Cody Beacom and Justin McNeish are all about baseball. And their league recognized it.

That’s why the two have been named recipients of the 2012 Butler County American Legion Baseball Coaches Choice scholarship awards.

Beacom, a pitcher-second baseman for Saxonburg, and McNeish, a first baseman for West Sunbury, are both receiving $1,000 toward their college education from the BCAL.

Beacom is headed to Indiana (Pa.) University while McNeish is studying civil engineering at Penn State-Behrend.

“I was shocked when Coach (Scott) Shearer texted me to tell me I won this,” Beacom said. “I had applied for other scholarships and didn’t get any of them. This will really help me out.”

McNeish said he’ll use his scholarship money “to help pay for my books and a few other expenses. It means a lot to me to get this.”

The Coaches Choice awards aren’t based on performance on the field or any kind of statistics. They are based on character, commitment and dedication to Legion baseball.

Standing only 5-foot-8, 160 pounds, Beacom relied on control as a pitcher. He helped Saxonburg reach the BCAL title game this year, where it lost to East Butler.

“I relied on my control.getting a lot of strikeouts and few walks,” Beacom said. “I had tendinitis in my elbow this year, so I couldn’t throw my slider very much. I relied on my fastball.

“I like pitching. Being on the mound ,... I’m comfortable there. I like to be in control of the game, set my own tempo and pace.”

Beacom made every one of Saxonburg’s practices and games this season except, ironically, the championship game.

“We got rained out in the playoffs on Thursday and we (his family) left for vacation Friday,” Beacom said. “We figured the season would be over by then.”

McNeish played first base every game for a West Sunbury team that struggled in terms of won-loss record.

“Legion baseball is a little more relaxed than the high-stress leagues,” McNeish said. “It was still good competition and that made it fun.

“Being on the field with all of your friends, getting a chance to play baseball every day ... That’s fun whether you’re winning or losing.”

Like Beacom, McNeish made every one of his team’s practices and games.

“Baseball served as my escape from the world,” he said.

BCAL president Jerry Piroch said McNeish “had his head in the game at all times. You could tell he was really into it.

“Cody Beacom is the type of kid every coach wants on his team He’s a totally versatile ballplayer who will play anywhere you need him,” Piroch said.

“When you talk about coachable, you’re talking about both of these kids,” Piroch added.

Beacom plans to play Eagle County baseball with Saxonburg next year. He will not attempt to walk on at IUP.

McNeish did try out for Penn State-Behrend as a freshman last spring, but didn’t make the team.

“I’ll miss it, but I’m done with organjzed ball,” he said. “I’ll concentrate on working and studying from here on out.”

Beacom and McNeish also spent four years with the Knoch and Moniteau high school baseball programs, respectively.