Arlington Babe Ruth Captures Al Vega Classic

On Saturday, May 26, Everett Babe Ruth hosted the Al Vega Classic featuring teams from Everett, Beverly and Arlington.

In game one, the Everett Babe Ruth All-Stars took on Al Vega's Phillies. The Phillies led throughout the contest until the bats for Everett started to come alive. Trailing 6-2 in the seventh inning, Everett pushed 10 runs across the plate to take a 12-6 lead. Phillies starter Jesse Loesch gave a commanding performance leading his team until the fateful seventh inning when a combination of a high pitch count and the 90 degree temperature was too much to overcome. The big hit that started the rally for Everett was Nick Pettiglio's three-run homer to center field.

In game two Arlington Babe Ruth demonstrated their patient hitting downing Beverly 10-0 in the second game of the day.

In the championship game Al Vega Jr. threw out the first pitch and was presented with a ceremonial hat and shirt in honor of his father Al Vega Sr. The championship game was more of the same for Arlington, as their bats were just too much for Everett, as Arlington took the championship 13-3.

During the awards presentation Arlington coach Tom Ahern was presented a plaque for winning the Al Vega Classic. The Arlington team was also presented commemorative shirts and as a sign of sportsmanship re-presented the shirts to the entire Everett team.

Arlington’s players and coaches thought the Everett players deserved the special shirts that honored a man who meant so much too so many. Arlington players showed true class and sportsmanship throughout the tournament and should be proud to know that they represented the people of Arlington and Arlington Babe Ruth. In the end the tournament wasn't about winning a championship but paying honor to a man who meant so much to Everett Babe Ruth.

Thank you to all who participated and supported this tournament and a special thank you to Arlington and Beverly Babe Ruth.