photo by: Kim North

Wheeling’s Braxton Billick celebrates after tripling in a game earlier this season. He serves as a double leadoff hitter from the No. 9 spot in the batting order.

WHEELING – Wheeling centerfielder Braxton Billick is seeking one for the thumb when Post 1 begins the American Legion Baseball Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament on Wednesday.

The Wheeling Central graduate has been a member of four state championship teams in the last 13 months, winning two with Wheeling Post 1 (2024, 2025), one with Wheeling Central’s Class AA boys’ basketball team and another as a member of the Maroon Knights Class AA baseball team.

“It’s the best feeling in the world right now. In high school, we had two tough season-ending losses my sophomore and junior years, so winning it this year felt really good,” Billick said of the high school championship. “Running this (Legion) title back this summer has been really fun, too.

“Even though we didn’t get it done last year, we’re going down there this year with the mentality that we are winning it. The first game is going to be a tough one, so we’re just taking them one at a time.”

The speedy Billick, one of six Post 1 players that return from 2024, was Wheeling Central’s leadoff hitter, but he’s in the 9-hole for Post 1.

“I consider myself a double leadoff hitter, especially with Chris (Upton) at the top of the order,” Billick explained of his role.

“I take pride in batting ninth.”

He has come through with a .397 average, 29 hits, 16 RBI and 24 runs scored.

Seth Cover, who played travel ball in Pittsburgh the last few summers, has been a welcome addition, as has fellow Maroon Knight state champions Brady Ernest and Jake Brown.

They’ve all played a huge role in the success that Post 1 has achieved.

Cover will toe the rubber in the opener.

“I never get tired of playing baseball, especially when we’re winning like we have been,” he added. “My confidence is at an all-time high right now. I’m looking to compete in Game 1.

“It’s just like our approach to the W.Va. state tournament, we can’t take any game lightly,” he added. “They’re all good teams in the regional, so we need to stay hot and keep our momentum going.”

Ernest said winning back-to-back state titles in high school and American Legion is something he will never forget.

“It feels great. I won my first state title in high school season and now I’ve won my first American Legion state title.”.

His bat caught fire late in the season as his .448 average is indication. He finished with three home runs, nine doubles and 12 RBI.

“I’m seeing the ball really well,” he explained. “I’ve been catching fastballs early in the count, and catching barrels.”

Brown is a role player who knows he has to perform when his number is called.

“It’s kind of been a lot, but baseball is my favorite sport,” Brown said. “I love to play it. I know that when I get in the game I’ve got to make the most of my opportunities.”