Blue Jays deliver for Dads!

The Blue Jays closed out a fantastic debut season on Fathers' Day, June 18, at Tilden Middle School.

As eyes turned to the action on the field, the Blue Jays capped the Spring campaign with their best defensive effort to date.

Dads, moms, and siblings sat back and enjoyed the show.

With an all-in attitude, even in a make-up game, the Blue Jays demonstrated the team spirit that had defined their efforts over the course of three months!

June 18 Game Report

Niara Gupta fully embraced the opportunity to use her beautiful green bat in a game!  Choking up and keeping her eye squarely on the ball, Niara delivered a fantastic hit in each inning.  Her well hit ground ball up the middle in the bottom of the first inning was a sight to behold!

Niara contributed a highlight in the field in the top of the second inning.  Playing at 2nd base, Niara was ready when a bouncing ball was hit in her direction.  She alertly scooped it up and stepped on 2nd base ahead of the runner, recording a force out for the Blue Jays.  That was a great play!

Milen Hukmani was a model of consistency at 1st base throughout the Spring season.  Above, he sets up on the bag and presents an excellent target for his teammate in the top of the first inning.  Milen also played well in center field and at left pitcher's helper in the season finale.

Milen was a beast at the plate from the first pitch of the first practice all the way through the end of the season.  In the finale with the Phillies, Milen appropriately batted in the cleanup spot.  His line drive past the shortstop in the bottom of the second was one of the top offensive highlights of the day!

Jake Wilson took his final turn at the plate as number two in the batting order. Always ready to be a slugger, he continued knocking the balls past opposing fielders, just as he did all season. Jake had three solid hits followed by speedy base running.

Jake is a super fast fielder. He is quick to chase down the other teams' hardest hits. Jake is fearless, stepping in front of grounders and using his well practiced throwing mechanics to try to stop base runners in their tracks. He helped the Blue Jays snag balls from shortstop, left field and right field.

Dominic Delgado ignited the Blue Jays' offense from the fifth spot in the lineup.  Above, Dominic catches the camerawoman's eye prior to his second plate appearance of the game.  Dominic belted three solid hits including a liner up the middle that probably could have been an extra base hit.

Dominic's aggressiveness and solid glove work made him an ideal candidate to play the left pitcher's helper position from Day One.  In the season finale, he fielded several tough grounders and delivered good throws to 1st base.  Dominic also played well at 2nd base and in left field.

Jacob Carle loves to bat in the lead-off spot, where we imagine he will find himself for many years to come!  Jacob collects base hits the way that squirrels collect nuts.  In the season's final game, Jacob started each inning with a bang, making solid contact before turning on the jets and reaching 1st base safely.

A defensive standout, Jacob made yet another spectacular play in the game with the Phillies.  Playing at left pitcher's helper in the top of the first inning, Jacob moved to his right and fielded a well hit grounder.  Without hesitation, Jacob scooted to 3rd base and stepped on the bag ahead of the runner to notch an unassisted force out.  Jacob used his brain as well as his glove, knowing what he would do before the ball was hit.

Ethan Chu is a determined baseball player. He tries so hard and often gets great results. In his third at bat, Ethan was the last Blue Jay batter of the season. Coach Steve wanted to end the series with a solid hit but he only had three balls left. With ice in his veins, Ethan came through on the final pitch, delivering a hard hit grounder up the middle. Way to stay focused Ethan!

In the field, Ethan made his debut at pitcher's helper. He had no trouble facing down the other team's hard hit balls. Ethan did what he had practiced diligently. He stopped the balls and sent them to first base with excellent throwing form.  Nice work, Ethan!

Adam Farber is a natural born slugger. He has terrific power and great eye-hand coordination. His neon yellow cleats are pretty cool, too. Adam has a super intimidating batting stance and when he levels out his swing, the ball travels far. We expect that we will see extra base hits fly off of his bat very soon!

Adam is a terrific asset in the field. He knows where the force outs are on every play. Adam backed up his teammates in the field even though we haven't even worked on that yet! His intelligence and natural athleticism will take him far.  In the season finale, Adam played second base, third base and center field. This Blue Jay helps his team in any position!

Luke Kavounas continued to make great strides at the plate in the last game of the spring season.  Above, he sizes up an offering and rips his bat through the strike zone.  Luke's improved mechanics and increased confidence as the season progressed were great to see!

Good things happen when Luke plays at 3rd base.  Above, Luke knowingly steps on the bag for a force out after fielding a ground ball.  This was Luke's second consecutive unassisted force out of the game's first inning.  Luke certainly set the tone for the Blue Jays' best defensive showing of the season!

Noah Solovey loves baseball and it shows! He sets up at the plate like a seasoned professional. He knows to keep his hands together and his bat back. And, as a bonus, he always smiles while he watches the ball make contact. Noah had three stellar at bats in the final game of his rookie season.

Noah is an alert fielder who always looks to make outs when the other team is batting. He contributed at both shortstop positions as well as in left field. We look forward to seeing Noah stop more grounders and make some big plays as a Blue Jay next season.

Lila Schruefer was a bright spot in the middle of the Blue Jays' batting order. She made quick work of her three at bats in the final game. Solid contact followed by lightning speed on the base paths made Lila fun to watch.

Lila capped off her rookie season with a solid all-around game. She contributed to the Blue Jays' fielding operation from the right shortstop and left field positions. As the Blue Jays' youngest-ever player on the roster, it is fitting she would end the season in Bryce Harper's MLB rookie position. Go Lila!

Nobody has to tell Clark Roggie to swing hard.  Above, Clark finishes his swing and clobbers a line drive that would not stop until it reached the grass in right field.  Clark has increased his contact rate without letting up on his full-bore approach.  He needed exactly five pitches to collect three great hits in the season's final game!

Defensively, Clark excelled at stopping grounders.  Keeping the ball in front of him, Clark displayed excellent form while snagging grounders in center field, at right pitcher's helper, and at 2nd base.  He also improved his throwing motion by leaps and bounds!

The Blue Jays demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship in the game with the Phillies and throughout the season!

These kids earned their trophies!

Dads on and off the Field!

Peter Kavounas stepped up as a much needed bench coach for the Blue Jays. He made sure the next batter had his or her helmet on and was ready to go. He also played a helpful role as third base coach, keeping runners focused and headed in the right direction.

Navin Hukmani again proved to be a willing and gifted utility man, coaching at 1st base and helping out behind the bench.  Navin dedicated a lot of time to the Blue Jays throughout the season.  We appreciate it!

Eric Delgado was a stalwart behind the plate throughout the season.  Eric deserves more recognition that we've given him for doing everything we could ever ask and more at every practice and game.  He even carried gear up the grueling hill at Tilden that has taunted tired BCC baseball coaches for many years.

Thanks, Eric!

Jake Wilson loves to see his dad, Tim, cheering him on and offering support between innings.

Peter and Luke Kavounas are a dynamic duo in the their Blue Jays blue. Love that team spirit!

Eric and Dominic Delgado are all about working hard and keeping it fun!

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Rishi Gupta knows he has a baseball player with natural ability on his hands. Niara loves seeing her dad wave her into first base every game.

Dan Schruefer, Lila's biggest fan, did an excellent job of assisting the World's Youngest Baseball Player in the field and on the bench throughout the season!

Eric Carle has two baseball loving ball players in his house. When he's not watching their games, he's taking them to see the Nationals or Red Sox!

Adam Farber knows that his dad, Darren, is watching out for him, no matter whether it's getting dirt out of Adam's eyes in the field or rooting for Adam when he's at the plate.

Navin Hukmani pitches in at every game and keeps Milen smiling.

Sam Solovey is Noah's biggest fan. Noah loved having his dad watch him in his rookie season.

Ngoc Chu watched his son grow into a confident baseball player right before his eyes!

Being the coach's son isn't easy for five year old boys who are accustomed to having Daddy's undivided attention.  Growing into the role as the season progressed, Clark Roggie capped the season with a toothy pose at home plate prior to his final at bat.

Thank you for a great season, Blue Jays!  We loved every second with this incredible collection of players and families!

For those who plan to return for the fall, the new season begins after Labor Day.  We can't wait!