CIBC Walkers clinch rookie title
By Sarah Doktor
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Working together as a team proved to be a success for the CIBC Walkers team during the Simcoe Minor Baseball Association's Rookie end of the year tournament this weekend.
CIBC grabbed the title with a 15-9 win over Eisings Garden Centre Sunday afternoon.
"It was a complete and total team effort. There wasn't a player on the team we could have won the championship without," said CIBC co-coach Jeff Shortt.
The team excelled over the three-day tournament when they were up to bat. All 12 players managed to make it to the bases in four out of seven games, said Shortt.
"That was the key to our success. They were all really great up to bat," he said.
The youngsters also found success on their infield plays.
In one game, first baseman Jeryn Shortt managed a double play by catching the ball then running across the diamond to tag the runner heading to third.
"They played really well. The kids have played well all year," said Shortt. "They all came together during the championship."
CIBC was up by six in the third inning when Eisings grabbed five runs to get them within one point of the lead, however CIBC can back. By the sixth inning they were up by three and grabbed another three runs.
Despite the loss, Eisings' coach Jeff Vandermeer is proud of his team.
"Everyone of our players hit really well," he said. "In the last couple of weeks everyone has improved."
Not only did the team showcase their skills on the field, they made the coach proud on the bench as well.
"There was great team work and encouragement," he said.
The tournament was a perfect end to a great season thanks to the coaches, said Vandermeer, who is also the convenor of the rookie league.
"We are so fortunate to have such great coaches in the league this year," he said. "They are fantastic."
Sue Defreyne, vice-president of the SMBA was also pleased with how the weekend turned out.
"It's been wonderful," she said. "It is a lot about fun and making new friends while playing a game. It is a great cheap recreational activity…Thankfully, the weather cooperated so the kids could showcase their talent."
Sarah Doktor
sarah.doktor@sunmedia.ca
twitter.com/sarahreformer
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