TAHLEQUAH — At first glance, Oklahoma Bandits coaches Kerry Hallman and Jordan Freel could pass as one of their younger players. Barely into their twenties, the coaching duo is using their youth to connect with Tahlequah’s Oklahoma Bandits American Legion baseball team. Only a few years away from their playing days at Northeastern State, Hallman and Freel are making summer league baseball fun for the seventeen members of the Bandits squad.

With a season that features over forty games, the pair have made the grueling schedule a little easier by cutting up with kids while teaching fundamentals. In addition to earning the respect of their players, Hallman and Freel have gained a warm welcome from the community as well.

“Being around the game again is great, but watching these kids grow as ballplayers and young men is what it’s all about,” said Hallman.

Indeed, the coaching style of Hallman and Freel has made it possible for the kids to bond together. Although some of the players have never worn the same uniform before, the Bandits have been able to gel over the course of the summer.

“We have really good team chemistry right now. All the kids are willing to do what we ask because they know we are interested in watching them succeed,” said Freel.

Umpire Adam Woodard has been officiating American Legion baseball games for the past three years. Having played his high school ball at Tahlequah High, Woodard has seen the rise of a league that has struggled for a few years.

“When I first became associated with Legion baseball, there wasn’t much interest from the community. I credit Coach Hallman and Coach Freel for putting people in the stands,” said Woodard.

Summer league baseball features some of the top players in the area. For one of those players, third basemen Sean Bridges, having a younger coaching staff makes learning the game fun. He credits Hallman and Freel for taking his game to the next level this summer.

“Because our ages and personalities are alike, I can look to them as a friend as well as a coach. They’re always motivating and have such an enthusiasm for what they do,” said Bridges.

Earlier this season, the Bandits were losing a game by three runs in the fourth inning against Kerwins. Instead of hanging up there hats, right fielder Dusten Knight remembers Coach Hallman being cool under pressure. The Bandits soon bridged the gap by the fourth inning by putting up four quick scores. At the conclusion of the game, the Bandits came from behind and won 8-4.

“We have had several games like the one against Kerwins were it would have been easy to throw in the towel. However, our coaching staff continued to believe in us and we came up with numerous victories,” said Knight.

Throughout summer ball the coaches have also been there to talk to the players about things outside the baseball diamond. Everything from school to part-time jobs are open game and the players are taking advantage of the advice. Pitcher Ethan Clark believes these qualities are what make Coach Hallman and Freel more accessible when he needs guidance on the mound.

“Being how old they are, I can relate to what they’re teaching better. No subjects off limits with these guys,” said Clark.

With the season coming to end, Hallman and Freel feel that the Bandits will have a good chance to make a winning run in the district tournament.

“We’re right where we need to be as far as our team is concerned to compete against anyone we’ll face in the future,” said Hallman.