The Blue Jays completed a perfect season on a perfect day for baseball Sunday, October 20, at Avenel Park. Once again, these guys exceeded sky high expectations.
Taking no shortcuts and doing things the old fashioned way, the Blue Jays utilized the same recipe for success that worked so well all season - fun, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
The pitching, hitting, and fielding were pretty good, too.
The final score was Blue Jays 8, Nationals 5.
October 20 Game Report
Charlie Knowles was productive with the bat and the glove from beginning to end. He singled to left field and scored the final run allowed by law - the dreaded five run limit - in the top of the first inning. His day at the plate included a walk and a run scored. A reliable 1st baseman, Charlie caught a pop-up and logged an infield assist in the bottom of the second.
John Wyatt put on his game face and ripped a single to left field in the top of the fourth inning. He also drove in a run on a 1st inning ground out. Defensively, John played well at 3rd base and in the outfield. In the bottom of the sixth, he stepped to the mound for a relief appearance that ended with the game's final out.
Gavin Ferguson really stung the ball in his two visits to the batter's box. Above, he prepares to smash a searing liner down the 1st base line in the bottom of the second. Two innings later, he crushed a hard grounder to 1st base. Defensively, Gavin did an outstanding job at two different outfield positions and at 2nd base.
Ethan Yu is quickly developing into an ace on the mound. Above, he demonstrates his excellent mechanics and delivers yet another strike. Pitching the third and fourth innings, Ethan allowed just one run on one hit, struck out four batters and walked just one. He added to his defensive exploits at 2nd base, catching a pop-up in the top of the first. Offensively, Ethan's 1-for-1 day included a base hit in the third, walks in the first and fifth, and a team high two runs scored.
Always a willing catcher, Jaden Smith developed into a very good backstop this season. Above, Jaden gets out of the crouch and delivers an accurate throw back to the pitcher. His target placement, pace of play, and positioning near the batter - all very important for any catcher - improved by leaps and bounds throughout the fall. Jaden showed off his athleticism on the base paths in Sunday's game after walking in the fourth and sixth innings. He also scored a run.
Jack Raymond was an RBI machine throughout the fall. He cranked out another one in Sunday's game, drawing a run scoring walk in the top of the fourth inning. Jack's six RBIs put him third on the team leader board. His defensive work included a good stop on a grounder to 2nd base in the fourth inning and excellent play in the outfield.
Jake Lang added to his season's highlight reel in the rematch with the Nationals. Playing at 1st base, Jake made a shoestring grab on a low liner that ended the fifth inning. He ranks second on the team with four unassisted put-outs this season. Jake also impressed the coach with sound play in left field in the bottom of the sixth. He made stops on base hits and delivered excellent throws to the infield, one to the cut-off man and the other to the catcher on a play that prevented a run from scoring. Jake chipped in on offense, as well, drawing a walk in the top of the first.
Max Ferguson was always good and occasionally dominant with the bat this fall. Above, he sizes up a pitch that he would deposit near the weeds beyond left field, a bona fide grand slam that gave his team a four run cushion in the top of the first. Later, he smashed a triple to left field and collected another RBI, his fifth of the day. He also scored twice. Defensively, Max kept the opposing bats quiet, pitching two innings of shutout, no-hit baseball. He struck out three, walked two, and fielded a come-backer to log an infield assist. Playing at the catcher position in the bottom of the sixth, Max completed another Blue Jays first, throwing out a would-be base stealer at 3rd base. All told, he had a pretty good day.
Chris Pernie got on his horse and generated needed offensive production in the top of the fourth. His solid grounder to 2nd base resulted in a fielder's choice and an RBI, his fourth of the season. Defensively, Chris produced one of the game's top highlights in the bottom of the sixth. Playing at 3rd base, he alertly retreated from his fielding position, covered the bag on a stolen base attempt, controlled the throw from the catcher, and finished the play with the tag that gave the Blue Jays' their first ever out on a runner caught stealing.
Rayan Nair added some pop from the lead-off spot in the order. Above, he cranks a ball to center field before gliding like a gazelle all the way to 3rd base for a triple in the top of the fifth inning. Earlier, Rayan walked to begin the first inning rally and scored the team's first run of the game. His defensive contributions included a good catch on a pop-up to shortstop in the bottom of the fourth.
Sam Berman has doubled the intensity of most players his age for nine consecutive seasons. In Sunday's game, Sam drew walks in the first and fifth innings and scored a run. He boosted his robust pitching numbers with 1.2 innings of scoreless, no-hit work that included three strikeouts and just one walk. Sam also flashed the leather, collecting an infield assist at shortstop in the third and catching a hot liner at 1st base that proved to be an appropriate ending to a thrilling season.
George Roggie was his steady, heady self at 1st base, notching an infield assist in the bottom of the third inning. Offensively, George walked in the first inning and lashed a single up the middle in the top of the fourth. He also scored his eighth run of the season.
Following the game, the Blue Jays congratulated the Nationals, an excellent team that has provided high quality opposition over the years.
View from the Top
If you're planning to start a youth baseball team, then your first order of business should be to find somebody like Tom Yu. He'll share your passion for the process, selflessly allow you to do things your way, handle every mundane task that slips your mind, fill in for you when necessary, and ask for nothing in return.
Good luck with that.
When attempting to build the team over the years, look for someone who is as committed and dependable as Brian Ferguson. He should embrace values that are similar to yours and agree with your belief that team sports offer beneficial life lessons to those who pay attention.
We suggest you cast a wide net.
If you're a frustrated former sports reporter and you decide to blog about the team as an outlet and hobby, then be sure to locate a meticulous scorekeeper like Steve Berman. Then, ask him to do it rather than attend Sunday NFL games with his dad.
He's sure to say yes - and it's a good thing, too.
Without him and the statistics he produces, your writing will be reduced to little more than sports cliches and corny pros.
As the kids get older and begin to care about winning and losing, find a lucky charm like Fred Knowles to be your bench coach.
Seriously, it works.
He'll understand baseball and interject helpful tips without stepping on your toes. He'll even show up to games when his own son is sick and unable to play.
Doesn't everyone know someone like that?
You'll need others, too. Get somebody like Dileep Nair to take photos for the blog, particularly if you have a two year old who prevents your wife, the team's general manager, from doing the job.
Never mind that he had been looking forward to enjoying the game and a beautiful fall afternoon with his wife and daughter.
At that point, you're halfway home. You still need to find eight more highly committed families that are willing to pass on other very attractive leisure time options in order to get their kids to all of the practices and games.
Finally, ask them all to help out along the way and to serve as a captive audience for your postseason speeches. People love speeches, you know.
Do these things, and you, too, can be the proud and happy coach of a youth baseball team.
Best... Season... Ever!
Congratulations, Blue Jays!
As the sun sets on the best of nine terrific seasons, all that remains to be said is thank you for making it so special.
Go Blue Jays!
Coach Steve
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