9-10 story... 2013

Twenty-one players tried out for the right to represent Layritz on the 9-10 baseball team. Tryouts had even more meaning this season as the park was hosting the BC Championships so we were awarded an automatic berth. In the end, the coaching staff selected a total of 14 players to the team.

Although guaranteed a berth in the BC Tourney, Layritz still played in the District 7 tournament. Although we could not participate in the district playoffs, the games affected the standings for the other parks.

The boys did not disappoint. Kevin 'target' sheridan led the way in the first game vs lakehill with a pair of doubles and Layritz never looked back. A perfect 5-0 record was earned, including an 8-6 win over eventual winner, beacon hill. The two Dylan's, 'Jaws' Jacques and 'Cheetah' Atwal, kept the B.H. bats in check as an 8-1 lead was built, including a big hit from our youngest player, Jason 'BoBo'-'Boomer'-'Sergei' Bobroske off their team's ace.

As luck would have it, we faced Beacon Hill in the first game of the BC Tourney. Needing a win to probably be able to advance, the boys responded. However, jitters staked Beacon Hill to an early 3-0 lead after top of the 1st, thanks to 'Jaws' coming in with the bases loaded and allowing no more damage. Great character was shown as leadoff batter, Daniel 'Sticks' Sawchyn gets aboard and by the end of the inning the game is tied again at 3-3. Marcus 'Cakes' Walt and others shut the door from the mound, 'Cheetah' hits a big RBI triple, and Tristan 'Bullfrog' Bolger steals home for the last run to cap a 13-3 mercy victory.

The next night drew Forest Hills of District 5. Ty 'Tyger' Nakatsu shuts them out and we score two runs in the bottom half to take an early lead, thanks in no part to leadoff batter Taine 'Mickey' Clague going 3-4 in the game. 'Cheetah' hits another triple but the big hit of the day is from Kieran 'KD' Robinson-Dunning as he slashes a bases-clearing, double to blow the game open. 'Jaws' and 'Cakes' combine for four innings of shutout relief and Layritz is now 2-0 after a convincing 10-5 victory.

Day three brings a big step-up in class of opponent as New West is next, not much to say as our bats went silent against faster pitching and we lose 12-3. 'Mickey' allowing only one run in over two innings of work was the game hi-light.

Next is Little Mountain and the game of the Tournament. Layritz comes out blazing with 'Target' on the hill and the bats alive to take a 6-0 first inning lead. Spectacular defense keeps L.M. at bay as 'Cheetah', 'Tyger', 'Bullfrog', 'Target', and Keagan 'Bondo' Bondoreff turn in defensive gems that had the crowd gasping, then fiercely applauding. Sadly, it was not enough as Little Mountain rally for three runs in the sixth and two more in extra innings to take a 9-7 victory. They boys played their hearts out and a loss does not diminish our feelings of pride for the effort put out.

The last round robin opponent was unbeaten White Rock. Layritz had already earned fourth place, and a subsequent semi final berth, and a victory would not change anything. Batting orders were changed, the defense was moved around and White Rock wins 12-1 in convincing fashion, in an albeit meaningless game. Day six was an off-day leading to day seven and semi-final day.

Layritz finishes fourth and draws undefeated White Rock in the last semi-final with a berth in the final up for grabs. My apologies... This is the game of the tournament. Semi final #2... .Undefeated and first place White Rock vs. Host Layritz.

A 1-2-3 inning for White Rock and a great bunt from Cheetah stake the hosts to a 2-0 surprising lead after an inning. White Rock chips away but we started target on the hill and he was incredible. The lead is still 2-1 halfway thru the game thanks in large part to a phenomenal, diving catch by Daniel 'Sticks' Sawchyn. Defense eludes Layritz somewhat in the 4th inning and its now 4-2 White Rock. But nobody told the 14 lads on the host team that they should be happy with a close loss and two nine year olds, Cakes 'n Mickey, both hit doubles and we are all tied 4-4 after the 5th inning.

Marcus 'Cakes' Walt is now pitching and shuts the door in the 6th inning. Cue the heroics!!! Kevin Sheridan leads off with an-almost walkoff HR, but settles for a double. The Dominator, Dominic Bodley-Scott, special runs for Target and reaches third after a timely sacrifice from Tristan 'Bullfrog' Bolger. A passed ball, and a close play at the plate, and who woulda thought it????

Layritz 5, White Rock 4. A semi-final win!

The final awaits us. After the huge emotions of the previous night, we were not able to capitalize on our chances. We strand eight runners in the first three innings but Little Mountain is full value for their 12-1 championship victory.

Coaches Chris Walt, Aaron Nakatsu, Doug Chamberlain, and Dave Potter could never have expected to be crowned runnerups of BC for 2013. Pride does not begin to describe the emotions we feel for the 14 boys. The victory over White Rock was the single biggest moment for our park in over a decade and the coaches have the boys to thank for a lifelong memory.

And with five players possibly returning for 2014, the future looks bright!!