JUNIOR ROOKIE CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND

One run. This absolute smallest of margins was what divided the top two teams in Junior Rookie in 2009. The division’s two undefeated teams – Coach Jesse Pascal’s BAT Transportation and Coach Greg Oliver’s Armitage Village Child Care – met in the championship final on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Fairgrounds. After the expected well-played contest, BAT captured the championship title with a one-run decision over Armitage Village.

Both teams entered the final without a single loss during either the regular season or any of the earlier playoff rounds. Ironically, the one head-to-head match-up between BAT and Armitage Village during the regular season ended in a tie, so it was no surprise that there was very little that separated these two teams in the final game.

 In the consolation final, Quaker Hill Child Care, led by Coaches John Tomietto and Ken Hartman, squeaked by Coach Mark Critch’s Forest Green Dental Care in a game featuring many hot bats on both sides. 

The parity among many of the teams in Junior Rookie was evident in how each of the four teams above reached the championship or consolation final: Each of their semi-final games had come down to the second-last or final batter to determine the final outcome of the game. BAT won their semi-final with a heartstopping defensive play at the plate in the final play of the game; Armitage Village and Forest Green each won their respective semi-final with a Joe Carter-like walk-off hit by their last batter.

 Of course, more important than any final score in Junior Rookie games are the fun and skill development experienced by the players throughout the season.  Thanks to the time and effort of our volunteer coaches, Junior Rookie players learn the fundamentals and rules of the game and develop their batting and fielding skills. And most important of all, coaches work hard to help make sure their kids are having fun and enjoying this great game of baseball. A successful minor baseball season requires many ingredients. In addition to the coaches and players, other VIPs are our young umpires (who are also developing their skills), devoted parents and grandparents and siblings and friends, and generous sponsors. Many thanks to all for your kind support. See you in 2010!  Rob Hums, Junior Rookie Convenor.

SCORES
Championship Quarter-Finals:
BAT Transportation defeated State Farm-Nicole McCann, Doner Nissan defeated Vince's Market, Chouinard Brothers Roofing defeated 404 Dental Office, Armitage Village Child Care defeated Sew Perfect.
Championship Semi-Finals:
BAT Transportation defeated Doner Nissan
Armitage Village Child Care defeated Chouinard Brothers Roofing
Championship Final:
BAT Transportation defeated Armitage Village
*****
Consolation Quarter-Finals:
Quaker Hill Child Care defeated Shaw Windows, Forest Green Dental Care defeated Molly Maid, Vince's Market defeated State Farm-Nicole McCann, 404 Dental Office defeated Sew Perfect
Consolation Semi-Finals:
Quaker Hill Child Care defeated Vince's Market, Forest Green Dental Care defeated 404 Dental Office
Consolation Final:
Quaker Hill Child Care defeated Forest Green Dental Care