Once again, as is the case nearly every summer, Springfield Post 176 is making big noise in the American Legion District 17 baseball tournament.

For years, it hasn't mattered what number seed Springfield is in the competition. Post 176 always makes a strong showing in the tournament. This year the No. 4 seed is 2-0 and will play in the winner's bracket final Wednesday night.

"We never care what seed we are, we always point toward this tournament," veteran Springfield manager Al Vaxmonsky said. "This is the most important time."

Monday night Springfield knocked off No. 1 seed Arlington Post 139 by a 6-4 score. Arlington was 3-0 against Springfield during regular season play.

If Arlington was expecting to have an easy time against Springfield on Monday night, Post 139 wasn't familiar with the successful tournament history of Post 176. Under Vaxmonsky, the team won five straight tournament titles from 1994 to 1999 and won titles again in 2003 and 2006. Springfield has been second four times since 1993, third two other times since 1993 and fourth two other times.

Thus, it's no surprise at all that Post 176 is having another strong tournament.

- Dave Facinoli