2007 STATE CHAMPIONS
8/8/2007

 Western PA - 8
NC - 7

Semi Finals of the Mid Atlantic Regionals

Incredible! Not the NC 11's best game but incredible just the same. Western PA was the only undefeated team left in the Tourney. They hit the ball. They played defense. They had momentum. They had a swagger. They had a first base'man' that we still don't know if he/she was a boy or girl. They had everything going for them. We scratched out a run in the top of the first with 2 outs only to have Western PA score 7 runs in the next 2 innings behind 6 hits, 1 BB, and 1 error. The NC 11's were down 7-1 after two innings. This where 'incredible' comes into play. If you're watching a MLB game and it's 7-1 after two innings, it's ball game over - turn the channel. The NC 11's said don't touch that remote and started pecking away at the lead. We grinded out a run in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th inning and trailed 8-4 entering the 6th inning. With 2 runners on base with one out, Tyler Hoffman hit a 3 run HR to cut what was once a 6 run lead down to one! Western PA changed pitchers to get the final 2 outs and thus end the NC 11's run to the championship.

Pitching:

KB: 3+ innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 4 K's
T: 1 inning, 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 K

 Sticks:

Sean: double, single
T: double, HR
Papi: single
KB: single
J-Saf: double
Sink: single
B-Saf: single
Harris: single

Incredible has many definitions. In this case, incredible = heart. The kids did not quit. They refused to go away w/o a fight. They left EVERYTHING they had out on the ballfield. We had at least 2 runners on base in 5 of the 6 innings. There was enthusiasm even when down 6 runs. They never believed that Western PA was a better team. They proved that! They NEVER gave up!

In the loss, they handled themselves with class. Heads were held high. Congratulations and good luck to Western PA were in order. They represented NCYBA/North Colonie/ENY Ripken in a way that all associated can be proud. This is a special group of kids that will have these memories for a lifetime! What a great experience!

We need to thank NCYBA for it's support since the team got together 6-7 weeks ago. We'd like to thank everyone for their good luck and well wishes. The support at the State Tourney at our complex and the e-mails and phone calls during the Regionals helped the kids get through all of this. A special thanks to Bryan Egan and Jeffrey Hoffman who threw countless hours of BP (curves, other breaking pitches, off-speed stuff, etc) to help get the 11's prepared for what they were going to see at the Regionals. A huge thanks goes out to the BLUE CREW (Moms, Dads, sisters, brothers, adults, relatives, friends, etc.) that were just plain nuts in the stands and so supportive in making this season a special one for the kids. Words can't describe their impact. You had to be there to experience it!

But the biggest thanks goes to: Kevin Bilynsky (KB), Ryan Callister (RJ), Stevie Cox (Raptor), Kevin Egan (Keegan), Sean Egan (Capt.), Nick Gavin (Papi), Tyler Hoffman (Bone), Mike Mainella (Harris), Brandan Safford (B-Saf), Justin Safford (J-Saf), Chad Sinko (Chadley), & Matt Zappone (Z) who made this season special! They had character, heart, guts, determination, drive, pushed thenselves to the very end and came so close.....

Regional Tourney Record: 3-2

Overall Record: 12-3

Season over

8/6/2007

 NC - 2
Western NY - 1

4th and final game of Pool Play in the Mid-Atlantic Regionals

Yesterday's game against Metro PA may have been one of the best 11 year old games you'll ever see. Combine that with today's game against Western NY (10 miles East of Buffalo) and you'd have seen back to back games that words can't properly describe! The NC 11's were in the driver's seat as far as advancing to the semi-final round. Having given up only 12 runs in 3 games had us in great position if a tie-breaker was needed. A win today would guarantee us the #2 seed in the next round. The offense was up to the task in the first inning. 2 quick runs and the bases loaded with no outs had the NC 11's feeling great. But Western NY settled down to get the final 2 outs with no further damage. We didn't know it at the time but our bats ran out of ammunition and we were only able to get 17 ABs in the last 5 innings. Matt Zappone was on the hill and threw a masterful game. Western NY did not get a runner to 2nd base until the 4th inning when they scratched across a run to cut the lead to 2-1. The bottom of the 6th inning got a little hairy when Western NY had runners on first and third with only 1 out. Z and the defense settled down and a 2-1 victory was at hand! To go along with the pitching, our defense had 15 put outs!

We finished Pool Play at 3-1 and earned a berth in the Semi-Finals tonight against an undefeated team from Western PA who just beat the defending Regional Champion from last year. We will not be the favorite but in a one game single elimination format, anything can happen!

 Pitching:

 Z: 6 innings, 5 hits, 0 runs, 3 K's

 Sticks:

Z; single
T: single
KB: single
J-Saf: single

TEAM: 3 K's

Tourney Record: 3-1

Overall Record: 12-2

Next Game: 8/7/2007 vs. Western PA (semi-final round)

8/5/2007

NC – 4
Metro PA – 0

3rd game of Pool Play in the Mid-Atlantic Regionals

Game 3 had the NC 11’s up against a 2-0 Metro PA team. Lose and our run to the semifinals comes to a screeching halt. Win and we still have life. Game 3 was one of the best 11 year old baseball games you’ll ever see. Pitching and defense absolutely dominated most of the game. With the exception of the first inning, the NC 11’s had 2 runners on in every inning and due to some great defense & pitching from Metro PA, could not get a runner past 2nd base. We kept the pressure on but could not crack Metro PA. In the bottom of the fourth, in a 0-0 ballgame, Metro led off the inning with a single followed by a double. Runners on 2^nd and 3^rd (with no outs) had the Metro players and fans going crazy. Their 5^th batter lined a ball towards centerfield with what looked like a 2 run single when Brandan Safford snared the hard hit ball and doubled up the runner on 2^nd base! That took the wind out of our opponent and Tyler Hoffman over powered the final batter of the inning, stranding the runner on third! The NC 11’s loaded the bases in the top of the 5^th with 2 outs when Justin Safford hit a ball to LCF that the centerfielder dropped. 2-0 after 5 innings and Kevin Bilynsky on the hill in relief had NC feeling pretty good. 2 more runs in the top of the 6^th closed the door on Metro PA and kept the NC 11’s semifinal chances alive!

Pitching:

T: 4 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 5 K’s
KB: 2 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 K’s

Sticks:

Sean: single, double
Z: single, double
T: single
Papi: single
B-Saf: double
 

TEAM: 0 K’s

Tourney Record: 2-1

Overall record: 11-2

Next Game: 8/6/2007 vs. Western NY

8/4/2007

NC – 10
GVAA – 1

2nd game of Pool Play in the Mid-Atlantic Regionals

After Game 1, the NC 11’s badly needed some down time to relax and regroup to get ready for the 2^nd game of our split doubleheader. The rest, pool, and A/C was just what the doctor ordered as the looks in the kids eyes told us they were ready to play baseball. Z took the hill and threw a very effective 3 innings that set the tone along with some perfect defense. KB and J-Saf came in relief and in all total, the 3 combined to throw a 2 hitter. Down 1-0 in the second inning with 2 outs and the bases juiced, Sean hit a Grand Slam that took the wind right out of the opposition. Still holding a 4-1 lead in the 5^th, Sean hit another HR and the rest of the team followed to score 5 more runs in the next 2 innings.

Pitching:

Z: 3+ innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 4 K’s
KB: 2 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 K’s
J-Saf: 1 inning, 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 K’s
 

Sticks:

Sean: HR, HR
Z: single
T: single, single
KB: single, single
J-Saf: double
Ryan: single, single
TEAM: only 2 K’s

Tourney Record: 1-1

Overall record: 10-2

Next Game: 8/5/2007 vs. Metro PA

8/4/2007

Delaware – 11
NC – 4

1^st game of Pool Play in the Mid-Atlantic Regionals

the NC 11’ s had their hands full with our first matchup in Pool Play. Delaware is one of the Tourney favorites and it showed quickly. The team hit the ball very well and backed up their offense with some outstanding pitching. Delaware got their leadoff hitter on in each inning and proceeded to score in 5 of the 6 innings.

Our pitchers threw well in the 98 degree heat but the Delaware sticks were too much for us.

 Pitching:

KB: 2 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 1 K
Chad: 1 inning, 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 K

 Sticks:

Z: single
Sean: single
T: single
Papi: single
Sink: single
KB: single
J-Saf: single

Tourney Record: 0-1

Overall record: 9-2

Next Game: 8/4/2007 under the lights vs. GVAA

As a side note, Nick Gavin tied for first in the Accuracy (throws from center field) skill in the Skills Competition. He ended up coming in 2^nd place in the throw off. 30 kids were entered!

7/26/2007

 NC - 7
Nisky - 3

 Finals of the ENY State Tourney

 We Are The Champions!

 As 9 year olds we were undefeated in the championship game in the double elimination State Tourney and lost back to back games to QBury. Last year as 10's we were beaten by Nisky in the semi-finals of the State Tourney. 2 years of being so close with nothing to show for it. This year as 11's, the kids were on a mission. In the championship game, Sean Egan took the hill and kept the Nisky lineup in check. Tyler 'Bone' Hoffman took matters into his own hands and crushed a 3 run home run in the bottom of the first inning to let Nisky know that we would not be denied this year. Solid defense and pitching along with some timely hitting kept the game in NC's favor. Tyler 'Mr. T' Hoffman connected for his second home run and third in two days to give the NC 11's a 6-0 lead. Nisky scratched back in the 5th but Kevin 'KB' Bilynsky came in to put out the fire as the NC 11's won 7-3 to claim the 2007 ENY Cal Ripken State Championship!! On to New Jersey and the Mid Atlantic 11 Year Old Regional Tournament!

 The boys were incredible and after having lost the very first game of the Round Robin, won 9 straight games in convincing fashion. In the State Tournament, NC outscored the opposition 53-12 (5 games). Each and every kid contributed in some way. It was a total TEAM effort!

 We need to thank our parents & families who have supported the boys through the good, bad, and the ugly. Their flexibility with their lives to get the kids to practices, scrimmages, and games is very much appreciated. Their help with the tournament by running the concession stand, selling tee shirts, raking the fields, announcing the games, etc. can't be praised enough. The crazy Moms who wore BLUE and supported the team with thier 'fingers' gave the kids a nice home field advantage! And finally we'd like to thank other people from within NCYBA who helped with the fields, concession stands, announcing, and most importantly their support! Everybody helped make the trip a special one for the kids!

 Pitching:

Sean: 4 innings, 3 runs, 4 hits, 2 K's
KB: 2 innings, 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 K

Sticks:

Z: single
Sean: triple
Bone: HR, single, HR
Papi: single
KB: single
BSaf: single
Stevie: single

 Overall Record: 9-1

Tourney Record: 5-0

 Next Game: Saturday 8/4 @ 1:00 vs. Delaware - Mid Atlantic 11 year old Regional

7/25/2007

 NC - 10
Saratoga - 2

Semi Finals of the ENY State Tourney

A strange thing happened tonight in the top of the first inning. Tyler Hoffman hit a 2 run home run that gave the NC 11's the lead. If you've noticed, we've fallen behind in every one of our State Tourney games. We weren't used to this! But, as in every single one of our Tourney games, we gave up runs to our opponent in the first inning. A 2-2 game after one inning at least had us thankful we were out of the first. We scratched for a run in the 2nd inning and held onto a slim 3-2 lead into the 5th inning. Sean Egan led off with a double and after 5 hits, 2 BB's, and a HBP, the NC 11's erupted for 7 runs to take a 10-2 lead that held through the 6th! We now play Nisky in the ENY State Final. In last year's 10 year old ENY State Tourney, Nisky knocked us out. Enough said....

Pitching:

KB: 3.1 innings, 0 runs, 2 hits, 6 K's
Z: 1 inning, 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 K
Sean: 1 inning, 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 K

Sticks:

Z: single
Sean: single, double
Bone: HR
Ryan: single
KB: single, single
BSaf: single

Overall Record: 8-1

Tourney Record: 4-0

Next Game: Thursday 7/26 @ 6:00 vs. Nisky - ENY State Ripken State Championship Game

7/22/2007

 NC - 13
Wilton - 2

 3rd game of the ENY Ripken State Tourney

In the third game of pool play, the NC 11's went up against a team it had only scrimmaged in the past. For the third straight game the boys found themselves behind after their opponents' first ABs. For some reason we cannot keep the opposition off the scoreboard in the 1st inning. But we have been reminded often that's it's not as important on how you start but more important on how you finish. After spotting the Wilton gang 2 runs in the first, it took exactly 3 batters to take the lead in the bottom of the inning. The boys never looked back and completed the game in 3.5 innings. The NC 11's finished the pool play a perfect 3-0. As we enter the semifinals, the 3-0 record means absolutely nothing. We open with Saratoga which is a team that we know very little about. An early season scrimmage gave us a glimspe but not a true picture. We'll find out soon if the boys are up for the challenge!

 Pitching:

Z: 2 innings, 2 runs, 3 hits, 1 K
Papi: 2 innings, 0 runs, 1 hit, 2 K's

 Sticks:

Bone: single
Sink: single
KEags: single
Ryan: single
J-Saf: single
Stevie: double
Papi: single

 Overall Record: 7-1

Tourney Record: 3-0

 Next Game: Tuesday 7/24 @ 8:00 vs. Saratoga

7/21/2007

 NC - 10
Queensbury - 5

 2nd game of the ENY Ripken State Tourney

 In the second game of pool play, the NC 11's went up against an old rival in Queensbury. The boys from up North struck early with a run in the first inning. The damage may have been more if not for a nice double play started by Kevin Bilynsky. NC came back with 3 in the first and 2 more in the second to take a comfortable 5-1 lead into the 3rd inning. But rivals don't go away easy and Qbury struck back with 4 runs in the top of the third with help from some shaky defense to tie the game. That's when the NC 11's put the pedal to the metal and kicked it up a notch scoring 5 runs in the next 2 innings to take the game!

 Pitching:

Sean: 3 innings, 5 runs (only 1 earned), 4 hits, 2 K's
KB: 3 innings, 0 runs, 3 hits, 4 K's

 Sticks:

Z: single
Sean: single
Bone: double, single, single
Papi: SF, single
B-Saf: single
Sink: double
KEags: single
Ryan: single
J-Saf: double, single

 Overall Record: 6-1

Tourney Record: 2-0

 Next game: Sunday 7/22 @ 2:15 vs. Wilton

7/20/2007

 NC - 13
Beekman - 1

 1st game of the ENY Ripken State Tourney

In the first game of pool play, the NC 11's may have had the most difficult task of any of the other teams. We were playing the South Area champion from Beekman (near Lagrangeville, NY). We had faced each of the other 6 teams within the last year or so. Beekman (near Pawling, NY) was new to us and posed a very interesting challenge. Tyler 'Bone' Hoffman took the hill and in the top of the first inning Beekman (near Wingdale, NY) broke through  taking a 1-0 lead and holding that lead into the 3rd inning. After 2 full innings, The NC 11's were in a dogfight. Baseball is a game of adjustments and after the Beekman (near Stormville, NY) hurlers handled the NC offense fairly well the first time through the line up, the second trip through wasn't as easy. Sending 10 batters to the plate, NC scored 5 runs to take a 5-1 lead into the bottom of the third. The hits kept coming and a 13-1 game, 5 inning special was the final tally.

 Pitching:

Tyler: 3 innings, 1 run, 2 hits, 2 K's
KB: 2 innings, 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 K

 Sticks:

Z: single
Sean: double, single, double
Bone: single
Papi: 2 hits (that's hit by pitch)
B-Saf: single, single
Sink: single
KB: single, single
Ryan: single, single
Stevie: sac. fly
J-Saf: single

Leather:

J-Saf and KEags each with nice plays in the last inning!

Many others as well!

Overall Record: 5-1

Tourney Record: 1-0

Next game: Saturday 7/21 @ 1:15 vs. Queensbury (our biggest rival)

7/14/2007

NC - 13
Spring - 2

Central Division Champs!

The NC 11's played their last Round Robin game and won in convincing fashion. After falling behind by a run in the 1st inning, the NC sticks got hot and the team never looked back. The biggest blows came from the bat of Chad Sinko who hit a bomb in the 2nd inning over the left field wall. Blows is plural because in the 3rd inning Chad went yard again over the center field wall!! In the field, Tyler Hoffman playing SS started a very nice DP that killed a Spring rally. Our pitchers threw strikes and never really let Spring get into the game. After losing our first game of the Round Robin, the team fought back to win the last 4 games! Another great effort by the entire team!!

Off to the State Tourney @ the NCYBA Complex 7/20-7/24.

Pitching:

Tyler Hoffman: 1 inning, 1 run, 1 hit, 3 K's
Z: 1 inning, 1 run, 1 hit, 1 K
Nick: 1 inning, 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 K
Chad: 1 inning, 0 runs, 0 hits, 2 K's
Justin: 1 inning, 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 K

 Sticks:

Z: single, single
Sean: double, single
Bone: single, sac. fly
Ryan: single
Kevin E: single, single
Chad: HR, HR
Stevie: double, double, single
Justin: single

7/12/2007

NC - 13
Nisky - 2

The NC 11's had their 3rd and final round robin matchup with Nisky. The winner would be in the driver's seat for the Central Area Championship. If you read about our last match up against Nisky on 7/7 or spoke to someone who attended that game, you would know that our kids couldn't wait for the game tonight! It took exactly 1 inning to show Nisky we meant business. Sean Egan allowed the Nisky 'hitters' 2 very weak ground balls back to the mound (along with a K) in the top of the first inning. The NC bats and plate discipline led to a 6 spot in the bottom of the first when we sent 12 batters to the plate. 4 hits and 5 walks later, the Nisky crew knew the game was over.

Another great effort by the entire team!!

Pitching:
Sean Egan: 2 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 3 K's
KB: 2 innings, 1 hit, 0 runs, 2 K's

Sticks:
Sean - single, single
Z - single, sac. fly
Papi - single
Kevin E. - single, single
Ryan - single 
KB - triple                                                                                                                                                                                Mike - single                                                                                                                                                                            Chad - sac. fly

7/9/2007

NC - 0
Spring- 0

After about a 15 minute rain/lightning delay to start the game, Chad took the hill in the top of the 1st inning and threw a very effective inning allowing only a walk. In the bottom of the 1st, Z drew a leadoff walk and as he was running to first base, the sky opened up and never let up. Game called.....no make up date in sight yet.

Pitching:                                                                                                                                                                                   Chad: 1 inning, 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 K's

Sticks:
Z - walk                                                                                                                                                                                     rest of team - no opportunity to get their name listed

7/7/2007

NC - 6
Nisky - 5

The NC 11's had a matchup with Nisky. We were looking for revenge from last week's loss. We were on the road in what turned out to be a surprisingly and incredibly hostile environment. The hi-light (or low-light) of the game was a play at first base that you could replay 100 times and still shake your head in disbelief at the call that was made.  KB started on the hill and was untouchable allowing only a leadoff walk in the 1st inning in two innings of work. Mr. T. threw in the 3rd and 4th and was almost as impressive as the Nisky bats could not damage our defense. The NC bats came to life in the 3rd inning grinding out 3 hits and 2 walks to take a 2-0 lead that lasted until the 5th where things got crazy. You won't find any details here but our next game against Nisky is at home on 7/12 @ 6:00 on Field 4 - May be worth a trip to the ballpark! When the smoke cleared in the bottom of the 5th, Nisky held a 3-2 lead that may have been greater if not for a great catch by Mike Mainella in left field. Down 3-2 and facing our 2nd loss in the Round Robin which would have eliminated us from a possible Area Championship, the 11's may have found some left over energy from the 10's the night before (also vs. Nisky) and put together a 4 run rally in the 6th inning and a 6-3 lead that had both players and fans going wild! Nisky wasn't done yet and scored 1 run of their own with 2 outs in the bottom of the 6th to trail 6-4. Z was brought in with the bases loaded and after a walk to their cleanup hitter, got the 5th hitter to hit a weak pop up to KB to end the game! The kids could have quit after the incredible 5th inning - they fought back. The kids could have raised the white flag after the 5th - they instead put on their rally caps. The kids could have caved and hung their heads after the 5th - they instead showed their heart and determination. A great effort by the entire team!!

Pitching:
KB: 2 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 4 K's
Bone: 2 innings, 1 hits, 0 runs, 2 K's
Z: 2 batters, 0 hits, 0 runs, BIG SAVE

Sticks:
Sean - single, single
Z - single
Bone - single, single
Brandan - single, single
Papi - single 
KB: single

Record: 2-1

7/2/2007

NC - 9
Spring - 0

The NC 11's rebounded from the opening day loss to play as solid of a game as you'll see. The pitchers set the tone with Z, Bone, and J-Saf combining, along with some very solid defense, to allow only 3 Spring baserunners to get in scoring position the entire game. The NC bats were a little sluggish to start the game as we were only able to scratch out 2 runs through 5 innings. But then in the 6th inning a small firworks display out near the trees in centerfield carried over to home plate where the boys pounded out 6 hits within about 12 pitches. A shell-shocked Spring team saw a very close 2-0 game get blown wide open! Hitting is contagious and tonight was a great example of that. Fielding is also contagious and that showed as well in a nearly flawless defensive performance!

Pitching:
Z: 3 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs, 2 K's
Bone: 2 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 5 K's
J-Saf: 1 inning, 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 K's

Sticks:
Sean - single
Z - double
Stevie - single, triple
Brandan - single
Ryan - single 
KB: single, single

Record: 1-1

7/1/2007

Nisky - 4
NC - 3

The NC 11's started our Round Robin against a familiar foe - Niskayuna. An error on the very first play of the game gave us a preview of things to come. A very shaky NC defense had Nisky holding a 4-0 lead after 4 innings. All 4 runs were unearned. Our bats had pressure on the Nisky hurlers all game but solid defense kept us off the scoreboard until the 5th inning when we put up a 3 spot to make it close. We had runners in scoring position every inning but just couldn't get it done today.

Pitching:
Nick 2 innings, 1 run
Ryan 1.1 innings, 3 runs
Sean 2.2 innings, 0 runs, 5 K's

Sticks:
Sean - double
Z - single, single
T - double, single
Brandan - single
Ryan - single, single