Go BCC Blue Jays!: The Big Finish

The Blue Jays completed a fun and successful 2014 campaign with a complete performance versus the Phillies (Maroon) Sunday, October 12, at Ritchie Park Elementary School.

The final score, 6-0, was not indicative of the level of dominance.

The Blue Jays collected seven extra-base hits, limited the opponent to just three base runners, and accomplished the last remaining goals for the season, playing error-free baseball and winning in a shutout.

October 12 Game Report

A team leader for eleven consecutive seasons, Sam Berman wrapped up his Blue Jays tenure with an all-around gem. Starting the game on the mound, he pitched two scoreless innings, issued no walks, allowed just one hit, and struck out three. He helped his own cause by fielding a come-backer and throwing to 1st base for an easy out. Playing at shortstop, he charged a slow roller and delivered a dart to 1st base to complete the first out of the fifth inning. At the plate, Sam keyed every rally, generating a 3-for-3 batting line that included a double in the fifth, singles in the first and third, a run scored and an RBI.

Gavin Ferguson put it all together in his final appearance in light blue. His line drive to right field in the top of the sixth was good for a double, his second extra-base hit of the season. He also collected an RBI. Playing at 2nd base in the bottom of the second, Gavin ranged to his left, swept up a grounder, and threw perfectly to 1st base to get the final out and strand a base runner at 3rd. Gavin preserved the shutout on the mound in the bottom of the sixth, firing a strike and inducing a fly-out that ended the game with yet another opposing runner stranded at 3rd base.

Cole Hughes was brilliant on the mound and in the field. Above, he turns and throws to 1st after fielding a come-backer that would end the bottom half of the third inning. Cole held the opponent scoreless in two innings of work, allowing no hits, just one walk, and striking out five. For the season, Cole allowed no runs and walked three batters in nine innings pitched, an incredible demonstration of accuracy and consistency at any level. At the plate, Cole knocked a double to right field in the fourth and drew a walk in the second.

Jake Lang gave the Blue Jays three years of effort, dedication, and consistent production. Above, he gets ready to run from 2nd base after drawing a walk in the top of the sixth. He eventually scored a run, his third of the fall season. Defensively, Jake played steady, heady baseball at 3rd base, 1st base and left field. He started and finished the second inning with assisted put-outs at 1st base. For the season, Jake tied for team high honors with eight assisted put-outs in six games.

Xander Yu's slick fielding at 3rd base highlighted the top of the sixth. On a play that was a good proxy for the overall team effort, he nabbed a searing grounder at the hot corner and fired a flawless throw to 1st that beat the runner by two steps. A versatile pitcher, Xander assumed the role of set-up man and executed to perfection, retiring the side in order and striking out two tough hitters in the bottom of the fifth.

Eli Kroskin provided a springboard to the perfect day in the field on the first at-bat in the bottom of the first inning. Backpedaling on a high fly ball that had the look of a bloop single, Eli dropped to the mud and corralled the baseball before it could hit the ground. Above, he receives congratulations from his teammates. Offensively, Eli drew a walk in the second and put the ball in play in the fourth and sixth.

After putting on an impressive show in pregame batting practice, Derek Sappenfield proved that he can do it amid the pressure of a game. His fifth inning shot through the hole between shortstop and 3rd base undoubtedly will become the type of hit he collects as a matter of routine. Having played baseball for just more than a year, Derek demonstrated focus and commitment in developing his skills throughout the spring and fall seasons. In Sunday's game, he again put in very good work at 3rd base and in the outfield.

The return of two original Blue Jays added elements of fun and nostalgia to the final season. Showing no effects of the ankle injury that kept him out of the lineup for four games, Michael Hardie put the ball in play in the top of the first and busted out with an RBI double in the the third. Defensively, Michael played heads-up baseball at multiple outfield positions.

Will Dash came up with the catch that would end the game and the season for the Blue Jays. An athletic center fielder, Will charged to the infield dirt, called off his teammates, and caught a high fly ball that might otherwise have dropped for a hit and thwarted the Blue Jays' bid for a shutout. Above, he receives congratulations for his season-ending catch. Offensively, Will drew a walk and scored in the fifth.

Another original member of the Blue Jays who returned in 2014, Andre Schnider was a standout on the mound and at the plate throughout the fall season. He worked two-thirds of the final inning in the final game, striking out one and allowing no runs, one hit, and no walks. Offensively, Andre contributed to every Blue Jays' rally, beginning with a huge triple to center field in the top of the first inning. He also reached on a fielder's choice, scored two runs, and notched an RBI.

Despite our efforts to jinx him, George Roggie prevailed in his attempt to go three years and six seasons without whiffing in a BCC game. Since moving to kid-pitch three years ago, George completed 72 consecutive plate appearances with zero strikeouts. Mr. Consistency was at it again in Sunday's finale, knocking a double in the fifth and a single in the third. He also drew a walk, scored a run and collected two RBI. Defensively, George chipped in with three assisted put-outs at 1st base.

Respect for opponents is a Blue Jays tradition. The Phillies are a good team that has won lots of games over the years. They're also the first team we played back in September of 2009. Both rosters have changed a lot since then, but our mutual admiration has not.

Teamwork!

Brian Ferguson did it all for the Blue Jays this season - coached at practices and games, managed the team when the head coach was unavailable, lugged equipment to and fro, and made the season more fun for the players and the coach.

Thanks so much, Brian, for everything!

Son of Baltimore Steve Berman somehow managed to focus on the Blue Jays despite the exploits of his beloved Ravens and Orioles. Above, he gets the skinny on the O's from Andrew Lang prior to Sunday's finale.

Thanks, Steve, for your dedication!

An accomplished coach in any sport, Wade Hughes stepped up and helped out in the 1st base coaching box on multiple occasions.

Thank you, Wade!

Banner Year!

Of course, it's always fun to have success on the field. The 2014 Blue Jays certainly had their share, compiling an 11-3 record in the spring and fall seasons combined.

Well done, Blue Jays!