It's all over...Best & worst?

The 2009 High school baseball season is in the books. Congratulations to the champions, all classes public and private. Across the state, I'm sure there were thousands of amazing plays and a few hundred bungles of epic proportions, but I imagine most everyone involved thought there was no better place to be than a high school baseball game. I thought this thread might be a place to post some of the best moments of 2009 and maybe a mention or two of a crazy play that wasn't someone's best effort (without naming names).

Great play: In the Jack Sink tournament, (Providence vs. Country Day) I saw a foul pop almost reach the ground in front of the first base dugout, but the catcher running at full speed dove for it and deflected it, then the pitcher dove for the deflection and the ball bounced upward out his glove as he hit the ground and then the first baseman dove for that deflection and secured the ball for the out for Country Day while all three players were scattered on the ground. Definitely an ESPN moment, but like most great HS plays they only live on in our memories.

Unfortunate play: Our team was about to be defeated (an upset) and we were down to our last out, when a freshman pinch-hitter delivered a game-tying single and advanced to second on the play at the plate. The heartbreaking play followed as the next hitter lifted a routine fly ball to center for the third out that somehow deflected off the centerfielder's glove as he glided in for the catch and the winning run scored for our team. Even as I was excited that our team came back to secure the victory, my heart sank for the CF and his teammates as they were right on the cusp of a big upset victory and it all came unwound in a flash (followed by a two hour bus ride home to think about what slipped through their fingers)

 

This is a great thread with an already great story. I know many other people have some stories to tell about the season...let's hear them.

Here is one that I have. It was the first game with Providence vs Ardrey Kell. Providence was behind and Alex Wood was pitching. Up stepped Richie Shaffer. Richie had a broken hand at the time and no business swinging a bat. After each swing he was visibly hurt and wincing. He was battling up there, but AWood appeared to be too much....then bam....Richie hit a shot to RF scoring the tying and go ahead runs and put himself on 2nd. After he advanced to third, the amazing thing happened---he stoled home! That one at bat brought victory from defeat and showed me that Richie Shaffer is one heckuva competitor.

There have been many things said about Richie, but what I believe gets overlooked the most is the kid is a supreme competitor. One of the best I have ever seen

I have to think about the unfortunate one.

 

Mine

Worst... Losing a dear friend.

Best... Watching his son crush one out in the first round of the playoffs. Then watching his team go on to win. Biggest upset of the playoffs and maybe the year.

 

Not worst, but hardest

Best---Against Providence, bottom of the 10th, 1-1 score, man on second, my son at the plate. Delivers a base hit to left that scores the winning run on a close play at the plate.

Hardest--watching my son stand near the 3rd base line staring at the field and soaking in the moment after playing his final high school baseball game.

 

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

 

best: tie - watching senior eric pilecki throw a complete game to upset top team in the conference on the road. watching senior percy evans hit his first homerun of the season in his final game at rival apex high to put us up 3-1 late in the game.

worst: watching senior pitcher cal foshee and six other seniors get their heart ripped out in their final game at arch rival apex high school by a blown call. winning in the bottom of the 8th, couple hits later, a ball lands 3 feet foul down the left field line and the guy on 2nd scores to win 5-4.

 

Best: Watching RM Gryphons dogpile at Mudcats stadium after winning State Championship in 2008!

Worst: Watching RM ousted from 2nd round of playoffs in 2009 with a team I consider better than year before. Better in every statistical category than 2008. Lost 3 games in 2009 by a total of 5 runs (20-3). TOUGH TO TAKE!

 

I would not say worst, but disappointing – the chipiness that the 2A final was played with that lead to players being hurt. Best - the class displayed by the Sanderson team and fans in the face of disappointment.

Disappointing – not having the chance to see Alex Wood throw in the regional or state championship series. Best – seeing players like Derrick Ham ready to step in when called upon and perform all the little things that make a difference in a championship run like getting a bunt down, backing up a throw, or providing a key hit when needed.

 

Best And Worst

Along the lines of MINCMI

Worst, Alex Wood not only not pitching in the finals, but having his opportunities (draft) change dramatically with the injury.

Best-Watching A. Wood continue to lead Ardrey Kell, vocally and with his bat.

Best- Watching Lover throw Saturday, Monday and Friday-Stepping up.
Best-Watching Butler throw Friday, Monday and Saturday-Stepping up.

Best-Derek Ham- All year long, need me to fill in at 2nd, or 3rd, got it, need me to take a spot start on the mound, I will give you 6 innings, get a two strike bunt down, a 7th inning double? got it no problem. Need me to sit on the bench, got it no problem, I will cheer my butt off. Ham is the definition of GREAT TEAMMATE!

Best- it only happens to a very select few, but Ham, Wood, Stetson, Patterson, Pasut, and Case are Seniors that leave winning their last game.

 

After graduation, he has close friends he will never see again.