Caleb Baxter, Logan Hickey and Hunter Scott are going to different colleges to do different things.

However, they do share something — a devotion and appreciation for Butler County American Legion baseball.

Each has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the BCAL as a result. The three were among a group of 10 players in the league who wrote essays describing “why legion baseball is important to me” in an attempt to win those scholarships.

The BCAL managers determined the winners.

Baxter plays for Center Township, Hickey for Saxonburg and Scott for East Butler.

“I remember when Caleb was called up to the legion team at age 14,” BCAL president Jerry Piroch said. “He was so small, they couldn't find pants that would fit him.

“He developed into the heart and soul of that (Center Township) team.”

An outstanding Butler High School wrestler, Baxter is headed to Waynesburg University to continue his academic and wrestling career. The BCAL enabled him to extend his passion for playing baseball.

“With my commitments to wrestling and track in high school, there's no way I could have played high school baseball,” Baxter said. “I love the game. There's so much tradition there for my family and myself.”

Baxter has been playing baseball in Center Township for 14 years, working his way up from T-ball. His grandfathers played baseball. His father and brother played for Center Township legion.

“This league has done a lot for me. Mostly, it gave me the opportunity to play,” Baxter said.

Hickey, whose father Mike is the Saxonburg manager, said legion ball helped Knoch High School form the bond that resulted in its 2015 state championship run.

“It had an impact there, for sure,” he said. “We always played together, through spring and summer. It's going to be sad to see it go away next year.”

Hickey is entering his sophomore year at Butler County Community College this fall. He plays on the baseball team there.

“Logan has missed maybe one game in three years of legion ball,” Piroch said. “His feelings toward the game are heart-felt. He wears the game on his sleeve.”

Hickey said he is surprised more high school players don't continue playing ball with their friends in the summer.

“That's what made it fun for us,” he said. “All of those years growing up and playing baseball together, it made us a solid team. We never dreamed of playing anywhere else.”

Scott also plays legion ball for his father, team manager Russ Scott. The veteran East Butler player will be entering his sophomore year as a safety management major at Slippery Rock University.

His baseball career will end when this season ends.

“Man, I'm going to miss it,” Scott said of his four-year East Butler career. “I've got a lot of great memories wearing this uniform.”

Among them are winning the BCAL championship with East Butler as a 16-year-old, tossing a no-hitter and hitting several home runs.

“Hunter Scott is one of the most pleasant kids in this league,” Piroch said. “He demonstrates sportsmanship and an appreciation for the game all of the time.

“Anyone who doesn't like Hunter Scott, there's something wrong with that person.”

Scott recalled veteran legion players Adam Harbison, Cody Herald and Brad Cottage helping him with his game when he was younger.

“I looked up to those guys back then. I felt like the legion league was the big leagues,” Scott said. “Since that time, I help out at BC3 winter workouts, coach Little League, help kids with their swings in the cages and their pitching.

“I'm thankful that I'm one of those older kids the younger players look up to now. I wanted to give that back.”