Sunday, October 11, 2020

Another Year of Little League Baseball in the Books

The postgame ceremony as Hamden win the state title

Another year of broadcasting little league baseball came to an end on Sunday. It's the third straight year that Rob Adams and I have broadcasted little league baseball.

The two previous years, we did just Fairfield American (FALL). This year, we did Fairfield American and a lot more. We covered FALL in the district tournament and when Fairfield National (FNLL) defeated FALL in districts, they asked us to broadcast them in sectionals. In the middle of all that, Rob was asked to be the voice of the CT Little League State Championship, so we did that also. 

We called 17 games over a six week stretch in three different locations, Bridgeport, Milford and Stamford. 

Hamden, who defeated FNLL in sectionals, went on to win the state championship, 12-1 over Montville on Sunday afternoon in Stamford.

It was a blast. It's great when we get to know the players, coaches and families. Sometimes we get to know them more than others. 

"Robcasting is the best 'casting" was a comment from multiple Hamden players before Sunday's Championship Game. That's a testament to the great job that Rob does. 

During the state tournament, Hamden seemed to be the team we got to know the best, as we were near their dugout often. We had a great back and forth between us and the players and coaches of Hamden. That's not to say all the other teams weren't great also, it just seemed as though we connected with Hamden the most of the teams in the state tournament. 

In a year where things were crazy and nobody knew what was going to happen with sports, it was great that the kids where still able to get the opportunity to play in a district, sectional and state tournament. There is no regional tournament or Little League World Series this year, so the state tournament was the final stage.  

It's obviously about the kids and teams, but in a time where spectators are limited to family, we had a responsibility to "bring the action" to those who were unable to attend. 

Thanks to all the coaches, players and those who were a part of putting the tournaments on for having us and all the help. I'm going to miss people, but a big shoutout to Perry Pierce and Chris Kaelin, as well as the city of Stamford for putting on a fantastic state tournament. Thank you to the Fairfield American coaches, Rick Krollman, John Palladino, Tony Dodder and Greg Wolf. Thank you to the Fairfield National coaches, Jason Takacs, Michael Bertot and Dave Dobbs.  

 Thanks to Rob for once again allowing me to ride shotgun on the broadcasts. Rob did a tremendous job as always. His professionalism, dedication and commitment is off the charts and was shown even more during this run. 

Congrats to all the teams we saw this summer on a job well done. 

Hamden celebrate the state title.

The "booth photo" from Milford as we worse masks to call the game