Josh Hammaker is a difference maker. He has the ability to change the complexion of a game, the chemistry of a team and the direction of a program.
That was very apparent last week.
Hammaker, a catcher for the Fifth Ward Lebanon County American Legion League team, helped the Golden Gophers to their first win of the season, a 6-4 triumph over Richland. Hammaker stroked a pair of run-scoring singles, each of which gave Lebanon the lead, and did an admirable job of calling pitches and handling pitchers.
Hammaker was also involved in two pivotal defensive plays at the plate during the contest.
Hammaker will be a key performer if Fifth Ward is to make the jump from playoff outsiders to postseason contenders this season. Hammaker was not a member of the Golden Gophers last season and did not play summer baseball locally.
Due to an injury, Hammaker got off to a slow start as a catcher for the Cedar Crest baseball team. But he came on at the end of the scholastic season to post solid numbers for the Falcons.
– Jeff Falk