Norwood Boys Shine in National Baseball Tournament

Three Norwood boys took part in the AUU Baseball National Championship Tournament held the last week of July in Fort Myers, Florida.  

Playing for the Baseball Unlimited Americans 16U, out of Waltham, the boys competed against teams from Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and South Carolina in the high school aged “underclassmen” division.

The team’s highlight of the week was a 9-8, come-from-behind victory over the eventual Gold Division National Champions, the Westchester County Nationals of New York. Falling behind 5–0 after two innings, the team fought back, scoring two runs in both the fourth and fifth innings.  Trailing 8-7 in the bottom of the seventh with a runner on second, the game was tied on a two-out infield single by Devon Ryan (Norwood High School). 

“That was all hustle and determination right out of the box,” said head coach Jason Piantadosi. “If Devon hangs his head there, it is game over.”

Devon’s hustle made the play much closer than it needed to be, drawing a wild throw from deep in the second base position. He then scored the winning run in what was a walk-off double by Tomo Ebbihara, of Lexington. Devon was the team’s full time centerfielder and led the Americans with a .345 batting average, hitting six doubles and two triples in this seven game tournament. 

“His great defense and his consistency at the plate were critical to our success this year,” said Piantadosi. 

Darren Wagner (Norwood resident and Catholic Memorial student) had a very good week as well. A versatile player, Darren found time playing both right and left field, as well as second base. A few timely hits and the threat of a stolen base were helpful in many an inning. His participation both on and off the field contributed to the success of the team in this inaugural year.

Cameron Ryan (Norwood – Coakley Middle School), of the BBU Americans 13U team who was called up late in the season, added to the team to help solidify a roster that had experienced key injuries in the weeks leading up to the Florida trip. His performance of spot duties in the outfield throughout the seven game tournament week was important for the team. The highlight of Cameron’s week came in game five when, in an attempt to save some pitching arms in the rotation, he came in to start the game on the mound. Cameron held the Hit Zone Hornets of Massachusetts scoreless through two innings, eventually leaving the game with a 5-5 tie in the fifth. The opposing team struggled early on to figure out the young left-hander who finished the game with over four innings pitched, three earned runs, two K’s, and four assists. At the plate, he finished the week 0-1 with two walks, a run scored, and two RBI.

This was a great first year for this team and the boys are all looking forward to a return trip next July and a chance to compete for a National Title again next year. The Baseball Unlimited Americans are holding tryouts for the 2012 year. Information can be found at www.baseballunlimited.com.