9- and 11-year-old clubs capture titles
THE MELROSE 9-year-old team captured the District 12 Jimmy Fund title. In the front row kneeling (l to r) are Cavan O’Leary and Quinn Mathews. In the second row (l to r) are Brendan Doyle, John Burke, Brandon Ward, Dylan Harrington, John Recinito, Michael Thomas and Charlie Keefe. In the third row (l to r) are Colin Walsh, Matthew Palmer, Quinn Fogarty and Timothy Rosell. In the back row (l to r) are Coach Cory Thomas, Coach Chris Walsh and Coach Dan Harrington.
Published in the August 12, 2016 edition
MELROSE — On Saturday, Aug. 6, Melrose Little League hosted four District 12 baseball championship games at Lewis Monk Field. Championships were awarded in the 9-, 10-, 11- and 12-year-old age groups. Melrose baseball was represented in the 9-year-old age group and the 11-year-old age group.
In the 9-year-old championship game Melrose (9-1) faced off against Brookline Little League (8-2). This was the third game this summer between these two talented young baseball teams, with each team earning a one run victory over the other during the tournament.
Saturday’s championship game was no different as this was a tight, well played game with lots of scoring by each team. Melrose was able to pull ahead late in the game, scoring 10 runs over the final two innings to earn an 19-11 victory to earn the District 12 9-year-old title, its ninth consecutive win this summer.
Melrose featured a deep team with hitting, speed, pitching and defense up and down its line up. Melrose’s pitching staff was led all summer long by Colin Walsh, Michael Thomas, Quinn Mathews and Matthew Palmer. Standout catcher Dylan Harrington anchored the team’s defense, logging many hot innings behind the plate during its 10 games. Defensive stalwarts Brendan Doyle, Timmy Rosell, Cavan O’Leary and Quinn Fogarty made many memorable plays. Speedsters Brandon Ward, John Burke, John Recinito and Charlie Keefe used their hitting and running ability to wreak havoc on the base baths.
Each member of this team contributed key hits and defense throughout the summer to help bring a championship to Melrose Little League. The future is bright for Melrose baseball with this talented, hard working, fun loving group of ball players.
THE MELROSE 11-year-old team displays the District 12 championship banner. In the first row (l to r) are Patrick Cotter, Stephen Fogarty, Ronan Donohue, Gavin Donohue, Ryan McGuinness, Brendan Zinck, Sean Thomas and Jack Lavery. In the second row (l to r) are Drew Harrington, Will Dugan, Jack Merullo, Zack Federico and CJ Moriconi. In the back row are Coach Cory Thomas, Coach Dan Harrington, Coach Tim Donohue, Kevin McGuinness and Coach Rich McGuinness.
In the 11-year-old championship game Melrose (9-1) renewed its friendly rivalry with Everett Little League (6-4). Earlier in the tournament, Everett handed Melrose its only loss and Melrose was eager to earn its third win over Everett on this day.
As it has all season long, Melrose used its balanced attack, getting hitting and defensive contributions from each member of their roster.
Ace pitcher Gavin Donohue was dealing from the start, using a mixture of blazing fastballs and skillfully timed off-speed pitches to hold Everett in check over five innings.
Melrose built an early six run lead and weathered a fierce Everett comeback in the sixth inning. Ronan Donohue relieved his brother Gavin and recorded the final out of the game via strikeout to secure the 11-year-old title for Melrose, sparking an on field celebration.
Melrose was led all summer by the pitching of Gavin and Ronan Donohue and also by flame thrower Jack Merullo. The hitting stars are too many to mention as the Melrose order hit from top to bottom and seven different players blasted home runs over the fence during the course its 10 games.
Drew Harrington’s sweet left handed swing produced many memorable hits and Harrington added top notch defense at first base. Sharing the catching duties all summer were Brendan Zinck and Stephen Fogarty, both also added great offense.
CJ Moriconi and Jack Lavery each added walk off hits to win games for Melrose. Sean Thomas and Ryan McGuinness both patrolled second base all summer and each contributed with key hits in a number of games.
Melrose’s outfield was manned by Zack Federico, Patrick Cotter and Will Dugan, where all contributed with key plays both on defense and offense to help make the team such a tough, balanced team to play against.
It was a great effort by a great team, the memories of this summer will last a long time for all involved.
Not only were these two teams hard working and successful on the field, they were just as successful and hard working off the field, raising money for the Jimmy Fund & Dana Farber Cancer Institute all summer long.
Melrose Little League wants to thank Soc’s Ice Cream for its generosity when hosting MLL’s fundraising event on Aug. 5. Melrose also thanks the Melrose Family YMCA for letting the teams set up a lemonade stand in front of the Y on Thursday, July 28. Lastly, the ball players and coaches want to thank their families, friends and the Melrose community for making their fundraising events such a success and for all the kind words and support they received all summer long.
