HIT has smaller field but still has good quality

Spring break schedules have limited the field to 28 teams for this year’s Hanahan Invitation Tournament. But the quality remains the same as one of the most prestigious baseball tournaments on the East Coast begins play Monday.

“We usually get 30-32 teams,” said Hanahan baseball coach Brian Mitchell. “But Summerville and Cane Bay couldn’t play in it this year because of their spring break schedules. We also couldn’t get any teams from Florida or Georgia because they already have had spring break.”

This year’s field has teams from Ohio, Illinois, New York, Virginia, North Carolina and the Palmetto State.

Seven venues will host first-round games: Hanahan, Ashley Ridge, James Island, Wando, Bishop England, Berkeley and West Ashley.

There is plenty of local power. Bishop England is the defending Class AA state champ and is ranked No. 8 in the state. Hanahan is also ranked in the top 10 in Class AA.

Ashley Ridge is the No. 2 team in the state in Class AAAA, while Wando is in the top 10.

First Baptist is the defending Class AA SCISA state champ.

The tournament concludes April 13 with the title game at Hanahan’s Sportsman’s Field.