Week 9, 4/25-4/30

Myers Park/North Meck

Myers Park defeated North Meck 10-0 in 6 last night. Matt Hedberg, complete game shutout. Ryder Ryan took the loss for North Meck.

 

Athens Drive vs. Panther Creek 4-26-11

Athens Drive defeated Panther Creek 6-5 on Tuesday (4/26) in a Tri-9 conference game. Athens scored one in the 2nd on a a solo HR by Patrick Graham. They added 2 more in the 4th following back-to-back doubles by Patrick Graham & Justin Reynolds & a single by Matt Proctor. The Jags lead 3-0 after 5.66 innings when the game was delayed by lightening. Following the delay, Panther Creek made their come-back by scoring 1 run in 5th on a single by Bouton & 2 more in the 6th on singles by Harris and D'elia, a fielders choice and a passed ball to tie the score at 5. Panther Creek scored 2 more runs in the top of the 7th to take a 5-3 lead. The Jags battled back in the bottom of the 7th scoring 3 runs on singles by Chris Williams, Patrick Mason, Patrick Graham, Justin Reynolds, and Matt Proctor to take the win 6-5.

Chris Williams started for the Jags & pitched 6 innings giving up 3 earned runs on 8 hits, while striking out 3. Patrick Graham relieved Chris in the 7th giving up 1 hit, a SAC fly & 1BB.

Athens was led offensively by Chris Williams (2-4, 1R); Patrick Mason (1-3 1R); Patrick Graham (4-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 3R); Justin Reynolds (2-4 2B, 2 RBI, 1R); Matt Proctor (2-3, 2 RBI).

 

I should probably put this in a new thread, but I've simply got to respond to Low & Slow's post. What you saw watching the East Meck Eagles play is the real deal. They are a special group of young men, on and off the field. Really, they're a throwback to a different era. You remember the movie Sandlot. That's what this motley crew of Eagles is like. They're best of friends on and off the field. They know how to pick at each other and pick each other up all at the same time. Most of them have played together since they were 7 years old, but when a new player joins their team they accept him with open arms. They excel on the field; every Sardis Little League championship banner starts and ends with them and with instruction from one of the best coaching staffs around they've helped Coach Koppe restore the proud East Mecklenburg baseball program to prominence.

But, baseball is about so much more than wins and losses. That's where this group really stands out. They believe unconditionally in Coach Kopp and he believes unconditionally in them. Even more importantly, they believe in one another. That sense of complete trust is as rare as it is valuable. Knowing that your team always always always has your back pays huge dividends, especially when the going gets tough. Knowing that your teammates will hold you accountable when you get too big for your britches, will celebrate your success, and will pick you up when your down is huge motivation to put team first and self last. Watching these guys support one another on and off the field has been inspirational and a lesson for all of the adults that cheer for them. Truly, these Eagles do everyone who ever put on a uniform proud. I always thought they were a special group of kids. As I've seen the disfunction that sometimes goes with 21st century baseball, I now know they're special.

I'd venture to say my son has no idea how rare and wonderful his experience has been. He's just playing ball with his buddies and loving life. Someday though he's gonna look back and realize how fortunate he has been. He has Coaches (Koppe, Robertson, and Reisterer) who truly care about him, he has learned many of the life lessons that baseball can teach, he has an extended family of parents who always revel in his achievements, and he has best friends that will last a lifetime. Baseball has been very very good to him. Being an East Mecklenburg Eagle has been priceless to him.

 

dirtymo,

we tried our best to get your boy that cycle. since i didnt get that breakfast i will take a check in the mail.

how did the championship game turn out? hate we had to leave but i needed to get the boys home before the storms hit.

great to meet you. your boys a heck of a player. good luck the rest of the season.

 

I wasn't going to comment on this because TBR members are supposed to be "kind" to each other, and not go out and almost complete the cycle. But Jimmy McElhany is not your ordinary player. The kid plays with a chip on his shoulder and is willing to knock you down if necessary. But he will be the first to help you up and then invite you to dinner after. I love this kid...he plays baseball "old skool."

 

This is one of the reasons I adopted this team. It's been like this the last 3 years I've been following them, but this year's team is even closer. They are not the most talented team in the conference, but they are proof that talent plus teamwork, plus commitment= success

 

Thanks for the kind words Braves and Wade. Jimmy may not always play well, but he always plays hard. He has been taught since he got his first glove that you will make mistakes in this game, just be sure they are hustle mistakes and don't make the same one twice.

We won the CCBA by defeating a very tough Richmond Sr team 9-8. Our all tournament team members were Jake Beaver, Ryan Brennan, Caleb Raper, and for 2 years in a row Jimmy McElhany. We could have added several more very easily as we hit top to bottom and had some quality pitching. We scored 48 runs in 4 games.

Big Rock Stadium is beautiful. Great job by the West Carteret staff.

 

Seems like Jimmy has been playing HS baseball for 8 years now.....I'm going to miss him when he graduates. I just hope he doesn't leave the board like most do.

 

Hickory Ridge wins 14 to 2 over R.S. Central. Good to leave Forest City Tournament with a win. Great tournament and a great place to enjoy a ballgame. Thanks to the Forest City Owls and everyone involved. I know that back in the 1930's and 40's there was a Forest City team that played in the Carolina Outlaw League and other area leagues. Wonder if they played in the same ballpark before it was updated and later became McNair Field?

 

Baseball fans would be wise to take in a game at East Meck....and they are plenty talented, too.