19u American Legion Players and Parents,

 

I just wanted to thank all of the players and parents for their commitment to our 19u American Legion baseball program this year. I realize that it is a demanding schedule and there are a lot of other activities and distractions that go on during the summer. I very much appreciated everyone's dedication, cooperation and flexibility throughout the season.

 

First, I would like to say that I think our season was much more successful than our record indicates. For example, we lost four 1 run games including a 2-1 game to 1st place South Windsor. We were in many games until the late innings. I also think that when we discuss our record, it's also important to note that we had the youngest team in Zone 8.

 

More important than winning, I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and developed as a baseball player. I think the use of wood bats and facing the tough 19u competition has made everyone a better ball player and will especially help those players who will play high school baseball next year have big seasons.  I certainly witnessed a majority of the players improve in their hitter, pitching and/or fielding as the season progressed.

 

I want to especially thank the players that have now officially "aged-out"; Fitz, Arnav, Brick and Jon B for the leadership this past season. I wish them all the best in the future.

 

The remaining players are all eligible for next year's team and I am hoping that everyone returns. I feel that we will have a strong team next year.

 

Also, we will be running a Fall Ellington-Somers American Legion Team this year. Please see our web site for more details if you are interested.  

 

Of course, the season isn't quite over for some of our players selected to the various all star teams.  Congratulations to them and I wish them good luck in their upcoming all star games. Overall we had 8  of our 18 players selected to 4 different All Star Teams for which I am very proud. (And some deserving players that didn't make it!)

 

Finally, I would like to thank all of the players and parents one last time. I hope you have a great second half of Summer. Hope to see you next year if not sooner.

 

Coach Rob