When Chase Henning and Connor Rosin sit in the same Miller Park dugout as State Legion All-Stars this weekend, it will be a flashback to the days when both were products of the Shawano Youth League.
Henning, who plays for the Shawano American Legion team, and Rosin, of Bonduel’s squad, were together two years as members of both the 9- and 10-year old traveling all-star squads, but became rivals during their prep and legion careers.
“It will be nice to play with someone I know, not to mention someone I have a history playing ball with,” Henning said. “Playing again after nearly eight years on opposing teams will feel like a throwback to Little League, and be a nice end to my high school career.”
“It will be a lot of fun playing with Chase again,” Rosin said. “It has been a while since we last played together. I look forward to it.”
Both felt honored and are anxious to make the trip to Milwaukee.
“When I found out I made the all-star team, I was grateful. It was something I was shooting for and wanted to achieve for the past four years,” Henning said. “It’s a good feeling knowing all the work I’ve put in has paid off and given me the chance to step in the same box as some of the best players who ever lived.”
“It felt pretty great to be selected. I am looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Just being on the field will give me the chills,” Rosin said.
Henning, a power-hitting outfielder, led Fox River Valley-West with a 1.200 slugging percentage, placed third in the conference with a .444 batting average and 20 RBIs in 12 league games. Henning also belted four home runs, legged out three triples and scored 13 runs.
“Chase is probably the best hitter I have ever faced in my legion and high school career,” Rosin said.
In post-season play, Henning admits the Class AA State Legion championship loss was the most grueling game he ever played. However, he still came away with the tournament batting title, hitting .632 with three doubles, three triples and two home runs.
Rosin was an ace for Bonduel, compiling a 5-1 record, striking out 51 and walked 11 through 52 innings. At the plate, Rosin hit .431 with seven doubles, 17 runs scored and drew 23 walks. Before the American Legion season, he earned Central Wisconsin Conference-8 player-of-the-year honors.
According to Henning, Rosin had a knack for pitching and hitting at an early age.
“As a team, we had much success, and it had a lot to do with Connor’s talented pitching. I can remember batting third with Connor batting fourth and we made a pretty good duo,” said Henning. “From Little League on, he really developed as a great pitcher as well as batter at the plate.”
In regards to the future, Henning plans to give up baseball, at least temporarily when he goes on a two-year mission. Rosin will continue his career collegiately at Wisconsin Lutheran College.
