After a long week filled with rain delays, the smell of popcorn finally filled the air. Excited fans and nervous players were anxious to start the championship game.
Going into this tournament, Plum, coached by Mike Riehle, Jeff Pliskey, and Phil Pope had had a flawless season. All the other teams were gunning for them, especially the Orange team.
The Babe Ruth tournament had a double elimination. The first game Plum played against Orange, Plum pulled out a tight win, 2-1. The next game was to be scheduled for Saturday at 2 at the Ron Reed fields here in La Porte. Due to the rain, there was a slight delay. The rain could not stop the boys from playing the game they love. With just one umpire and only one coach for the Plum, the game got underway.
Orange had a well played game. There bats were swinging and they had their boys in the field on defense. They came out on top with a 3-2 victory over the Plum. The time was now set for the championship game. With just a half hour between games, the boys went at it again.
The final game was emotional for both sides. Plum and Orange both fought their hearts out and each team had some nice plays. In the end, Plum became the champions with a score of 11-1.
At the end of the game, trophies were to be handed out for each team. The Plum team received two trophies, the first for going undefeated in the regular season, and the other crowning them champions of the Babe Ruth Championship. For the Orange team, Head Coach Brian Warnock handed out runner-up trophies to his team and announced his retirement in coaching.
Each team picked MVP’s that exemplified above and beyond what was expected of them during this tournament. For the Orange team, Nate Warnock and Chase Swederskey were selected. The Plum team chose Tyler Schoff and Jake Pliskey.