HIGHLIGHTS.
The caliber of baseball being played in Northern Virginia and District VI continues to improve. For the 1998 tournament season, District VI teams won four of the five Babe Ruth State Championships. Springfield had an extremely successful campaign winning three District Championships and two State Championships. Congratulations are in order for a job well done to Mike Behrmann, his coaching staff, and the players associated with our 15 Year Old District and State Champions. This marks two years in a row that Springfield has captured the State Championship at this level. Also to be singled out for praise is Alan Little, his staff, and the players from the 14 Year Old All-Stars who brought home the 14 Year Old District and State Championships. Proving that our older kids can hold their own, Frank Lee, his staff, and players are to be commended for upholding Springfield’s honor with the District VI Championship at the 16-18 Year Old bracket.
Rosters, team photos, and other tournament information will be posted as it is received.
Note. Photo to be added shortly.
SPRINGFIELD AMERICAN 1998 13-YR ALL-STARS Back Row, L. to R.: Manager Gary Koblitz, Zach Vanderlacq, Jason Erbe, Kevin Ankrom, Mark Wise, Brian Gaudino. Middle Row, L. to R.: Coach Mark Wise, Sr., Brendan Downing, Scott Hoar, Tony Jenkins, Nick Slahetka, Mike Delaney. Front Row, L. to R.: Coach John Foster, Billy Askin, Eddie Lee, Grant Bauley, Kevin Koblitz, Danny Wuckovich. (One player not pictured, Paul Maree, broke his wrist the day after selections and was replaced)
Tournament Trail.
As the host team, the Springfield American 1998 Prep League all-stars drew a bye in the district tournament and advanced straight to the state tournament at Lake Braddock High School. Despite ample preparation time and optimism entering the tournament, the higher level of competition proved too much for the boys.
As caps were removed for the anthem before the first game, the distinct bleached hair donned by about half the boys reflected not only the bright July sun but also the boys’ camaraderie and high spirits entering the tournament. After losing a shortened (slaughter rule) first game to tournament finalist Reston, a strong team packed with 1997 Little League State Champions, the Americans won big themselves in the losers’ bracket against an outmatched Lane team from District V, before bowing out of the tournament with a loss to Loudoun.
However, while on the verge of once again being eliminated early by the slaughter rule in the Loudoun game, the Americans did rally themselves for one huge inning--believed the largest of the tournament--providing the team with considerable fun and excitement, even in the losing cause. They departed with some sense of redemption, a reason to smile and, as the old baseball adage goes, they looked forward to next year.
Note. Photo to be added shortly.
The Team:
Coaches - Mike Behrmann (Manager), John Croce, Dave Tinsley, Tom Ravellette
Players - Chris Behrmann (CB), Jonathan Boyer, Steve Croce, Pat Delaney, Brian Fraser, Jimmy Freund, Alex Layton, Brian McLain, Greg O'Neill, Kevin Robertson, Matt Serth, Joey Tinsley, Flip Tomaselli, Robbie Wilkinson, Chris Wingfield (CW)
1998 Babe Ruth 15 Year Old All-Stars Win State. Finishes third in South Eastern Regional.....
The Springfield Babe Ruth 15-year-old All-Star team had an extremely successful tournament run in 1998. The team finished with a record of 13 wins and 3 losses. This group of players had never before won a state tournament of any kind dating back to their time in Little League. Although they had come close before, the 1998 tournament proved to be an end to years of frustration.
In the District VI tournament, Springfield breezed through the first two games beating Fairfax West and Springfield International. A very strong Fairfax East team was the third opponent. Springfield set the tone early and won the game to propel the team into the championship game. Fairfax beat host Falls Church/Annandale in a semi-final game, setting up a rematch with Springfield. Fairfax would prove to be one of the better teams Springfield would face during the remainder of the All-Star competition. Springfield lost the game forcing a playback immediately following. That loss proved to be a springboard for the Springfield team. In the playback Springfield fought back, battling the Fairfax team’s momentum, winning the game and advancing to the State tournament for the third year in a row.
The state tournament was held in Vienna at Waters field. Springfield dominated the tournament outscoring opponents by an average of eight runs a game. It was a complete and total team effort. All fifteen players contributed during a crucial point in each game throughout the district and state tournaments.
Fans from other cities were in awe of the team from Springfield and the local town folks made it a point to attend all games Springfield participated in. Springfield beat Vienna in game one, a surprising Augusta County team in game two and Peachtree in game three before meeting the very strong McLean team in the finals of the winners bracket. McLean had defeated their earlier opponents and looked to be a dominant team. Springfield beat McLean 8-0 behind superb pitching, defense and intensity. Truly a phenomenal display of power, baserunning and team play from all fifteen members insured that Springfield was going to the championship game. Peach Tree then stunned McLean by beating them in the semifinal game. The fifteen players on the Springfield All-Star team made it clear that a play back game would not be necessary in the state tournament. They left absolutely not doubt in anyone’s mind that they had not lost any intensity what so ever. Springfield dominated the team from Peach Tree to win the groups first state championship.
It was a rare demonstration of total team contribution. Every player not only played in the games, but each one did something to keep the train rolling at a crucial moment. All the hard work and practice had finally paid off and the team earned the respect of many, many baseball folks in Springfield as well as the state of Virginia.
The teams next challenge was the Southeast Regional tournament held in Wilson, North Carolina. The Springfield team, now known simply as Virginia went on to post one the most remarkable displays of determination seen in youth sports. The city of Wilson was an exceptional host, very accommodating and cordial to all players, coaches and families. The organization and management of the tournament games by league officials, however, left much to be desired. There were numerous delays for field preparation and many other snags that left all teams wondering what was going on. It turns out that the brackets were even switched without coaches being informed. Given all the confusion and delays the tournament actually brought out the true character of the All-Star team. Springfield lost the opening game after a 3-hour delay falling behind early but closing to make the outcome decided only in the last inning. The loss was to the eventual tournament runner-up. Usually when a team goes into the losers bracket early in a tournament there is not much hope. Your true character comes to bear. The schedule is more demanding and the team faces elimination each time it takes the field. Springfield was there and could have cashed it in, but did not!
For the next three days the team played five games and defied all odds by sending home four states. Springfield beat Georgia, then Western North Carolina, then a powerful Tennessee team and finally a late night game sending home South Carolina. To everyone’s astonishment, the team that lost its first game was suddenly in the semifinal game against the very talented team from Florida.
In what was one of the greatest baseball games ever, Florida beat Springfield in extra innings 7-5 thus ending a remarkable run. Springfield had tied the game in the fifth inning and had a chance to win in the bottom of the 7th with a runner in scoring position with one out. It didn't happen. But what did happen was a truly remarkable month and half of competition and camaraderie. Thanks to all players, coaches, and parents for a fantastic experience. Everyone contributed, all deserved to be there and all players and families truly enjoyed themselves. How many All-Star teams can say that after they are done? The 1998 15 year-old Springfield Babe Ruth All-Star team can.
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E-mail: bdelmore@iteq.com
Last Updated 22 February 1999