My Top Local Sports Moments of 2019

So I was debating, do I do a list of top professional/college sports for the year? Do I do that list for the decade? Or do I do a local list of games/moments for the year? Well, I decided that you can get the first two options in many different places and I am around a lot of local sports, so I would do local sports for the year. Maybe I will do another post for the decade in the coming days.

I realize this is likely going to be heavy Fairfield, and specifically Ludlowe based. I also have a feeling Rob Adams' voice is going to appear here a lot, whether it be Robcasting Radio or Local Live.

2019 Fairfield Prep Holiday Classic Championship Game

December 28th - Ludlowe defeated Warde 54-42 to claim the Holiday Tournament Championship for the first time since 2009.

2019 FCIAC Boys Basketball Championship 

Febuary 28th - Ridgefield comes from 14-points down to defeat Danbury and win the 2019 FCIAC boys basketball championship behind 24 points from James St. Pierre.

Here's the final 3:30 of the Ridgefield comeback with Rob Adams and Joel Geriak on the call on Local Live.



The next one hurts, but if I am being fair, it's one of the best games I saw all year.

2019 FCIAC Baseball Championship 

May 22nd - Staples scores two runs with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to defeat Ludlowe and capture the 2019 FCIAC baseball championship. The Wreckers went on to win the state championship as well.

Quick look at the call from @double5 as staples walks off 2-1 over Ludlowe #ctbase pic.twitter.com/ptmyMhRHpf

— Ben -BirdsEyeSports (@BirdsEyeSports) May 23, 2019

We saw a bunch of great little league baseball over the summer with Fairfield American. Lots of great performances from so many people. It was great to be around this team as Rob and I broadcasted all their games though out the summer. There is one moment that stands out to be though.

Carson Dodder's Walk-Off Double

July 9th - Trailing 3-2 with two outs in the 9th, Carson Dodder came up with a clutch two-out, two-run double to lift Fairfield American past Westport 4-3. Video via Stacy Scruggs and audio via Rob Adams.




Ludlowe Baseball Edges Warde - FCIAC Quarterfinals 

May 18th - After dropping an 8-0 regular season decision in the regular season a week earlier, Ludlowe came from behind to defeat Warde 5-4 in nine innings and advance to the FCIAC Semifinals.

Drew Buckley scores the winning run in Ludlowe’s 5-4 quarterfinal victory over Warde. #ctbase pic.twitter.com/ty33YEZ9zJ

— Dave Ruden (@DaveRuden) May 18, 2019

I am sure there are more moments that I am forgetting, but I don't want to be overkill. Again, these are games I was in attendance for, so there are certain great games missing. Feel free to add in any games I am missing in the comments or let me know on social media (Shawn Sailer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Ludlowe Volleyball is the 2019 FCIAC Champion!

The Ludlowe girls volleyball team won the FCIAC Championship on Saturday. The Falcons defeated Westhill in five sets, winning the final set 15-9. 

It's the third FCIAC Volleyball Championship in school history. The Falcons defeated Darien in 2015 to take home the title. In 2012, they were co-champions with Darien as the final was not played due to Superstorm Sandy and schedule constraints.

Margaret Nolan was named FCIAC Tournament MVP. 

 

The win was the 200th in the career of Head Coach Meghan Skelton. Congrats, Coach! 

You can read more about the game in Dave Stewart's game story in Gametime CT.

Also, vote for them for The Ruden Report Team of the Week! 

Ludlowe/Prep Football

Ludlowe and Fairfield Prep football met on Saturday afternoon at Taft Field at Ludlowe. It was the first meeting between the teams who are separated by one mile  since 1951.

It was a phenomenal back-and-forth affair with Prep coming out on top, 37-28. The game was closer than the score.

Ludlowe held a 21-17 lead at halftime. They then led 28-24 with 3:30 left, before the Jesuits fought back to take the lead for good.

The atmosphere was electric, between students, parents, and just other fans and supporters of the two teams and the town.

View this post on Instagram

@flhs_nest was AMAZING at today’s football game vs Fairfield Prep. The support for the team and pride for our school and town was on full display. Prep won a thrilling game, 37-28 #fairfield #ludlowe #falcons #football #FLHSNEST #studentsection #FalconPride #FairfieldPride

A post shared by Ludlowe Athletics (@ludlowesports) on Sep 28, 2019 at 1:29pm PDT

I love what James Bourque had to say to Mike Cardillo of Hearst following the game. So well said. You can read Mike's game story here.

Ludlowe’s James Bourque talks about his team’s strong effort vs Prep. #cthsfb pic.twitter.com/zXHbmg2HDN

— Mike C (@mikecfree) September 28, 2019

Despite the loss, Ludlowe played so well. The represented the program, the school and the town exceptionally.  You guys showed so many people that Ludlowe football is a threat.

Credit to Prep for making the plays late to come away with the win.

FALCON PRIDE! FAIRFIELD PRIDE!

18 Years Ago

The WTC Tribute Lights (WCTC AM Photo)

18 years ago.....September 11, 2001.

We all have our memories of that day. It's one of those "where were you when" days.

I was in first grade at Riverfield School. Although I have a weird memory, I don't remember everything from that day.

I remember being in morning meeting in Ms Kozokowski's (Ms. K) (I think I spelt that correct) class. The secretary, Mrs. Breisler, came in to the class and told Ms. K. I don't remember how the rest of the day went, or what we were told. I'm thinking the principal came on the PA and told us something had happened to let us know that we were getting out early but I'm not sure.

The next thing I remember about the day is getting out of school early and all the parents being there as they got out of work early and everyone came to be with their kids and their family.

I remember months later (I think early 2002) being at Liberty Science Center, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and being on the observation deck. You could see across the Hudson River and see the NY skyline. What you saw where the Twin Towers were was two blue tribute lights.

For the past 17 years on this day, we have reflected on that day.

We think of all the civilians and all of the first responders.

We think of all those who lost their life that day, all those lives lost after the fact due to complications and all those who were effected in many others ways. I know family and friends who are thinking of their loved ones who passed away that day or in the time after due to the effects.

Some many people with so many different memories

Always Remember. Never Forget.

SHU Football

SHU and Bucknell squaring off

Good to be at Sacred Heart tonight as SHU Football defeated Bucknell 30-10.

I'll be honest, didn't watch much of the game, partly because of where we were located and due to talking to people.

Good to see a bunch of people, including Dan Gardella, Ryan Touhey, Anthony Latina, Chris O'Connor, Bobby Valentine (yes, that Bobby Valentine) and Paul Pabst.

It's crazy to see all the change that has happened, just in the two years since I've graduated. There was a lot of changes while I was there and I've seen what they have changed via social media, but different seeing it in person. What they have done (and are continuing to do) on the property formerly of the Jewish Home just makes the campus look so much different. They also just opened the Bobby Valentine Athletic Center.

Largest crowd for a home-opener in school history, per SHU Football Twitter

Nice new video board. Love all the information is gives. 

Dan Gardella is taking pictures up there somewhere! 

The new Bobby Valentine Athletic Center

The Bobby Murcer Game - 40 Years Ago

Thurman and Bobby 

August 6 is a significant date in the history of the Yankees. Or at least it's a date I consider significant. Some people may not.

Forty years ago today, August 6, 1979, was the funeral for Yankees catcher and captain Thurman Munson after he was killed in a plane crash on August 2.

Munson's friend and teammate Bobby Murcer was one of two eulogists, along with fellow teammate and friend of Thurman's, Lou Pinella.

The signature part of Murcer's eulogy was "Thurman Munson wore the pinstripes as number 15, but in living, loving and legend, history will forever remember my friend as number one."

The Yankees played the Orioles the night of the funeral and Thurman's teammate and friend Bobby Murcer had an incredible game. Murcer drove in all five runs, including a walk-off two-run single to help the Yankees win 5-4.




Murcer also had a seventh inning three-run home run to get the Yankees on the board.





Bobby never used the bat that he used in that game ever again. He gave it to Diana Munson, Thurman's widow.

Also, in an odd coincidence, Murcer's memorial service was 11 years ago today.

Thanks, 2019 12D and Well Done!

Thanks to Stacey Scruggs for the t-shirt. 

The season for the Fairfield American 12 district team came to an end on Sunday in the semifinals of the Section 1 tournament.

After not getting out of the pool play portion of the district tournament a year ago, I don't think it is an overstatement to call this a successful season. They have a district championship out of it.

It was a pleasure to be part of the broadcast on Robcasting Radio as Rob Adams was asked to call the game and brought me along for a bunch of the games. We also had Westport coach David Goldshore along for the sectionals. I love helping Rob out and doing it for baseball in Fairfield is special. If I have not mentioned (I know I have, like 100 times), I love this town!

The baseball was great. From Kieran Scruggs pitching, to Cooper Seek's power, to the clutch hits from Carson Dodder, to the defense of Will Kane at third base and so much more. Sorry I can't include everyone, it was truly a team effort and I love that about this team (we might have more for this....stay tuned). I can't wait to coach these kids in a few years when they get to Ludlowe (If they all go there).  

It was great to get the coaches, players and families. I knew a couple and knew a few names for various reasons. Between having them as campers or knowing their siblings through Ludlowe. But it was great to get to know a bunch more of the players and know many of the families. I even got "yelled at" by a couple of the players prior to today's game for not being on the air for Friday's game when they lost, due to a prior commitment I had. It was all in good fun and I really enjoyed the comradery. Coaches Dan Seek, Phil Veas and Marshall McIntosh were phenomenal to work with and I feel like we got to know them. As I said to Phil, after the game, I hope we keep in touch.

Big thank you to Stacey and Josh Scruggs for promoting us via the FALL social media, getting us anything we needed, and supplying us with water, Gatorade and a tent when needed. So many other parents we got to know and there would be too many to name without forgetting someone so I am not going to try to do that.

Below are some highlights that Rob put his audio to video, either taken by me or Stacey. Head to the Robcasting MixCloud page or the Archive page for audio from the entire tournament.

Great Night At The Stadium

Me, Seth, and Todd in the Pepsi Lounge at Yankee Stadium

I had a great night at Yankee Stadium with Todd Parness and Seth Fry, my two bosses, on Tuesday night.

They told me around the holidays that my gift was a Yankee Game and we were trying to find a date all season. Between them having games to be at, plus their personal lives, plus me coaching baseball, it didn't really work during the school year. Then we decided on Tuesday.

The game was one of the most entertaining games I have been at. There were six home runs hit, four by the Yankees. The Yankees defeated the Rays 8-3.

When they are down 3-1, I was thinking this would be another tough loss. Then after cutting the deficit to 3-2, Aaron Judge hit a go-ahead two run HR. The home run was awesome to put them up but what was more impressive is that a pitch earlier he hit a ball right down the right-field line that we all thought was out of the park, but it was foul. Then Didi Gregorius added insurance with a grand slam.

There was a benches-clearing brawl after CC Sabathia and Avasail Garcia exchanged words following the top of the sixth. The dugouts and bullpens emptied. You never want to see fights (unless it's hockey, I guess) but it did bring excitement and was sort of cool to see in person.

We also saw Brett Gardner take away a homerun, leaping and reaching over the left field wall. That happened right below us so that was very cool to see.

Our seats were awesome as well, down the left field line. They also gave us access to both the Pepsi Lounge and the Audi Club. The cool part of the Pepsi Lounge is we were in center field, right above Monument Park. It kind of left like looking at an aquarium though the glass.

Oh yeah, good Chicken Tenders too! And great company! Had a blast chatting sports and whatever else we chatted about all night.

For Seth, it was his first time at the new stadium and I know he enjoyed seeing it. I had fun answering the questions he asked me. I love talking baseball, Yankees, and sports history!

Thank you both for a great night!

Dodder's Walk-Off Single Lifts Fairfield American Past Westport in Nine Innings and into District Championship

The Final Score (My photo)

If you like drama, you got it at Unity Park in Trumbull between Fairfield American Little League and Westport on Tuesday night at Unity Park in Trumbull.

After cutting the deficit to 3-2, Carson Dodder's bases loaded, two out, two-run walk-off single lifted Fairfield American Little League to a 4-3 nine-inning win over Westport in District 2 double elimination.

The win propels FALL into the District 2 Championship on Saturday. The will face the winner of Thursday's Fairfield National matchup with Westport.

Fairfield American got on the board in the third on a solo home run by Cooper Seek. The game remained that way until the sixth as Seek was dealing on the mound. Seek threw 4.2 innings of shutout baseball, allowing just three hits, walking just one, while striking out six.

In the sixth, Jared Lessing led off with a walk, and a single but two on. Matteo Lombardo then singled to right to bring home Lessing and tie the game at one.

The game would remain tied and go to extras. It would remain knotted at one until the ninth. That is when Westport would strike.

Starting in 8th inning, teams start with a runner at second. The runner is the player who made the last out of the previous inning. Ben Cukier would be that runner at second. The inning's leadoff batter, Jake Goldshore drove a ball down the right field line just out of the reach of a diving Luke McIntosh. Cukier would come around and score and Goldshore would end up at third base with a triple. The next batter, Rhys Jamali would hit a sacrifice fly to right field and Westport would take a three to one lead.

In the bottom of the inning, Will Redgate began the inning at second base. Will Kane then reached on an error. After a pop-out, Jack Veas singled to right field to bring home Redgate. A walk to Ryan McIntosh loaded the bases. After a fielders choice, Dodder stepped up the plate and lined a two-strike pitch to left-center field to bring home Collin Kallagher, who pinch ran for Veas, with the tying run and McIntosh with the winning run.

Will Kane picks up the win in relief for FALL, allowing three runs in 4.1 innings.

You can listen to the broadcast below.





With the Robcasting audio and a video by Stacey Scruggs, Rob Adams linked them both up and put together this.

Battle of Fairfield: Little League Edition

FALL 12's watching FALL/FNLL 11's (My photo)

Fairfield American (FALL) and Fairfield National Little League (FNLL) squared off for the second time this summer (at the 12-year old level) on Sunday afternoon. It was the first game of the double-elimination part of the tournament.

When the two teams met during pool play, FNLL came from behind to pick up a 5-3 win. It's the lone loss FALL has suffered this summer. Both teams went 4-1 during pool play, as FNLL fell to Westport.

Take a listen to the broadcast with Rob Adams and myself on the call. I have also recapped the game below.


FALL got off to a quick start in the second inning and did not look back en-route to an 8-0 win.. After they loaded the bases with one out in the second, Carson Dodder and Cooper Seek delivered back-to-back two-run doubles to put Fairfield American up 4-0.

In the fourth, they once again loaded the bases. FALL brought in two more runs on a slow roller in front of the plate that was thrown wide of first base and down the right field line.

The capped their scoring with two runs in the sixth. With two on, Will Redgate doubled to right-center field to bring home Colin Kalagher, who had pinch-ran for Seek, and Jake Palladino.

On the mound for FALL, Kieran Scruggs got the start and he was terrific once again in this tournament. He threw 5.1 innings, scattering five hits, walking just one and striking out two. Will Kane came on to pitch the final inning and a third, striking out two.

FNLL had opportunities as they left nine men on base, but couldn't push any runs across.

Westport defeated Trumbull National 3-2 on a bases loaded walk-off single. That means FNLL will face Trumbull National in an elimination game on Monday at 7:30 while Fairfield American will play Westport on Tuesday at 5:30. All games at Unity Park in Trumbull.

Westport walked off on Trumbull National. FNLL will play Trumbull on Monday in an elimination game. @ffall_news will play Westport on Tuesday. #ctll pic.twitter.com/y2RXWdzxK2

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) July 7, 2019

We will see you Tuesday on Robcasting Radio.

Personal note: I love and hate these games. Obviously, I love this town so it's tough to see anyone have to lose. Especially since I know players on both teams that I have had as campers. We have also gotten to know many of the parents. I hope they meet again later in the tournament.  

July 4th - Yankees Edition

(Yankee Stadium Twitter Account)

July 4th is an important date in our country's history. It is also an important date in the history of the New York Yankees.

Former owner, the late George M Steinbrenner III, was born on this date in 1930.



Yankees radio play-by-play broadcaster John Sterling* was also born on this date, in 1938.

*Sterling will miss his first broadcast since 1989 today, as he takes the weekend off, to deal with health issues. Best of luck to John.



A year after Sterling was born, in 1939, Lou Gehrig gave his famous "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech. Head to Rob Adam's blog post from this morning to read more on that.

And finally, on July 4th, 1983, Dave Righetti threw a no-hitter against the Red Sox. Righetti struck on nine batters and walked four. The final out was a strike-out of then-future Yankee Wade Boggs.

Blogging...Newport, FALL and more

The Newport newspaper

I've been trying to figure out what to blog about for a while now. I always have topics, but I am like, 1) Do people care? 2) Do I have enough to write about? What I should do, it what Rob Adams does on his blog calls "Off The Bench" where he hits on multiple topics in one blog post. I don't want to be a copycat but maybe I call it something like "From the Dugout" as a baseball reference, or something completely different. It does not have to be sports related, but obviously sports are my life so that is what most will be.

So where do I start....

We took a one-night trip to Newport, Rhode Island and I took so pictures. Let's be honest, isn't that what you do nowadays. Go away. Take pictures. Post pictures to social media/blog (I posted them to Instagram earlier). Of course I had to take a picture of the newspaper (above). Newspaper and journalism matter.

Ice Cream from Fred's Shanty (New London, CT)

 

Water off the cliff walk

Salve Regina sign from the Cliff Walk

A building along the Cliff Walk...….

I want to build a baseball field on the lawn! 

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The aforementioned Rob Adams and I have been calling Fairfield American Little League Baseball (FALL) We broadcasted a bunch of games last year and they asked Rob to come do it again this year so Rob mentioned it so I have joined him again this year. I love baseball, played Fairfield American regular season spring/fall house league, and have made it clear what the town means to me, so I have a blast doing it.

We saw Fairfield American win their first two games of District 2 Pool Play at Unity Park in Trumbull. The defeated Westport and Trumbull American. On Thursday, FALL faced cross-town rival Fairfield National. This got my whole "One-Town" slogan or #OneTown for you Twitter people, going. I've used this working at both Warde and Ludlowe in the Athletic Departments.

Fairfield American jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first but Fairfield National came from behind, scoring four in the fourth, to defeat FALL 5-3.


Fairfield American will be back in action on Monday when they play Trumbull National at 5:30 at Unity Park in Trumbull. Tune in for the broadcast at mixlr.com/robcasting-radio.

The Fairfield American coaches have been great to deal with. Manager Dan Seek and assistant coaches Phil Veas and Marshall McIntosh have been extremely helpful to Rob and I and we've also just had good time chatting. We were talking Yankees and Mets prior to today's game.

Action between FALL and FNLL 

By the way, when we have headsets on and broadcast equipment next to us, that likely means we are broadcasting and can't talk. This is a problem when I know so many people in Fairfield and people say hi.

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Speaking of Ludlowe and Warde, it was a great first year working in the Athletic Departments at both schools. Thanks to both AD's, Todd Parness and Seth Fry, for first off, hiring me, and for their help and patience with me with year one with the job. I hope I was helpful and can't wait for what next year has to bring.

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Oh, and I got an iPhone a couple weeks ago. Even though I had a "smartphone," a Samsung Galaxy (and Android phone), I have been told by multiple people that I am now in the 21st century. I love the phone so far. The battery is much better than I thought it would be. I have a ton of space. The phone runs fast and I can download apps I couldn't previously. The camera is much better. Oh, and I can be in group chats that I couldn't before and won't get yelled at for not having an iPhone and for being the source of "green text messages" when we have a group text and I was the only Android user in the group,

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I hope to blog more consistently. If anyone has any thoughts for the blog, feel free to comment or Tweet at me.

2019 Ludlowe Baseball -30-

The seniors and coaches at Senior Day 

The 2019 Ludlowe baseball season came to an end with a state quarterfinal loss to Southington.

I had an absolute blast in my first year on the coaching staff. I know I continued to be around after gradating, but it was definitely different this year being on staff. I can't thank Coach Francese enough for bringing me on staff. I hope I was helpful.

This is not about me though in the least. I have already said too much in that regard. It was a great job by our collective coaching staff, which was up to 10 people at times. It's not even about that though. It's about our players, who ranged from 24-31 during the regular and postseason, and the 15 seniors who put their heart into this program for the last four years.

While we didn't win anything, it was a great season, It wasn't a "season for the ages", though, as some people have said. We finished the regular season at 16-4, the best regular season record in school history. We also tied the record for most overall wins in a season, with 20. 

We had a fantastic start to the season, winning our first eight, including three in traditional walk-off fashion and one on a mercy rule walk-off. The biggest win of the regular season, in my opinion, came when we defeated Staples 14-0. That being said, there were a bunch a great wins.

We were the two seed in the FCIAC tournament. We opened up the conference tourney by facing cross-town rival Warde, who had beat us 8-0 a week prior in the regular season match-up. We had to come from behind in both the seventh and the ninth but came away with an exciting 5-4 win on a walk-off wild pitch.

A great semifinal win over Darien lifted us to the FCIAC Championship against Staples. It was the first FCIAC Championship appearance since the 2010 team took home the title. We came up one out short as Staples came up with two runs in the seventh to win the title, 2-1.

We faced Warde for a third time to open up the Class LL State Tournament. The offense started fast, scoring four runs in the first en route to a 7-2 win. In the second round we faced Simsbury and it was the same story, as we won 8-2.

Against Southington, we got down 3-0 early, but the guys kept battling as they cut it to 3-2 and had a chance in the seventh.

This has been a team all season that kept continuing to fight until the last out and I love the resilience they showed. You guys played for each other and the name on the front of the jersey.

To the fifteen seniors: Derek, Vince, Chris, Brian, BK, Greg, Tom, Jack, James, Matt, Ryan, Liam, Jake, Jeff and Trey - Congrats on great careers and a fanatic senior season. Thank you for being great teammates and leaders and best of luck in the future.

To those coming up through the ranks and those returning from this seasons team, there is a bright future and be hungry to continue what has been built.

Long live Ludlowe Base 2019 (Apparently it will go back to being Ludlowe Baseball going forward and Ludlowe Base leaves with the seniors). Can't wait for Ludlowe Baseball 2020. But for now, thank you seniors!

Falcon Pride!

-30-

Rivalry Renewed In The Playoffs and Looking Ahead

Drew Buckley scores the winning run in Ludlowe’s 5-4 quarterfinal victory over Warde. #ctbase pic.twitter.com/ty33YEZ9zJ

— Dave Ruden (@DaveRuden) May 18, 2019

Ludlowe and Warde softball and baseball faced off in the quarterfinals of their respective FCIAC tournaments.

In softball on Friday, Warde came away with the 4-3 victory on the strength of Olivia Vadas' bat and arm. The Mustangs came away victorious in both meetings with the Falcons this season. Read Emery Filmer's game story in The Ruden Report for more. Warde will face Trumbull in the FCIAC semifinals on Monday at 5pm at Sacred Heart University's Pioneer Park.

Now to baseball on Saturday. It was one of the craziest games I have seen and been a part of. I'll write a little about this game since it appears there was no print media coverage of the game, which I find sad and surprising.

The game was tied at one, until the fifth when Warde took a 3-1 lead. A Jack Vogel RBI single cut the deficit to 3-2.

That remained the score until the seventh. The first two Falcons were retired before Tom Stasko doubled to deep left-center field. Blake Benway followed up with a single to right to score Nick Parisi, who was pinch running for Stasko, to tie the game.

Neither team would score in the eighth and we would head to the ninth with the score tied at 3. Declan O'Hara started the Mustangs top of the ninth off with a single to left field. He moved to second on a stolen base and went to third as the throw went into the outfield. Four batters later with runners now on second and third and two outs, Austin Stewart singled to left to bring in O'Hara and give Warde a 4-3 lead. The second runner was cut down at the plate on a great throw from left-fielder Jamie Flink and a nice tag by Benway.

In the bottom of the inning, Stasko reached on an error to lead off the inning. Benway followed up with a double to put runners on second and third and nobody out. Vogel then lined a ball off the glove of a diving Stewart to bring home Stasko with the tying run. After an intentional walk to Derek Tallman loaded the bases, Brian Howell stepped up to the plate. He took the first pitch for a strike. The next pitch went to the backstop and Drew Buckley, who was pinch-running for Benway, raced home to score the winning run.

Fantastic job by Ludlowe relief pitcher Connor O'Neill who threw 4.2 innings of one run baseball to help the Falcons fight back and pick up the win.

I am extremely proud of the Ludlowe team for continuing to battle and coming away with the win. Working at both schools though, as I talked about in the last blog post*, does make me a bit conflicted, and I felt for the Warde players and coaches. That was a hard-fought game that nobody deserved to lose.

*I do continue to get yelled at, from both sides, for my "One Town" motto.

Ludlowe will face Darien in the FCIAC semifinals on Monday at 7:30 at Cubeta Stadium in Stamford.

You can watch the baseball semifinals and championship on Local Live and their FCIAC branch, Fairfield.Live. The great Rob Adams will be on the call.

Also, both Warde softball and Ludlowe baseball are nominees for The Ruden Report Team of the Week. Vote wisely!

One Town By Day, Falcon Pride By Night (Afternoon)

Working in the Warde and Ludlowe Athletic Departments, my slogan, or what I use as a hashtag on Twitter and Instagram is "One Town." It's basically saying that even though we have two schools, we are one town and should support one another and how great it would be if we were one school, at least for sports. It's also my way of not getting yelled at (too much) since everyone knows I am a Ludlowe guy, having gone there and been around the school and sports teams for the past 10 years.

That being said, I have enjoyed working at Warde and getting to know people there, both staff, including coaches, and students.

Now that I am coaching baseball at Ludlowe, that's where the "Falcon Pride by night" comes in. I just came up with this two part slogan this week as we played Warde in baseball on Friday afternoon.

We came in with a 15-2 record, while Warde came in with a 7-10 record. Warde played a fantastic game and won 8-0 and clinched a state tournament berth in the process. It was personally very interesting to me as I deal with the coaches and student-athletes at both schools. I am obviously friendly with the Ludlowe coaches and players but am also very friendly with Brett Conner, John Galucci and Tony Catapano on the Warde staff. I've also gotten to know a few of the players.

Since graduating from high school, even before starting this job, I have said that I root for Warde unless they are playing Ludlowe, or if it impacts Ludlowe. Other Ludlowe/Warde sports have been tough this year, especially basketball since that's the other sport I was and am still very involved with. There have been some Ludlowe/Warde games where I even felt somewhat up in the air or didn't care as much who won and maybe this is good so I can be impartial and not show favoritism. Today had to me the most interesting and the toughest for a few reasons (this is not to say that basketball was not tough, it was, THREE times). First of all, baseball is my number one sport. Second, being of the coaching staff and working with the team day in and day out, and finally, due to the season we are having and the fact that it was senior day for our seniors.

I am obviously disappointed we lost but happy for Warde as they clinched a state tournament berth, I just wish it wasn't against us (I am sure I will take heat for this comment). I have already gotten comments from Warde people about the game and I am sure it will continue Monday morning when I am there. I was getting them before the game and most definitely after the game. It's the nature of the position I am in and it's all in good fun.

I hope both teams do well and maybe we meet in the playoffs. I would love that and dread that at once.

One Town! Falcon Pride!

FCIAC Basketball Championship

The "Z" prior to Ridgefield/Danbury

You always hope for a good game in a championship, especially when you don't have a rooting interest. That's what we got on Thursday night at Wilton High School as Ridgefield came from behind to defeat Danbury 52-49 and win the FCIAC Boys Basketball Championship.

Even though I've been at games with Ludlowe and Warde. It was good to get out and "cover" a game. It was a great time with Rob Adams and Wilton head coach Joel Geriak, who were calling the game for Local Live, along with Scott Ericson of Hearst and Dave Ruden of The Ruden Report. Also, a shout out to Ben Talbot of Bird Eye Sports, who was running the video side for Local Live.

You can read game stories by Scott and Dave and listen to Rob and Joel call the game.

James St. Pierre's basket with 1:18 left gave Ridgefield a 47-46 lead, one they would not relinquish. St. Pierre was named FCIAC tournament MVP.

Here's James St. Pierre's game-winner basket. #ctbb @RidgefieldAD pic.twitter.com/akFw15Tv1q

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) March 1, 2019

A few stops later, Ridgefield would be crowned the champion.

Ridgefield is your 2018 #FCIAC Champion. Tigers defeat Danbury 52-49. #ctbb pic.twitter.com/FK2A9uZQHb

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) March 1, 2019

Great night. Figured I would put a quick post together. I've been told I should write/blog more by multiple people, so hopefully I do.

CAMP

Fairfield Parks and Recreation Camp has been my summer for the past eight summers, and prior to that as a camper. I have made the decision not to return as a counselor. It was a blast working with awesome kids, amazing co-counselors and working for a great camp/parks and rec staff.

So many people to recognize and I'm sure I'm going to miss some, so I'll apologize in advance.

Thank you to  "camp management," Anthony Calabrese, Michelle D'Onofrio, Michelle Bostley, Matt Narwold, Matt Wendin, Chris Sacco and Laura Struzzi.

Thanks to all the site directors I was fortunate to work for. Mikki Iannacone (two years in a row), the aforementioned Bostley, Jill Eroh, Emily Coombs, Emily Nelson, the previously mentioned Struzzi, and Abby Cerone.

There are so many co-counselors I worked with. Way to many to name to not leave out some. For the most part, the majority of them were great. Sometimes we didn't always agree on a way to do things, but we always compromised and made it work out the best for the campers.

All of the awesome campers that make our jobs as counselors what it is. Cool to have the kids who I know previously as campers. It's also crazy seeing how old some of the campers I had years ago are now. I see a bunch of around the sports at Ludlowe and Warde.

I worked at six sites over the eight years. Riverfield, Fairfield Woods, Stratfield, Mill Hill twice in a row, North Stratfield, back to Riverfield, and finally back to North Stratfield. It was always interesting to see what each site had to offer and what each site lacked. It also kept things fresh year after year by being at different locations. Some sites were set up better than others. A site like Riverfield went under a renovation between the times I was there so it was very different the second time, and I was used to the pre-renovation look as I went there for school and camp.

Great trips that we took. From Lake Compounce and Quazi Amusement Parks, to Nutmeg Bowl, My Three Sons and many, many more. There were also many fun on-site activities like water day, the video game truck, Campardy, and others.

I think I gave my best effort to make my group and sites the best I could, but it always took great teamwork.

Outside of camp, it was always fun to get together with the staff. I think the bonding outside of camp definitely helped us at camp as we got to know each other better and it made working with one another more fun and easier.

There were some great staff bonding at training too. Paintballing (pictured below) and bowling are among the things that come to mind.

Thank you for the memories, camp. I'll continue to support from afar.

No idea why I let them put the snake on me.

Cameo in The Falcon Report

Being interviewed by "The Falcon Report" (Awkward photo for the blog)

The Falcon Report, Ludlowe's student news show, asked to interview me about "The Nest," Ludlowe's student section.

As both a member of the Athletic Department currently and an FLHS alum who was very involved in the sports as a student (and since graduating), it made a lot of sense.

I know I am not good on air. As I say, I have a voice for print. And if I'm not writing, lets be honest, I don't belong in front of the camera, I belong behind it. The fact that it was on video makes it worse, but whatever, it was fun. It combines two things that mean a lot to me, Ludlowe and broadcasting/media. Thanks to club advisor, Regina Krieger, for asking if I would be interested in being interview. Also, thank you to the students who are members of the club, for conducting the interviewing.  Hopefully I was helpful for the club.

I appear at 2:16 and 2:36 but give the entire broadcast a listen. Todd Parness, the Ludlowe Athletic Director, also appears in the video, as do Ludlowe students.

I appreciate the respect but it's odd that the call me "Mr. Sailer" on the lower third. It's probably what I should be called but 99.9% of the students, especially at Ludlowe, call me Shawn. I've even said that when I'm an assistant baseball, I won't be "Coach." It's just something I'm not comfortable with. A lot of that is because I know a lot of the students from previously being around the sports and knowing some of the older siblings.

Ludlowe has some great journalism outlets. In addition to The Falcon Report, they also produce "The Prospect," the student newspaper, which can be read online at flhsprospect.com.

I'll always support student journalism and will assist in any way I can to help. I may not be doing in everyday for a job, but journalism still matters a lot to me.

2019 MLB Hall of Fame Class

Moose and Mo (Photo: NorthJersey.com)

The 2019 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Class was announced earlier this week.

The class consists of Mariano Rivera, Edgar Martinez, Mike Mussina and Roy Halladay.

I think it's a great class. The voters did a really good job (yes, I might be bias as a Yankees fan).

No surprise to me the Mariano got 100% of the votes. He is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) as a closer and relief pitcher overall. He was very good as a setup man and a phenomenal closer with only minor hiccups.

People are going to question Martinez being in for a couple of reasons. One being the fact that he was a DH and didn't play the field. He still had really good numbers. He had a career .312 batting average with 309 home runs and 1261 runs batted in. David Ortiz will likely get in when he's eligible and he was a DH for 95% of his career.

People are also going to question whether he did steroids/PEDS. It's not proven, plus, there could already be a steroid user in and there might be more in the future.

Mussina is an interesting case. I love Moose. His numbers are good, but not great. He had a career record of 270-153.  He only won 20 games once, in 2008, his final season. He felt like a bulldog/big game pitcher though. When I think of Moose, I don't think of him as a HOF pitcher based on the majority of the guys who are in the HOF. He wasn't an overpowering pitcher who hitters feared (i.e.Pedro Martinez), and didn't have anything that special about him. He was a consistent pitcher who could be counted on to take the ball every fifth day. He made at least 24 appearances every year from 1992-2008. Selfishly, I want him to have a Yankees logo on his HOF cap, but he played more years with the Orioles. It will be interesting to see which one he picks.

Roy Halliday had a great career with the Blue Jays and then went to the Phillies, where he had much postseason success, including a playoff no-hitter. He also has a regular season perfect game to his credit as well as being a eight-time all-star and two-time Cy Young Award winner. I think he is deserving, but wonder if he got in sooner than he would have if he hadn't died in a plane crash. The same can be said for Thurman Munson having his number retired by the Yankees. It's not a knock on the player, I just wondering if it's an emotionally driven recognition (at least this soon) rather than a number decision. I think it's great that his family has made the decision to have him go in with a blank cap, as he did a lot for both franchises he played with.

Also, Lee Smith and Harold Baines will be entering the Hall with these four, as part of the Veterans Committee's choices. Smith is a Hall of Famer. Baines should not be in, in my opinion. He had average numbers at best.

Project 365.............Well, not really

Fellow bloggers (and journalists) and my friends, John Nash and Rob Adams are doing something called "Project 365" (Or 365 Project...I've seen it called both).

Basically, they are posting at least one blog post per day for an entire year. It can be about anything of their choosing. From things that happened that day in their life, to something in the news, to promoting their other work, to pretty much anything they come up with.

No, I'm not going to do this (especially since we are 13 days into the year). I don't have enough interesting things to write about. Yes, this probably is one of those boring posts. You don't care about the fact that I was at Ludlowe this morning and then watched football the rest of the day. I also feel like if I got to writing about certain topics, I might say too much that I shouldn't just randomly be writing about.

With all this being said, I do want to write more than I have. I just need to find good topics to write about. Maybe they don't always need to be posts with lots of writing. Maybe some writing and some pictures, or other content. I would like to find topics to write about on a regular basis.

When I created the blog in November of 2016, I thought I had a lot to write about. However, I've written just 37 times (counting this one) since. I really have not written much at all in any facet recently, as I'm not freelancing at the moment, and not writing about the games I attend.

Thanks to those who read the blog. Hopefully I have more for you soon.