Eastern NY Cal Ripken 12-year-old All-Stars

Losses mount but spirits still soar for Ripken All-Stars

By RICHARD A. ROSS

FREMONT CENTER, NY — In an age where the mantra “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing,” originally coined by legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi is evidenced from little league games and AYSO soccer to the ranks of the pros, it’s great to see that some kids still play for the love of the game.

Sure, winning would be great, but the kids who play for the Sullivan County Cal Ripken All-Stars are still smiling and diving for fly balls despite an 0-4 record in the round robin tournament against more established programs from Orange County.

Even during a no-hit game by the East Fishkill trio of Mike Porcaro, Andrew Kozloski and Alex McKeon on July 7, the Sullivan team still gave high fives and celebrated some great baseball that included solid pitching by Cody Fredo, who survived a four-run first inning by settling down and pitching a pair of scoreless innings. Fishkill scored six in the sixth inning but Fredo was no longer on the mound.

In the outfield, Mike Durkin, Mark Michel and Adam Hendrix wowed the fans with great catches, including a running backhand grab by Hendrix, who came in full tilt from deep center and slid on his knees to make an outstanding catch.

That’s the way it’s been during Sullivan County’s first year in the Cal Ripken round robin tournament, a part of the mythical Babe Ruth League. Each game has had its sterling moments and in fact, many were within reach of being won.

Playing away against Highland Falls on July 2, Sullivan County tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the fifth inning but gave up three runs in the bottom of the frame in a closely contested game. A rainout against New Paltz has yet to be rescheduled, as well as a rainout against Kent that had been scheduled for July 8.

“It’s been a great learning experience for the kids and for me,” said head coach Scooter Lovgren before the game on July 7. “Next year we’ll be much more prepared for this.”

At this juncture, Beacon (5-0) and East Fishkill (5-1) are the two top teams in the South Area Tourney of Eastern New York. Beacon defeated East Fishkill 6-4 in their game on July 5. The two top teams at the tournament’s end will advance to the state championship tournament.