Opening Day Launches Mid-Atlantic Cal Ripken Tournament Into Full Swing

Springfield continued its strong tradition of competitive baseball Wednesday night as hosts of the 2011 Cal Ripken Mid-Atlantic Tournament. Opening ceremonies began at the Netherwood Field Complex.  Ten youth teams competed in three skills events to start off the competition that will take place through Monday.

Jeff Kilgallen, Director of Springfield baseball and PA State Rep. William Adolph began the evening by introducing teams representing Maryland, western New York, eastern New York, Delaware, northwest Pennsylvania, southeast Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, southern New Jersey, metropolitan New York and the host, Springfield. 

Springfield 8th grade student, Jaclyn Rooney, sang the national anthem. 

“I was honored that they asked me to do this for such a big event,” remarked Rooney after leading the congregation of baseball teams, family and fans in The Star Spangled Banner. 

As previous hosts and Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament winners, Springfield’s own 2010 SAA 12U Blue Team were present to show support for the tournament and cheer on their Coach Joe Johnson while he received the ceremonial first pitch from Opening Day special guest, Bobby Shantz.

After 16 years in the major leagues, with the Athletics and Yankees, Shantz has earned the reputation as one of the greatest fielding pitchers. He was an All-Star in 1951, ‘52 and ‘57 and was named a Gold Glove winner eight times for his fielding abilities. 

“Springfield has a rich baseball history,” Adolph said citing graduates Mike Scioscia and Taylor Buchholz’s history of professional baseball as proof. 

“I’m sure there is one Taylor Buchholz around us now that will have a great professional career,” he said.

As winners of the Home Run Derby, Springfield confirms that they are ready to take on the competition ahead of them. 

“I want to win,” commented Springfield left fielder Nick Gorman. “I’m looking forward to winning.”

The Home Run Derby consisted of three players from each team. Each player was given 10 hits to clear the fence and score a home run. 

Springfield player Thomas Quinn won the competition with four homeruns to his name. After winning the skills competition, Quinn is already focusing on the tournament ahead. 

“I’m just looking forward to winning games and going on to the World Series,” he stated.  Players from the Bear, Del. team and the southeast Pennsylvania team, Nether Providence, finished in second and third place. 

Springfield’s Thomas Toal, Gregory Tamaccio and Kyle Long competed in Around the Bases, a timed competition to see how fast the three teammates can sprint around the 60 ft. bases. 

With a time of 0:37.53 Springfield finished close behind the northern New Jersey team, North Elizabeth, with a winning time of 0:37.43.

The Around the Horn competition included a timed pass from a player at each position on the field. The Maryland team, Severn, won the competition with a time of 0:26.09. 

“I want to play teams we have lost to in the past and be able to try again,” said Springfield pitcher Dave Strawley after the skills events had taken place.

Tournament games began today at 10 a.m. and will be followed by three days of play. Three teams will advance from each bracket into the next round. Quarterfinals will be held Sunday at 11 a.m., with semifinals at 4 p.m. The championship game is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. Tournament champions will advance to the Cal Ripken World Series in Visalia, Calif.

“We’ve been playing hard, working hard toward this goal all year,” commented Springfield’s Head Coach Rich Smith.

“Everyone is excited for a great weekend of baseball.”