From the S.C. American Legion
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Blythewood Bombers finished a memorable summer by claiming the 2026 South Carolina American Legion Baseball Junior AA State championship.
The championship capped a season marked by strong pitching, consistent offense and an ability to win both high-scoring contests and tightly contested games.
Blythewood established itself as a championship contender early in the summer. The Bombers opened their posted schedule with a 5-3 victory over Richland Post 215 White before defeating Lugoff-Elgin Red, 11-4, and Newberry Post 24, 17-3.
They continued their run with wins over Mid-Carolina Post 24, Lexington Post 7, North Augusta Post 71, Midland Valley Post 153 and Aiken Baseball Club.
The results demonstrated the Bombers’ versatility. Blythewood produced decisive victories, including a 9-0 shutout of North Augusta and a 6-0 win over Midland Valley, but the team also responded when games went down to the final innings. The Bombers edged Lexington, 11-10, and later defeated Aiken, 8-7, showing the composure needed to survive championship-level competition.
A 15-3 victory over Dutch Fork Post 193 during the July portion of the schedule provided another example of the Bombers’ offensive ability. Those performances helped prepare Blythewood for the pressure of postseason baseball and ultimately for its state-championship finish.
Blythewood capped a 9-1 season with a 11-4 victory in the final over Richland Post 215. The win also avenged the Bombers’ lone loss of the season on July 1.
The championship roster included players from Blythewood High School, Richard Winn Academy, Gray Collegiate Academy and other area programs. SCALB’s posted roster lists Landon Gilchrist, Ryan Bottar, Seve Swearingen, Walker Blackwelder, Bryson Franklin, Greyson Von Plinsky, Jacob Waters, John Caldwell, Mason Patrick, Andre’ Burrows, Michael Eddis, Carter McCune, Cort Owings, Parker Knight, Camron Lloyd, Jackson Giles, Dayton Wilburn and Jackson Loftis.
The Bombers were supported by a coaching and administrative staff that included assistant manager Justin Blackwelder, team administrator Scott Bottar and assistant coach Todd Mattox. Their leadership helped guide a young roster through the regular season and the challenges of postseason play.
