Hats off to my friends from the West End. They are playing some impressive ball. I would like to congratulate the 13s and 14s on winning the State Crowns. Both teams are now headed to their Mid-Atlantic regionals. Great stuff, guys. Keep it rolling.
West End’s 13-year-old Babe Ruth All-Stars won the Pennsylvania State Championship outside of Altoona a few weeks back. They were a perfect 5-0 in the tournament. I had the pleasure of getting to know many of these youngsters from last year’s historic run. Jensen didn’t make the cut. It’s cool. We get to fish and camp.
The guys are currently in Atlantic City, NJ, and they are off to a great start. My guys cruised past Western New York in the first round. West End won that contest 18-0.
Briar Persing dominated on the mound. He threw three innings, striking out 8, and didn’t allow a hit. LJ Hill came in to pitch the final frame. I don’t think he qualifies, but I will give him the save. Trey Damschroder was solid and went 4 for 4 and scored 4 runs. Persing was 3 for 4 with 4 runs batted in. Hill was 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored. Zack Neill, Noah Kirby, Zion Hughes, Deshaun White, Jahvon LaRosa, and Jaxson March also played well. These guys are studs. The 13-year-olds will continue to battle this weekend and hopefully advance to the Babe Ruth World Series in Glen Allen, VA, later this month. Go Red.
The 14-year-old All-Stars also advanced. They won the Pennsylvania State Championship after a rocky start. West End dropped their first contest but rallied and pulled off four straight. The boys got a little revenge by defeating Mifflin County 17-7 to claim the prize. Lucas Naughton was the man. He went 3 for 4 with 6 RBIs. Wyatt Bair was 3 for 5, and 5 runs batted in. Cole Deitrick was 2 for 3. Camden March, Parker Bennett, and Zane Rogers also produced. Logan Kirby and Bair pitched well.
These guys get a quick break and will head to the Mid-Atlantic Regional next weekend outside of Milroy, PA. If they do well there, they will play in the 2022 World Series all the way out in sunny North Dakota. Sign me up. I can translate.
Well done, boys. Continued success. Regardless of what happens, you have done us all proud. Kudos to the coaches and especially the players. A special shout-out to the parents. It is quite a sacrifice. I want to give some love to the March and Kirby families. They actually have boys on both squads. That’s intense. I know most of these youngsters, and I have been able to watch them grow. They are the same age as my son, and I am still cool. Most know me from basketball, and I enjoy seeing them shine — best of luck, guys. Cheers.
