Little League; Big Hearts
Eldred Little League Baseball And Softball Teams Wind Up Great Seasons With Outstanding Tournament Play
By Joshua Santoro, President of Eldred Little League
Editor’s Note: Richard is on vacation but people who want to submit stories about summer events can e-mail them to rross@sportsinsightsny.com and they will be posted. Be sure to caption any photos you send.
(First row Left to right Garrett Kolvenbach, Anthony Strasser, Noah Curreri, Chris Kieser. (Second row left to right) Tim Clouse, Cameron Conklin, John Goodell Sebastian Schadt, Patrick Harrison.(Third row coaches left to right)= Coach Roger Weyant, Manager Matt Curreri, Coach Mitch Kolvenbach. Not shown in picture player Max Smyth. Photo by Faith Santoro.
ELDRED, NY- Entering this year’s tournament it was over a decade since Eldred had any team represent them. Not knowing what to expect we put together a team that was full of heart, will and grit. The first opponent we faced was Liberty. For a majority of the game Eldred kept it close but experience played a role in the outcome. Liberty won 15 – 4. Not being in the tournament and all new atmospheres, a loss for most teams would have sent them away with their heads down andno desire to play again.
Eldred was not like most teams. The loss just raised their desire and want even higher than it was. Their next opponent didn’t stand a chance. With fire in their eyes and victory on their mind, Eldred came out on top beating Mamakating 12 – 4. It was a great display of a never-give-up attitude.
Their next opponent was a strong team from Maybrook. Having accomplished something only done once before (winning a game in the tournament) Eldred entered the game with confidence. They put on a great display of defense and desire. Unfortunately they were matched tooth and nail by Maybrook, which on this day emerged as the victors. They beat Eldred 2 to 1. This eliminated Eldred from the tournament but rejuvenated Eldred’s Little League status. All that was heard after this great game was “I can’t wait to get them next year,” a true sign of a
champion.
Even though their backs were against the wall these 10 young men never gave up and showed their collective heart and winning attitude.they represented our community, their families and themselves. Thank you to all the coaches, volunteers, parent s and above all the players.
Major Girls All-Star Softball Team Rises To The Occasion
(Center front) Katherine Bakalis.(Second row left to right Kaitlyn D’angelo, Cassandra Weatherly, Alaina Gaughan, Lynzee Kelty, Jordan Lepes.(Third row left to right) Molly Clarkin, Liezel Schlott, Audrey Mellan, Julia Foster.(Fourth row coaches left to right) Manager Mike Frazier, Coach Billy Franzy, Coach Rick Whitney.. Photo by Faith Santoro.
What is an underdog?
Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “one at a disadvantage and expected to lose.” In Little League, Eldred clearly fit that description. Before this season if you asked anyone about Eldred Little League, they would respond withWhat, Who, Where?
This was ok by us. We entered this year’s Little League Tournament with no one knowing anything about us. We entered as a severe underdog. Then we started to play the games. Our first opponent was Tri-Valley. We took them on and won 16 -11. Our next opponent was a tough team from Walden, and with good pitching and timely hitting we were victorious 11 –10.
After Walden was an extremely difficult team the Town of Wallkill. On this day, we did not play our ‘A’ game and they beat us 16 – 6. For some teams,a loss like this would cripple all hopes but not this squad. This loss just increased the fire in these girls’ souls.
They took this defeat with them to their next opponent, Otisville. Otisville never stood a chance. No matter how much they tried, Otisville just wasn’t going to be able to beat the hunger and desire of the Eldred girls. Eldred won 14 – 13 and were on their way to he Championship game to face the Town of Wallkill for a rematch. It was a Championship game for the ages; a heart-pounding, jaw-dropping, thrilling game to say the least.
The Major Girls All-Star Softball team played their hearts out. They gave every ounce of their mind, body and souls. Unfortunately the came up one run shy of victory. It was a great game and a fitting end to a magical season. I am so proud of these girls and their accomplishments this season. The term“underdog” will never again be associated with Eldred Little League thanks to these 10 great athletes.
It was a pleasure and honor to take a ride on this wonderful Softball Season. Can’t wait till next year. Thank you again to the coaches, volunteers
and especially the players. You are all wonderful people.
