All good things come to an end. Summer is over, and the kids are back to school. Teach too. What happened? Much love to my young friends. The West Enders made us so proud. The 16U All-Stars finished 2nd in the World. It was an unforgettable run. One to remember. They were nipped in the Babe Ruth World Championship 5-3, but they are still kings. Hundreds of wins and only one loss.
“We didn’t play our best,” Manager Marc Hess explained. “We were flat from the start. We couldn’t find a way to battle back. We got down early. It was one of those days. The ball didn’t bounce our way. It happens. It’s baseball. The boys and I had an amazing summer. We were undefeated heading into that game. Yes. It stings. However, as we age, we will realize that we have accomplished many great things. Only one other West End team made it to the Championship. So close. They were the best group I ever coached. A true joy. They gelled and played together so well. So much fun.”
“This experience was one that I will never forget,” LJ Hill said. “It was the best summer I ever had. I created so many bonds. I took it hard when we lost. I knew this was going to be my last time playing with my friends. We will stay in touch as we now head off to our different schools. So many great memories. From the games to hanging out in the hotels and houses. We had a great run. We heard from many people. I appreciated the broccoli shouts.”
“I loved making memories and playing with my guys,” Tre Damschroder mentioned. “We’ve been together since we were young. Unfortunately, we fell a little short in the Championship. But we won tons of games. I feel bad because we won’t be together. I am so thankful for getting the opportunity to play with this team for the past four summers. You should have seen us when we beat California in the semifinals. Jaxson March hit a walk-off single in extra innings. The team went nuts. I went crazy. It was one of those moments that I will always remember. What’s up with the broccoli?”
Long story short. Many of these guys played with my son Jensen. We had some major successes. The boys from Hepburn-Lycoming finished third in the state of Pennsylvania. We had dreams of making it to Volunteer and Lamade. I recall the very first team meeting. It was a picnic with all of the players and their families. Each kid was asked to bring something fun. The cool parents brought slushy machines, build-your-own-pizza kits, cookie and ice cream treats. Jensen’s dad showed up with a veggie tray from Wegmans. Poor kid. Hey. What did your parents bring? BROCCOLI. The name stuck. The little emoji was used on every post. It made a comeback this summer in Missouri. The boys actually sent me some love.
“Special thanks to Fred March, Tom Persing, and Will Neill,” Hess concluded. “Outstanding coaches, and we couldn’t have done it without them. Also, to the families and friends who travelled to Missouri to support these kids. Incredible following for every game. We have all made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. It goes well beyond baseball. Lastly, to all of the fans and businesses that helped with our donations, phone calls, words of wisdom, articles, and texts, we truly appreciate them all. Thanks.”
Congratulations to the entire West End squad. Incredible run. Kudos to those who helped. There was a village that made this summer fun. Fantastic baseball. World Series Finalists. Cheers.
Front Row Left to Right: Isaac Sparks, Zack Neill, LJ Hill, Jaxson March, Camden March, Mason Hess, Cade Lusk Back Row Left to Right: Coach Tom Persing, Coach Will Neill, Briar Persing, Nate Crowe, Jaymes Carpenter, Trey Damschroder, Noah Kirby, Manager Marc Hess, Coach Fred March
