AWC instructor’s son throws no-hitter

Evan Siary, pitcher for the Dirtbags, poses for a photo before the United States Specialty Sports Association World Series in Birmingham, Ala., 27 June. Siary threw a no-hitter in the opening round of the tournament. (Courtesy photo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
AWC instructor’s son throws no-hitter

Evan Siary, pitcher for the Dirtbags, holds his game-ball after throwing a no-hitter in the opening round of the USSSA World Series in Birmingham, Ala., 27 June. His team took second place out of 14 teams in the tournament. (Courtesy photo)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

AWC instructor’s son throws no-hitter

Published July 3, 2014
By Senior Airman William Blankenship
42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE, Al -- Throwing a no-hitter is the crowned jewel of any baseball pitcher's career, but few ever achieve such a gem.

Evan Siary, 10-year old son of Air War College instructor Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Siary, achieved the coveted mark June 27 in the United States Specialty Sports Association World Series.

The USSSA baseball division is a developmental baseball association that governs multiple levels of competition, culminating in their World Series finale. Games are six innings long in any division for under 12-year olds.

In the first game of the tournament, "Easy E" mowed down every batter he faced, striking out eight batters and falling one walk shy of a perfect game in their 11-0 victory.

"He has thrown a handful of no-hitters in his life," said his father, a former college baseball player. "He has been playing baseball since he was about 5 years old. His work ethic and constant competition with his older brother gives him an edge over many kids his age."

An official no-hitter is when a pitcher, or pitchers, gives up zero hits to the other team for an entire game. Walks or errors eliminate the perfect game, but do not take away from the no-hit status.

"I was feeling pretty good because it was hot, and I throw better in the heat," said Easy E, who plays on multiple local teams throughout the year. "I just pitched how I normally do because my defense is good, and I felt like we were better than the other team."

Fourteen teams from Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia qualified for the tournament during their season, acquiring points by performing well at other tournaments that enabled them to compete in the season finale in Birmingham, Ala.

The Dirtbags, Evan's team that is coached by his dad, placed second in the tournament. They pushed the top-seeded team from Trinity, Ala., to extra innings before falling by one run.

"They were a good team," said Easy E. "They had the hardest throwing pitcher we played all year. It wasn't overly disappointing because at least we went home with something."

Easy E was 13 for 18 at the plate, threw out eight runners as a catcher, roping five doubles and stealing almost 20 bases in their eight games. Those statistics propelled him to being named co-Most Valuable Player for the tournament and being recognized on the All-Tournament Team.

"I'm probably going to take a week off before starting to practice again," said Easy E. "My brother and I will start going down to the field and work on stuff to make both of us better, and ready to win it all next year. I hope so, at least!"