Games/Moments of 2024 (Local Sports)

Please note, this is my personal blog and has no work affiliation. These are games that I was at as either a fan, coach or worked in some capacity that has nothing to do with my regular job. 

Every year, when we look back on the year, we look at the games and moments that stand out. Here are 10 of MY top games or moments in games from the year. There could be many different reasons that a game makes my list, some may be around the game, some may be more personal reasons. 

Obviously, there is a lot of Ludlowe in here. 

Remember, these are only games I was in attendance for. Also, these are in order by date, no other reason. 

Let's go. 

1) John Dailey's 100th career victory

Ludlowe boys' basketball head coach John Dailey picked up his 100th career victory on January 19 in a 49-29 victory at home vs Westhill. The win was also the eighth of the season for the Falcons, clinching them a state tournament berth. 

2) Tate Mahoney sets the Ludlowe single-game points and three-points record

On February 14 at home vs Darien, Ludlowe's Tate Mahoney set both the Ludlowe record for points in a game and three-pointers made in a game. Mahoney scored 39 points, passing Cooper Dailey, who scored 38 in February of 2022. 

Mahoney also hit eight three-pointers which passed Kevin Bentivegna and Brian Tharp's record of seven, set in 2011 and 2007, respectively.  

3) Ludlowe boys' basketball win over No. 3 Wilby 

After defeating Killingly at home in the first round of the state tournament, the Ludlowe boys' basketball team went on the road and took down Wilby, who was the three seed in Division 3, by a 44-42 score. 

4) Ludlowe/Waterford State boys basketball quarterfinal 

While this was not a great game on the scoreboard, Ludlowe came away with a 70-48 victory, there were a lot of other factors that had this game make my list. 

It's about friendships. Waterford featured Matt Shampine and Colby Sheehan, who Rob Adams and I had seen in prior summers broadcasting Babe Ruth baseball. 

That led Rob to broadcast the game and have Mike Buswell, who coaches Trumbull Babe Ruth, to join Rob for the call. Trumbull and Waterford Babe Ruth have a great relationship and have had many terrific battles over the years. 

Give it a listen here. 

5) Ludlowe Baseball's Ben Crawford HR vs Southington

This one is very similar to when I wrote about the Ludlowe baseball playoff game against Hamden a year ago. 

In this case, Ben Crawford came up in the fifth inning of a second-round state tournament game vs Southington, who was the number one seed in Class LL. There were two men on base, with Ludlowe trailing 2-0. 

Crawford proceeded to hit the first pitch he saw over the left-center field wall for a go-ahead three run home run. 

It was a great moment in the game, and a special moment for so many reasons. 

Unfortunately, Southington would come back and come away with a 7-3 victory. 

But that doesn't take away from what an awesome moment the home run was.  

An awesome moment during Wednesday’s game as Ben Crawford goes deep to give us a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning. #ctbase pic.twitter.com/UlGeLVmp4l

— Fairfield Ludlowe Baseball (@LudloweBase) May 30, 2024

6) Stamford wins the CT 13U Babe Ruth Baseball Championship

What has been an annual tradition, Rob Adama and I broadcasted a Babe Ruth baseball tournament in Trumbull. This year it was the 13U tournament won by Stamford. Stamford defeated Easton in the Championship in a back-and-forth game. Honestly, there were many options of games from this tournament I could have picked, but the championship being a comeback was an easy choice. 

7) Cole Gibson no-hitter for Barnums

Cole Gibson, pitching for the Bridgeport Barnums of the CCBL, threw a no-hitter on July 27 in a 5-0 victory over Wallingford. Gibson walked just one and struck out 10. You can read more here.

8) Warde/Ludlowe Girls Volleyball 

The two teams split the first two sets before Warde took the third. In the third set, Warde's Lalia Henry notched her 1,000th assist of her career and was recognized for that. 

Ludlowe took the fourth set to force a decisive fifth set. 

In the fifth set, Warde came out on top with a 15-11 set and to win the match three sets to two. 

9) Ludlowe Football win over Wilton

In a game that propelled Ludlowe football to their first state tournament berth in school history, Ludlowe defeated Wilton 21-14, including getting a late defensive stop to seal the victory. Ryan Tompkins had two rushing touchdowns, and Ryan Menozzi had a TD catch from Grant Stupak.  

10) Ludlowe girls' basketball edges Warde to win the Todd Burger Memorial Tournament

In a game in which Ludlowe had to come from behind to take the lead, Warde had a chance to tie the game late, but Ludlowe came away with a close 46-43 victory to capture the Todd Burger Tournament. 

I realize I did not include any Ludlowe boys' soccer. A team I watched a lot of that had success. There just did not seem to be any game or moments that truly stood out to me. I could have gone with one of Charlie Jones' hat tricks, I guess. Let's give that an honorable mention. 

I'm sure there are other teams and games I should have included also. Maybe I missed something. But again, it's my thoughts. 

Looking forward to what 2025 has to bring!  

Another Summer of Baseball

2024 Barums team photo. Players (who were there) and coaches

It has been another summer of watching and covering a lot of baseball. 

This means the Bridgeport Barnums and Trumbull Babe Ruth. 

The Barnums had a terrific season, winning the Connecticut College Baseball League Championship. 

Congrats to all the players and coaches Chris Bugyi, Jim Chaves and Mark Keeney. It's also about Sars Ford, the general manager, who had the vision for bringing a college team back to Bridgeport before the 2023 summer, and ultimately got that done.  

For the Barnums, I serve in a team media/scorekeeper role. Although I will do whatever they need. 

If that's setting up or breaking down items, I've done it. After the July 4 fireworks, we helped clean up the fire of debris. It's about being a team player and supporting however is needed. 

In my media/scorekeeper role, I am managing GameChanger (a scorekeeping app) during games. I'm letting the coaches know if pitch counts, and anything else they may need. 

And yes, I likely (definitely) show too much favoritism toward the Ludlowe guys on the team. That includes Cole Gibson, Luke Anderson, Andrew Fortunato, Blake Benway, Matt Longo and Joey Sangiuolo.   

Additionally, my role includes managing the team Instagram (@BPTBarnums) and Facebook accounts (Bridgeport Barnums Baseball) and writing game recaps on Blogger that are shared via social media. 

That being said, it's in no way about me. We are the support staff. It's about the players, first and foremost, the coaches and families. I hated even getting told to get in team photos (and wouldn't post the ones with myself in it on the team accounts.)

Then, there was Trumbull Babe Ruth baseball with Rob Adams. 

A tradition like no other. 

This is the sixth Babe Ruth tournament in Trumbull that I've been a part of with Rob. 

2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. 

In 2018, we did one in Norwalk (I joined Rob for at least one game that year, so I'll count it.)

We also did one in Stamford in 2019. 

Of course, even when I'm not with Rob, I'm often listening. 

This year, we broadcasted the 13U Connecticut State Tournament. 

Stamford won the tournament, beating Easton/Redding in the Championship. 

It's always a blast to join Rob on the calls. He's a professional and more importantly, a great friend. 

There's something special about doing these tournaments and getting to know so many people. 

We get to talk with so many in the booth, from Mike Buswell, who is the reason Rob (and I) keep doing this year after year, to Bobby Gerbert, to members of CT Babe Ruth, and so many others. 

When coaches would stop up to bring lineups, or some coaches would be in the booth between games or during games they weren't coaching in, we would get a chance to have conversations. 

We didn't get to know as many people from the teams this year, but that's okay. Every year is different. 

On the air, we get to talk about what we see on the field and tell stories from past years of doing these tournaments, and so many other memories. 

Like when Rob brings up the 2019 FCIAC baseball championship. Yeah. That game. 

But again, it's about talking about the great athletes we see on the field, and if we can get information and get to know them off the field, that just allows us to promote them even more, and that is the ultimate goal. 

High school sports will be here soon. I'm excited for them all, but selfishly, cannot wait for the winter for basketball and the spring for baseball. 

Babe Ruth Baseball Again!

Warmups prior to game one of the tournament on Saturday

It's another summer of baseball, and specifically Babe Ruth baseball, with Rob Adams on Robcasting Radio.  

We are through the first two days of the 13U double-elimination state tournament. 

The tournament features, Trumbull, Waterford, Easton, Ridgefield, Stamford, Nonnewaug and Wolcott. 

Trumbull and Waterford, in a Babe Ruth state tournament together. What a surprise. We will see these two teams square off tomorrow at 5:30pm in an elimination game.  

On Saturday we saw Stamford defeat Wolcott 15-6, Trumbull beat Nonnewaug 13-1 and then Easton edge Waterford 7-6. 

Today, we got our first look at Ridgefield, as they fell to Easton 17-7. Stamford then downed Trumbull 19-4. In the final game of the day, we saw Wolcott defeat Nonnewaug 6-2. 

It's great to see these teams like Trumbull, Waterford and even Stamford who we have seen in Babe Ruth tournaments before, but it's also fun to see new teams and towns. Even with the towns we have seen, it's a whole new group of players for all the teams. 

We have two more games tomorrow, and two on Tuesday. Then Wednesday there is a game, the championship is Thursday, with the championship game, if necessary, on Friday. Here's the full schedule and bracket. 

It's always great to work with the people of Trumbull and Babe Ruth in the booth. 

From Mike Buswell, who is the reason Rob (and then I guess myself) are there, to Bob Gerbert, and others from the Trumbull side. You've also got their kids and other family members who stop in and help out. I was having fun talking with Bob's son Jack and I talked to Mike's son Bryce as well at times over the two days. It's awesome that it becomes a family affair. 

Then there is Bob Wheway, Michael Menkes and others from CT Babe Ruth. 

It's getting to know other coaches, including Waterford's Lucas Beaney, who we know, as well as families and players. I say it every year, but that's what makes a lot of what we do so fun. We are doing it for the players and families. 

I just try to support Rob on the calls if I can. I do think I have gotten better, although I never consider myself a broadcaster. I know what I want to say, especially when it comes to baseball, it's just always getting with thoughts to words the right way. That's why I often stay quieter than I should. Rob and I joked about me taking over play-by-play for a stretch. That would not go well. 

Looking forward to getting back to it tomorrow. I'll join Rob as much as I can this week. I should be good for both games tomorrow and both games on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday I have duties with the Bridgeport Barnums and Friday I have a conflict as well. 

After that, Rob is doing Cal Ripken baseball in Oxford. We will see if I make an appearance at that. 

For now, it's on to tomorrow. 

By the way, I could write more on this, and I might at another time, but accurate, legible lineups are so important for many people for many reasons. 

Sports Moments of '23

Well, we've come to the end of another year. 

There are always things happening, so who knows what a normal year is anymore.  Every year has its ups and downs. Some events that happen are more public and others are more private. It depends on the event and the people involved. 

I know people don't like to do rankings/lists. It's easy content and not very rich content. 

Well, I'm still going to list my top local games of 2023. I'm going to try to add some commentary with each game and not just list. As I say ever year, these are only games I was at, and I'm sure I missed some. Also, these are listed in order of date, not by ranking. Every moment and game are different, I didn't feel like I should rank them. 

 Not surprising, I have a lot of baseball listed. 

On to 2024, which will hopefully bring a lot more highlights. 

Here we go. These are my top games of the year. Let me know your thoughts and what I may have missed. 

February 23 - Ludlowe Girls Basketball Wins FCIAC Championship

Following a perfect regular season, the Ludlowe girls' basketball team won the FCIAC Championship, 52-42 over St. Joseph. It was the first girls' basketball championship in school history. 

Ludlowe would finish the season 26-1, with the only loss coming in the state championship. 

Final: Ludlowe 52 St. Joseph 42. Falcons are FCIAC Champions! #ctgb @double5 pic.twitter.com/m1fJDcvKoa

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) February 24, 2023

May 8 - Ludlowe/Warde baseball

Warde 8 Ludlowe 2 in 10 innings. The game was much closer than the score. 

Ludlowe held a 2-1 lead into the seventh before Warde tied it with two outs on a single by Paddy Galvin. Game remained scoreless until Warde look the lead in the tenth on a Carson Swaim three-run double and added three more to break the game open. 

Incredible game. Great game for the town and baseball in a great baseball town. #OneTown 

 As a Ludlowe coach, and working at both schools, a tough loss. 

Thanks as always to Rob Adams for broadcasting this game. I often try to get Rob on Ludlowe games, and especially Ludlowe/Warde games, so I like when we can make it work out. 

May 25 - Warde baseball wins FCIAC Championship for third year in a row

For the third season in a row, the Warde baseball team won the FCIAC Championship. This year, they defeated Westhill 6-1. 

Final: Warde 6 Westhill 1. @WardeBaseball is your 2023 FCIAC Champions. Third conference championship in a row for the Mustangs. #ctbase @WardeAthletics pic.twitter.com/foNaArAqE1

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) May 26, 2023

Will Stellato diving catch strands a runner at third. Mid fourth, Warde and Westhill still scoreless. #ctbase pic.twitter.com/VrUV6pV08N

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) May 25, 2023

You can hear Rob Adams' call of the game below. 

Warde baseball also repeated as state champions on June 10 in an incredible game against Staples, but I was not in attendance, so that is why that game was not included. 

May 31 - Ludlowe/Hamden Baseball

I wrote about this a little bit in my season ending blog post. It was a state playoff first round game, and we (Ludlowe) were trailing Hamden 4-0 in the fourth inning. 

With the bases loaded and one out, Ben Crawford, who had not played all season due to injury, came up to pinch-hit. Crawford drove the first pitch he saw off the wall in right-center field for a bases-clearing double. Awesome moment. And I'm only telling part of the story on purpose. 

3 Run Bases clearing double pic.twitter.com/ZRv8CXOePU

— Ben Crawford (@Ben_Crawford10) May 31, 2023

June 3 - Jimmy Dobbs walk-off hit for Warde baseball in playoffs

With Warde and Southington tied at one in the seventh inning of the state quarterfinals, freshman Jimmy Dobbs came up with the game-winning single to propel the Mustangs into the state semifinals. 

Jimmy Dobbs walk-off single. Warde 2 Southington 1. Mustangs advance to Class LL semifinals #ctbase @GameTimeCT pic.twitter.com/JNQYOWTzkQ

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) June 3, 2023

June 10 - Ludlowe softball wins state championship

Ludlowe softball defeated Southington 5-2 to win the Class LL softball championship. 

The win for Ludlowe snapped Southington's impressive 40-game win streak. 

The last out and the celebration as Ludlowe softball won the Class LL State Championship #ctsb pic.twitter.com/UgbVw1pldS

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) June 11, 2023

Ludlowe softball also won the FCIAC Championship for the third year in a row. Much like Warde baseball's state championship, I was not in attendance so that is the reason it was not included.   

July 8 - Trumbull/Waterford Babe Ruth game

It was another summer of broadcasting Babe Ruth baseball with Rob Adams. We saw so many great games. Whenever Trumbull and Waterford matchup, you know you're getting a great game between two terrific programs. 

July 8 in the CT State Tournament was no different, Matt Shampine and Ryan DeMelo were locked in a pitcher's duel with Trumbull holding a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh before Waterford scored two including the game winning hit by Kian Gordy to lift Waterford to a 2-1 victory. 

Trumbull scored their run in the third when Luke McDermott reached on an error to score DeMelo, who had singled earlier in the inning. 

These two teams would face off later in the tournament, including in the championship, and Trumbull would come out with the victory to head to the New England Regional. Trumbull would end up advancing to the Babe Ruth World Series. Terrific run and a special group. 

July 11 - Waterford/New Milford Babe Ruth no-hitter

A few days later, Waterford would come away with another big win. 

Colby Sheehan threw five no-hit inniings and Thomas Flanagan did not allow a hit over the final two as Waterford came away with a no-hitter in an 8-0 win over New Milford. 

You can hear the final out and the full game below. 

Final out: http://sndup.net/stys

October 28 - Ryan Menozzi game-winning catch vs McMahon

Ludlowe's Ryan Menozzi caught a 22-yard touchdown with thirty-six seconds remaining in the game to give the Falcons a 35-32 lead over Ridgefield and Ludlowe would go on to win by that score. 

It was a hard-fought back and forth game that (at the time) kept Ludlowe in state playoff contention. 

Final: Ludlowe 35 McMahon 32. Ryan Menozzi with under a minute left the game winner. #cthsfb

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) October 28, 2023

Menozzi 22 yard YD catch and Ludlowe leads 35-32 with :36 to go #cthsfb pic.twitter.com/1CxY3tPnni

— Scott Ericson (@EricsonSports) October 28, 2023

Ryan Menozzi caught the game winning touchdown for Ludlowe in 35-32 win over McMahon #cthsfb pic.twitter.com/SjFZBxJ6Qa

— Scott Ericson (@EricsonSports) October 28, 2023

November 9 - Ludlowe boys' soccer defeats Ridgefield in state playoffs in PK's

Alex Parent came up with some clutch saves in goal as Ludlowe defeated Ridgefield 2-1 in PK's in the second round of the state tournament. Alex missed a cello solo as part of a Veteran's Day concert due to the game running long. 

Final: Ludlowe 1 Ridgefield 1. Falcons win 4-2 in PK #ctbsoc

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) November 10, 2023

Alex Parent with the save and Ludlowe take a 2-1 overtime win over Ridgefield (4-2 PKs). #ctbsoc pic.twitter.com/5MkCpTm04F

— Dave Ruden (@DaveRuden) November 10, 2023

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I've mentioned Rob Adams a bunch of times in this blog post and in many blog posts. He posted a blog post earlier today where he included a highlight package of games, he called this year. Go give the blog a read and listen to the highlights. 

 

2023 Babe Ruth Baseball

A tradition like no other. Babe Ruth baseball on Robcasting Radio. 

I'm paraphrasing, but that is how Rob Adams opened last Saturday's first broadcast of the 2023 14U Connecticut Babe Ruth State Tournament at Unity Park in Trumbull. 

This is the the seventh tournament Rob has done since 2015, and I've been a part of at least some every year. From the first year on HAN, to the others on Robcasting (one before it was technically Robcasting). Always a blast. Always appreciate Rob having me, for what I bring, and despite what I don't bring to the broadcast. Thanks for having me, Rob. 

This year I believe was the most I was able to join for, missing half of two games on Sunday and missing the championship tonight. It went from me just hanging to chiming in a little on air, to now being Rob's only color person. Times change, and that's ok. 

Rob is terrific at "Scullying" (flying solo) and although he says he likes me around, he's definitely better with me not there or off-air. There's no ego from me about needing to be on air. I'll hang, or do whatever. 

What frustrates me, and I don't say much on the air, but the times I do, I noticed myself multiple times stepping on Rob's call. I started to talk as Rob was about to say something.  And I know that's not a good thing for the color analyst to do. But Rob is great and doesn't throw me out of the booth (or mute my mic, which sometimes he probably should!). Please note, I am yelling at/picking on myself. 

I've probably talked too much about the broadcast. 

It's about the athletes, coaches and families, and that is what makes it so fun. Watching these terrific athletes, and getting to know the families. 

Congrats to Waterford, who won the title, 5-1 in the championship over the host Trumbull. Both teams will be headed to the New England Regional in North Providence, Rhode Island as Connecticut sends the top two teams. 

A lot of these players, especially on both Trumbull and Waterford, we have seen for a couple years now. That makes it even more fun. Watching players like Matt Shampine and Colby Sheehan for Waterford, along with the likes of Luke McDermott, Ryan DeMelo, JJ Scavone  on Trumbull and many others is just so special. This is not to take take away from anyone who I didn't name or any players on other teams. These are just off the top of my head. Great players who, from what we see and hear, seem to be great kids. 

I say this all the time, it's about more than baseball. It's about relationships you build. With teammates, coaches, other teams, parents and so much more. It becomes a family atmosphere. 

Great job by everyone in the booth who did a terrific job all tournament. From the Babe Ruth officials, to the many parent volunteers. I'm not going to name people here because I know I will miss people. A huge thanks and job well done to Mike Buswell, who not only coaches the Trumbull team, but played a huge role in the whole tournament. 

Good luck to both teams in the Regionals! You will represent CT well. 

Rob's broadcasting of Babe Ruth baseball is not done for the summer. He's headed to Rhode Island as well to broadcast. I can't make it, but I will be listening as much as possible and "executively produce" from the CT office.  

Summer of Sports (What else would you expect)

Cubeta Stadium prior to Legion playoff game versus Stamford

So, the summer is basically over. I could have written this weeks ago, or I could wait to write this. It all depends on how you define the summer. Many people have unofficial ends of summer before the official end. 

With students back in Fairfield schools tomorrow, it sort of feels like this is the end of the summer. I was working all summer for the first time since working in the schools. Even if I hadn't been, I still would have been back to work a week and a half ago as a 10 1/2 month employee. I'm excited for the students to be back. It's too quiet around the building(s)without them all summer. 

It was a summer of work and watching baseball. A lot of baseball. 

I already wrote about the communications work I did for Fairfield American Legion baseball.

Legion bucket hat for the win. 

Towards the end of that, I wrote a feature for the Fairfield Citizen/Hearst on members of Legion and former Warde players, Phil and Edmund Hogan. 

In between Legion, I joined Rob Adams for some little league baseball at Unity Park in Trumbull. We (well, mostly Rob and I just tag along) were asked to do Fairfield National little league baseball. We called a couple of their district games before they were eliminated, including some against Fairfield American. 

How Rob tries to keep the equipment (and himself) out of the rain 

Rob also did a Babe Ruth Championship game at Unity then Rob and I watched some of Fairfield American and Trumbull little league. It was a little weird watching the game as a spectator from the outfield. I am always used to doing something during a game. I'm not going to lie, I am not good at just watching a game. 

Everyone knows my passion for Fairfield sports so it was tough when Rob and I were standing amongst the Trumbull fans. After a couple innings, I had to go over to the Fairfield side, where I also got to chat with a number of people I know. 

A week or so later, I joined Rob for the Babe Ruth baseball New England Regional tournament at Trumbull High School. Always a blast doing those tournaments even if I had to bounce in and out do to work and some other commitments, including Legion. 

Unofficially "Rob's Corner" of the Trumbull HS press box

One of the great things about these tournaments is the relationships we make with families, those working the tournament (who are often families of players) and even sometimes, getting to know the athletes a bit. I know Rob had a few interactions with a couple of them, 

There was a little more baseball I watched also. I went over to Kiwanis a couple times to watch the Fairfield Nationals 13U travel team play. In one of the times I saw them, they played the CT Rage (formerly Fairfield Rage) which has many Fairfield kids on it. I went in large part because Ludlowe baseball head coach Ken Geriak mentioned it, as he's a coach and his son Tyler is on the team. 

One of the coaches of the Nationals is Carl Pavano. Yes, Carl Pavano the former Yankees pitcher, among other teams. 

It was also another year of coaching Ludlowe's JV summer league basketball team. It's an hour a week summer league game, but the competitor in me takes it way too seriously. I have a blast doing it but I also realize the players don't get the most teaching out of it they might with others. I'm not going to be giving them plays offensively to run. I want them to play hard, play defense, move the ball offensively and work to get the best possessions possible. My biggest thing is subs, timeouts, and trying to be a positive influence. I did not expect to write this whole long paragraph about this either. 

Sure, other things went on this summer, but are they worth getting into. Probably not, for a number of reasons. It was a fun, exciting summer for some, and a tougher summer for others. Or for many others, it was an average summer. So many factors and also point of view. 

Good luck to all the 2022 high school grads who are off to college or other post-high school plans. 

Excited for another year of high school sports. Lots of fall sports, then winter and spring and I am excited for all of it. However, personally, I am always extra excited for Ludlowe basketball and Ludlowe baseball. 

Let the school year begin. 

Wild Weekend of Sports

The field at Trumbull HS from the press box through the chain-linked backstop

We always say, you have to be crazy to do what you do in broadcasting, journalism and in a lot of sports coverage. 

Well, this weekend was a crazy one that consisted of Babe Ruth baseball, American Legion baseball, and some summer league basketball. The heat was a major factor of the weekend. It was also a weekend of a lot of driving. Well, let's be honest. That's all relative, as we know I don't drive a lot, so any driving is a lot for me. 

It began back on Thursday, with the banquet that preceded the 13U Babe Ruth baseball tournament hosted by Trumbull Babe Ruth. Thanks to Rob Adams and Mike Buswell for inviting me to the banquet, as I would be joining Rob for some of the baseball over the weekend. 

Rob did a great job as one of the speakers at the banquet. You can hear his speech here.

Then we move to Friday. After leaving work, I joined Rob for the third game of four of day one at Trumbull High School for Babe Ruth. 

I was only able to stay for a portion of the game as I had to make my way to Bridgeport to coach a Ludlowe summer league basketball game. 

After that game ended, I headed back to Trumbull to re-join Rob for the final game of the day. In that final game, we saw the host Trumbull walk-off North Providence-Smithfield, Rhode Island 3-2 in eight innings. 

In was back to Trumbull High for four games on Saturday. None of the games were great score wise, but Rob and I had fun as always, and we had a good time with the people in the booth, most of those part of Trumbull Babe Ruth (parents, etc). 

On Sunday, it was back to Trumbull High School. There were four more games to be played. These would be the final games of pool play. I joined Rob for the majority of game one, as we saw Zac Trolland of Waterford take a no-hitter into the sixth inning and ultimately, throw a two-hit complete game as Waterford beat Quincy, Mass (apparently pronounced "Quinzy". Who knew? Not me) 3-1. Just a tremendous performance. 

I had to leave this game after six innings. Honestly, as the no-hitter was happening, I thought to myself how tough it would be to leave if the no-hitter was still happening. In the end, I saw the hit that broke up the no-hitter, so I didn't have to worry. I'm sure, somewhere, someone is blaming me for thinking about the no-hitter. 

I had to get down to Cubeta Stadium at Scalzi Park in Stamford for Legion baseball. Fairfield's 17U team was playing Stamford in an elimination game of the state tournament. 

I had thought that the game started at 1pm as that is what the website said. I left Trumbull at 11:45 figuring I'd give myself plenty of time to get there, get lineups and get settled in. When I got there, Fairfield was just finishing infield/outfield warmups. Then I learn that the game was changed to 12:30pm. 

See, people. This is why I get everywhere early. People pick on me for getting places too early (which I often do), but you never know what is going to happen. I was still able to get everything set, I just did not have the time I normally do. 

After Stamford won of Friday, Fairfield would need to win game one to force a winner-take-all game later Sunday afternoon. Stamford took game one, 13-3 in five innings to advance to the Super Regional and end Fairfield's season. 

After the game ended and after talking to a few people, it was back up to Trumbull. It was around 2:30 as I texted Rob to say I was leaving. I was thinking I'd be up there around 3:00, 3:15 at the latest. 

Well, of course there was traffic on The Merritt. It was closer to 3:30 when I pulled into the Dunkin Donuts parking lot on White Plains Road in Trumbull to grab Rob a coffee and myself a drink. I was unsure what I wanted but I knew I needed something cold and that would give me some energy. It was hot outside. I ended up with a Mango Pineapple refresher. It wasn't bad. 

I then made my way over to Trumbull High School by 3:40 for the 4pm game, which started a little late, which selfishly was helpful for me. Then, we had Trumbull playing Pittsfield, Mass at 7pm on Sunday night, in the final game of Pool Play. 

I think we all agreed that this was the premier game of the pool play, even coming into the game. Pittsfield came away with the victory in a crazy game, by a 17-10 score. 

We dealt with some rain during the weekend that delayed a portion of one of the games. Because why wouldn't we. I know Rob dealt with a couple of rain delays today for the games that were played. 

Oh and I am also apparently the VP of Statistics and Ginger Ale for Robcasting Radio. Or at least that's what Rob said. 

Fun, long weekend, that likely ended my summer of sports covering sports. At least for games I am at. A summer that included Legion baseball, little league baseball, Babe Ruth baseball and HS summer league basketball. Still some summer hoops coaching and some more writing before we get going with fall high school sports and more.  

Listen to Rob call the semifinals on Tuesday at 10am and 1pm and the Championship on Wednesday 10am at Robcasting.Mixlr.com.