories.

Greyson Martin, 2nd year Bandit infielder, reflects on the team’s trip to Omaha where they will watch the American Legion World Series. But also remember a few pranks along the way.

“We do a lot of pranks,” Martin said. “One time we hid Tommy’s wallet from her and it had a $100 bill in it,” Martin said.

“Yeah, I didn’t like that one,” Woodcock replied.

As the sun begins to set on some Bandits careers, many will eventually have to make peace with the fact that they may never experience the championship trophy at season’s end.

But after speaking with these young athletes, this reporter believes that whatever happens at the end of this season, they will hold their heads high. Because these are not the trophies or personal bests they will remember in 30 years.

These are the memories of our mutual efforts to become the best player possible. Celebrate each other’s success. Laughing at inside jokes in the dugout. But above all, playing the greatest game of all time, with their friends.

Invaluable.

Tonight’s game takes place at Melaleuca. First pitch is at 7 p.m.