Chatham U10 Team Wins First-Place Trophies

The Chatham Summer U10 All Star "A" Team, coached by Bill Karpowic, earned first-place trophies in the competitve North Jersey Summer Travel Baseball League. It finished with a 19-6 overall record.

The team beat Branchburg 13-11 in the league championship game after falling behind 8-3 in the fourth inning. The win gave the team a first seed in the league tournament.

Chatham beat Berkeley Heights in the semifinals of the tournament before losing 7-5 in the final to Westfield. It was the third year in a row that the team made it to the finals in the league playoffs. 

"It was a total and complete team effort," Karpowic said. "However, while the boys played great team baseball, I'd like to point out how each of the boys played a huge role individually in our success."

He praised each individual player. Tommy Winter led the team in on base percentage, he said, and Mac Bredahl continued to demonstrate extraordinary plays defensively.

"Mac Bredahl is the best youth shortstop I've ever seen," Karpowic said.

He said Peter Demaria demonstrated strong defensive play at first. Ryan Chase improved his defensive play from last year and made several key plays in the outfield, according to Karpowic. Ronan Limroth had a huge three-run home run in the semifinal game against Berkeley Heights, he said, and Matt Karpowic had a great all around season, batted well, played a great center field and second base and pitched well.

Karpowic said Johnny Maurer did some catching, and got really hot offensively in July. He said Charlie Bergmann did a standout job at second base, and got several key hits. Billy Gyves, according to Karpowic, again led the pitching staff and had a few key RBIs late in the season.

Max Schelling was new to the team this year, did most of the catching and hit well, according to Karpowic. He also said Clay Delsandro played every position on the field, and had a very strong second half. Will Covino supplied timely relief pitching and played a very strong 3rd base, Karpowic said.

"This is the third year I have coached this group, and, as in years past, they never cease to amaze me with their skill level, their focus, and their attitudes. They're a very special and unique group," Karpowic said. "They handle themslelves with class. They respect each other, and their coaches, and they play the game at a level far above their age level. They all have really bright futures."