BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Legacy infielder Drew Beasley didn’t join his team until well after baseball season started. He had a good reason for that. Beasley was playing in the North American Hockey League, but since he came back, he’s been a steady force in the Sabers’ lineup and just in time for the state tournament, too.

The dual-sport standout is featured in this week’s Sports Spotlight.

“The boys are just kind of rallying around each other for the playoffs, and that’s all you can ask for. It’s just the best time of year for baseball,” said Beasley.

One final state tournament as a high school player, and then it’s back to hockey.

“As much as I’m his coach, I’m also a fan, so you call and check on him, how you doing, how’s the travel, how’s the hockey. Putting him back in the lineup wasn’t tough, I think for him he probably wanted to make a contribution faster,” said Legacy head coach Eddie Streeter.

Beasley returned from the NAHL in April. His experience on a struggling Minnesota Mallards team helped prepare him for his role with the Sabers.

“Drew’s always carried himself with that little bit of professionalism. I think it just took him a little bit more time to understand that he’s good enough at this level and a good enough baseball player to carry the load of being a leader,” said Streeter.

“It’s kind of a business; hockey’s a business once you get to that junior level. You might not always be in that spot you thought you were in, or you might have thought you’d be somewhere else. Things can change in a snap of the fingers,” said Beasley.

Despite ups and downs on the ice, Beasley is using that experience to his advantage on the diamond.

“Sometimes you’re on a losing team, sometimes you’re on a winning team. I think it’s good getting back into that winning team. Kind of lost a lot during the hockey season, but it’s good to be back,” said Beasley. “A lot of teams’ seasons ended last weekend, I’m just happy I get one more weekend with my best friends.”

Beasley hopes to get his team back to the state championship game for the second consecutive season.