COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Blythewood Bombers finished a memorable summer by claiming the 2026 South Carolina American Legion Baseball AA State Championship, earning the program a place among the state’s title-winning teams.

South Carolina American Legion Baseball officially recognized the Bombers as the 2026 AA state champions on its website following the completion of the Junior AA postseason. The championship capped a season marked by strong pitching, consistent offense and an ability to win both high-scoring contests and tightly contested games.

Blythewood established itself as a championship contender early in the summer. The Bombers opened their posted schedule with a 5-3 victory over Richland Post 215 White before defeating Lugoff-Elgin Red, 11-4, and Newberry Post 24, 17-3. They continued their run with wins over Mid-Carolina Post 24, Lexington Post 7, North Augusta Post 71, Midland Valley Post 153 and Aiken Baseball Club.

The results demonstrated the Bombers’ versatility. Blythewood produced decisive victories, including a 9-0 shutout of North Augusta and a 6-0 win over Midland Valley, but the team also responded when games went down to the final innings. The Bombers edged Lexington, 11-10, and later defeated Aiken, 8-7, showing the composure needed to survive championship-level competition.

A 15-3 victory over Dutch Fork Post 193 during the July portion of the schedule provided another example of the Bombers’ offensive ability. Those performances helped prepare Blythewood for the pressure of postseason baseball and ultimately for its state-championship finish.

The championship roster included players from Blythewood High School, Richard Winn Academy, Gray Collegiate Academy and other area programs. SCALB’s posted roster lists Landon Gilchrist, Ryan Bottar, Seve Swearingen, Walker Blackwelder, Bryson Franklin, Greyson Von Plinsky, Jacob Waters, John Caldwell, Mason Patrick, Andre’ Burrows, Michael Eddis, Carter McCune, Cort Owings, Parker Knight, Camron Lloyd, Jackson Giles, Dayton Wilburn and Jackson Loftis.

The Bombers were supported by a coaching and administrative staff that included assistant manager Justin Blackwelder, team administrator Scott Bottar and assistant coach Todd Mattox. Their leadership helped guide a young roster through the regular season and the challenges of postseason play.

The accomplishment also reflects the purpose of South Carolina American Legion Baseball’s Junior AA Division. SCALB describes the division as an important introduction to Legion competition, combining player development with meaningful league and postseason games. Teams are built around their communities, giving young players an opportunity to represent their hometowns while learning teamwork, discipline, leadership and sportsmanship.

For the players, coaches, families and supporters of the Blythewood Bombers, the 2026 season will be remembered as a summer in which hard work developed into a state championship.

The Bombers did more than win games. They represented their community, answered every postseason challenge and finished the season as South Carolina AA State Champions.