Off the field, he’s known for his engaging personality and  his boyish charm. On the field, he’s known for his biting curveball and pinpoint control.

But for one day at least, Tanner Fitting made some big noise at the plate, with a bat in his hands.

On Tuesday at Fifth Ward Athletic Field, Fitting’s offense led the Annville American Legion baseball team to a 7-5 triumph over the home-standing Golden Gophers. Fitting led his bat do the talking, going four-for-four with three RBIs and a roundtripper.

With the victory, Fitting and Annville moved to 2-0 in the  early going of the local summer baseball circuit.

It’s a good start for Annville, most of whose players are two weeks removed from a high school season in which they helped Annville-Cleona qualify for the District Three Class AA and Lancaster-Lebanon League postseasons. It was a season which Fitting played a key role.

Most importantly, Fitting was the unquestioned emotional leader for the Little Dutchmen this spring. But the senior southpaw also served as Annville-Cleona’s top hurler and stopper from the mound.

Fitting’s presence and play will undoubtedly determine exactly how much damage Annville does in the County American Legion league over the next month.

 – Jeff Falk