Outlaws receive postseason accolades

The Gallatin Valley Outlaws were well represented on the 2019 Universal Athletic American Legion All State and All Conference Teams.

Seniors Hunter Johnson of Three Forks and Michael Nehring of Manhattan were both named to the Southern District All State and All Conference teams. Seniors Michael Jones of Manhattan and Connor Johnson of Whitehall were both named to the All-Conference team for the Outlaws who finished the season 42-16 and were the Southern District Tournament Champions.

Assistant Coach Ryan Murphy said Hunter Johnson caught almost every game for the team and when he didn't catch, he was usually pitching.

"He was lights out behind the plate all season through throwing runners out and making plays that saved the teams runs," Murphy said. "Having a good catcher changes the whole mindset of an opposing team because even their fast players are hesitant to steal and turn singles and walks into doubles."

Hunter Johnson batted around .350 and had 55 RBI's.

A third basemen and pitcher for the team, Nehring received All State honors for the third time and was All Conference all four seasons with the team who plays its home games in Three Forks.

"Michael is definitely one of those kids that leads by example with his work ethic every day at practice he showed up to get better and he excelled at a young age and kept it going as he got older. He will be remembered as one of the best that came through the program," Murphy said.

Nehring led the team with 70 RBIs and had under a 3.00 ERA on the mound.

"Whenever the team needed a big play in a big moment he stepped up," Murphy said.

Jones had near a 2.00 ERA for Gallatin Valley and Murphy said he was by far the best pitcher for the team.

"He got put up on the mound in the biggest games of the year and always came out on top. He finished the season on the mound with 0 losses. Throwing 86-89 miles per hour he was able to command his fastball on the outer half and then come in with his breaking ball and change-up and at most times was unhittable," Murphy said. "At the plate he also had a good year batting .345 with 50 Runs batted in (RBI)."

Murphy said Connor Johnson led the team in stolen bases, runs scored, on base percentage, walks and batting average.

"Getting on base over 65 percent of the time he was able to turn a lot of those walks into doubles by leading the way with 40 stolen bases and only getting thrown out once all season. One thing about Connor he always put the ball in play and used his wheels to make the other team try to make plays which usually led to him getting on base. He ended the year with a batting average around .410. He also tracked down many balls in the outfield that stopped big innings from happening," he said.