Support the Bridgeport Barnums!

Barnums 2024 Championship (Barnums Media/Contributed Photo)

As many of you know, as I've written about it here and on social media, I have been doing some summer media work for the Bridgeport Barnums of the Connecticut College Baseball League the last few summers. 

I handle their scorekeeping via the GameChanger scorekeeping app, and I write game recaps on another Blogger website. 

In doing both of these things, I am promoting the league, team and the players. 

What I am getting at is, we need sponsors to allow us to keep doing what we are doing. We want to provide the best coverage we can, but there is a business aspect to it. 

We would also love to be able to expand the coverage we provide. We have ideas but those ideas cost money to execute, for staffing and equipment. 

It's also about so much more than what we do from a media perspective. It's about the business operations of running a baseball program, holding community events

If you are interested in sponsoring the blog or the GameChanger (the work I do), or the Bridgeport Barnums baseball program in general, please reach out. 

SPONSOR LETTER

You can reach me on Twitter and Instagram @ShawnSailer or via email at sailer0416@gmail.com and I can send you further information and/or put you in contact with the correct people in the organization. 

Holidays and Games

Happy New Year. With the flip of the calendar, changes don't happen automatically. Actions cause change. All the best to everyone in 2026. 

Speaking of change....

I've written before about how traditions change. I lot of that happens during holidays or other special events, as well as everyday life. 

The changes happen as a result of families and life changing. People move, others have families and extended family and unfortunately sometimes family issues or family members passing away change traditions. It's also just a fact that people get older. New traditions get created. 

I've noticed this with holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, to name a few. The groups get smaller, the activities change. The days become more low-key. 

It's still about spending time with family and friends and those who matter. 

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Every year, while we celebrate great moments of the year, we also look back as tough moments. We think about those going through difficult times, and we remember those who we lost in the past year. 

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I write about often in regard to my sports life but it's not so much about the wins and losses when it comes to the sports, it's about the relationships both built and strengthened. It's about caring for and supporting one another in good times and bad. 

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It's been a tradition to do top games of the year. With a few obvious exceptions, I felt like there were less games or moments that stood out to choose from. 

There was a lot of high school basketball and baseball, but there wasn't as much summer baseball as there has been in the past. I hope that changes in 2026. 

Before we get going with the list, please note a couple of things. This is my list and has nothing to do with my work or coaching affiliation and does not represent those entities. In addition, this list only encompasses games I was in attendance for. 

Here we go with my top games or moments of 2025 locally. 

FCIAC Baseball Championship

Ludlowe vs Norwalk. This is an easy one. My favorite moment of the year. A tremendous game in which Ludlowe took a 2-0 lead before Norwalk tied the game in the sixth and then Ludlowe re-took the lead for good in the seventh. 

You can read more here and listen to Rob Adams' broadcast below. 

2025 FCIAC CHAMPIONS! pic.twitter.com/Ws3Z3fU0Y4

— Fairfield Ludlowe Baseball (@LudloweBase) May 30, 2025

Photo Credit: Stacey Scruggs

FCIAC Baseball Quarterfinal - Ludlowe vs Warde

Two games prior to the FCIAC Championship, Ludlowe and Warde squared off for the third time in the season, this time in the FCIAC quarterfinals at Warde. Warde held a 3-1 lead through five innings and a 3-2 lead through six innings. 

In the top of the seventh with two on and two outs, Ian Moore singled down the right field line to bring home two runs and give the Falcons a 4-3 lead. Tyler Geriak got the save, stranding the tying and winning runs on base in the bottom half of the inning. 

Kieran Scruggs Walk-Off Playoff Hit for Barnums

In a Connecticut College Baseball League playoff elimination game, Kieran Scruggs came up with a pinch-hit game winning single. 

Read my game story on the Bridgeport Barnums Blogger site. Also included is video of the hit. 

Ludlowe football win over Norwalk on Miko Marano's PAT in OT

Ludlowe and Norwalk have a tendency to play exciting, close football games over the years, and this year was no exception. 

Ludlowe had to come from behind late to tie the game and send it to overtime, before Miko Marano's PAT following a Ludlowe touchdown in OT tied the game again, gave the Falcons the victory. 

Video of Miko Marano’s game-winning extra point. Video via @coachkeyes. #cthsfb https://t.co/31CFwrZktp pic.twitter.com/LZbd2mYrN2

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) October 11, 2025

Ludlowe Basketball FCIAC Quarterfinal OT win over New Canaan

On Super Saturday in the FCIAC Quarterfinals at Fairfield Warde, Ludlowe defeated 61-50 behind 26 points from Ryan Torello and 10 points apiece from Gavin Mertz and Carlo Noecker. 

Ryan Torello breaks the Ludlowe single season scoring record in the FCIAC semifinal game vs Staples

In the latter part of a tremendous season for Ludlowe's Ryan Torello, he broke the school's single season scoring record in the Falcons FCIAC semifinal game vs Staples at Wilton High School. Ryan broke Brian Spring's record of 474 points, which he set in 2006. 

Ryan finished his tremendous senior season with 542 points for the season and 749 points for his career, which puts him second all-time in career points, behind Spring. 

*All this information is public in that it is on the Ludlowe Athletics social media and/or on the record board outside the gym at FLHS for anyone to see when they come to the gym. 

Warde's Jack Cramer scores 1,000th point in FCIAC semifinal game vs Ridgefield 

Like talking about Torello above, I love talking about records and milestones. On the same night that Torello broke the Ludlowe scoring record, Warde's Jack Cramer scored his 1,000th career point in the Mustangs FCIAC semifinal game vs Ridgefield. The accomplishment happened in the fourth quarter of the game and was acknowledged during the next stoppage in play. I always enjoy when these records and milestones are acknowledged. It's important for the people to get the recognition they deserve. 

Ludlowe/Trumbull Football

This one has zero to do with the game. This is a favorite game of the year due to the relationships I have made with people in Trumbull. As I wrote about at the time, it's people like Mike Buswell, Brayden Jagoe, Luke McDermott and their families and many others. It's always fun to watch them play and to talk and support them. 

I wrote more about this when it took place.

Ludlowe/Trumbull Baseball 

This was a big for us at Ludlowe as we unofficially clinched a berth in the FCIAC tournament with the win. It was a crazy game. We built up a 10-4 lead before Trumbull made a comeback and cut the deficit to 10-8 and had a chance to do more. A cool moment in the game was Jagoe, mentioned above, hitting a home run for the Eagles. Obviously mixed emotions for me as it happened as I'm coaching in the Ludlowe dugout. 

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On to 2026! 

Summer Ball 2025

Another summer of baseball has come to an end for me. 

It was different, a lot lighter than in summers past, but still enjoyable. 

There was no Trumbull Babe Ruth tournament, or any Babe Ruth tournament coverage that I joined Rob Adams for. 

Rob did do a lot of Cal Ripken baseball, both in Oxford and New Canaan. I did go hang out for one day of the Oxford tournament and listened to a lot of the rest of both tournaments. 

My baseball summer consisted of my role with the Bridgeport Barnums of the Connecticut College Baseball League once again. 

My role is basically scorekeeper, but I will do whatever. 

It's enjoyable to be a part of the staff and the team in whatever role. 

As I've said before whether it's coaching, broadcasting, scorekeeping, writing, etc, you are always part of a "team" in some capacity. Just not always part of THE team. This could (and may) be a separate blog post. 

As for the Barnums, they had another terrific season. 

They finished with an overall record of 23-4-2 winning the regular season CCBL championship. 

In the double-elimination playoffs, they won their first game, lost their second, won two straight before falling in what was called the elimination finals which was basically the semifinals. 

We saw some great performances on the mound from guys like Zach Broderick, Jimmy Mutherbaugh, Will Gregor and Hayden Lee. *

*It's always risky to shout out people, because you know you are going to accidentally forget people and it's hard to mention everyone. 

I enjoyed hanging with and helping out the coaches and players. Many players who I knew from either past Barnums seasons or from Ludlowe and Warde baseball. Then, there were players who I had just met this summer. 

It's a different role and relationship during the summer than it is when I am coaching at Ludlowe in the spring. I enjoyed getting to talk to and watch players like Kieran Scruggs (Ludlowe grad headed to Eastern Connecticut), Luke Stasko (Ludlowe grad headed to Virginia Wesleyan) and Meyer Stransky (Warde grad headed to Gettysburg), among others. 

Those are just a few of the Fairfield players that are a part of the Barnums. Besides the Fairfield players, it's guys from plenty of other surrounding areas including Trumbull, Easton and Bethel, to name a few. And obviously Bridgeport. 

It's a tremendous coaching staff led by Manager Chris Bugyi and Coaches Jim Chaves and Mark Keeney. The whole operation is led by General Manager Sars Ford. It's impressive what they have built in just a few short years in existence. 

It's also about the support staff of Blake Benway on social media and Jake Calabro on public address, among others. 

Then it's about the fans and the sponsors. 

Everyone plays a role. 

It's over as quick as it starts. 

But it was fun. 

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. 

Pitching Brillance

I've been working with the Bridgeport Barnums Baseball Club this summer for the second consecutive year in a communications/scorekeeper role. 

The Barnums play in the Connecticut College Baseball League.

This morning, in a playoff semifinal game, we got to see something special. 

It was pitching brilliance. 

Cole Gibson, former Ludlowe player, and New Haven bound pitcher threw a no-hitter in a 5-0 win over Wallingford. 

Gibson gave up a leadoff walk to start the game and the only other baserunner reached on an error in the sixth inning. 

Oh yeah, he also struck out 10 hitters. Gibson's had his fastball working. He was easy flowing, hitting the high 80's with his velocity, from what I was told.  

Gibson also fielded his position well, making two plays on comebackers, including one on a bunt attempt. 

It was so fun to watch, and I am so happy for Cole. It's been fun to watch his entire high school career and throughout this summer, but today was something special.

Great player, better person. I'm excited to watch and follow what he does going forward, both on and off the field. 

This likely caps Gibson's summer season and he has had a very strong summer heading into college baseball. He pitched to a 1.58 ERA in 31 innings. He struck out 39 batters, while walking just nine. 

Update: Gibson came on in relief in the championship game on July 30. He threw one inning, allowing one hit and two walks, while striking out two. His season totals are now 32 innings pitched, 41 strikeouts, 11 walks with a 1.53 ERA. 

There are a bunch of former Ludlowe guys on the Barnums, so obviously I am closer with them than the other guys. Besides Gibson, there is Luke Anderson, Andrew Fortunato and Blake Benway. I do get picked on for being bias/my favoritism, but I try to be fair in my scorekeeping and promotion on the Barnums social media pages. 

The Barnums will play for a championship on Monday in Simsbury (opponent TBA). You can follow along on the Barnums GameChanger account. 

Cole's postgame interview is here. 

Local Baseball Weekend

Ed Hogan delivers a pitch during the Barnums doubleheader on Saturday

It was a busy weekend of local baseball. 

Four games. Two doubleheaders. 

I'm doing some media work for the Bridgeport Barnums, who are in their first year as a team. They are a member of the Connecticut College Baseball League. Their home games are at Seaside Park, Diamond 1, which is the home of University of Bridgeport. 

My role with them is basically to keep score via GameChanger, run the Instagram and write game stories. It's fun to watch a lot of the former Ludlowe baseball players I know, many I am close with. 

In addition, the team also includes former Warde players, as well as players from other schools and towns. 

Due to conflicts and vacation, I hadn't been able to get to any games in a couple of weeks. Everyone was great about me missing*, but I felt bad, due to my care about commitment. 

*I was told by a couple of players, jokingly, that I was the reason they were on a four-game losing streak. They split the Doubleheader. You can go here to read the game story. 

On Sunday, I went to watch the Fairfield Legion team play. That team in mostly made up of current Ludlowe players, so I enjoy watching those guys, as well as others I've gotten to know. 

While I was involved from a media perspective with them the last couple of years, due to the Barnums role (they have some affiliation due to management), I haven't gotten to that many games this year. 

That being said, I've tried to get to games when I can. While the results haven't been great team-wise, good group of kids working hard and getting better. 

I want to watch all of Ludlowe guys, regardless of summer program, but watching the Legion team is easy, as it's so local. I've been following other guys on other programs via social media. 

I don't want to rush summer and all of the others sports for everyone, but excited for the spring of 2024. I'm sure I'll say this on many other posts going forward. 

There will be more Barnums, Legion, and likely some other baseball in the coming weeks. 

It's always a good day watching baseball. 

Long Saturday Of Baseball

I always think, when the Ludlowe baseball season ends, my games will slow down. Most of the time, I'm wrong. I'm just at games in different capacities. 

Today, I was at two baseball games. 

First, I was at Warde as the Mustangs hosted Southington in the Class LL quarterfinals. It was a terrific baseball game, with Warde coming up with the 2-1 win on a base hit by freshman Jimmy Dobbs. 

Southington took a 1-0 lead in the third inning and the game remained that way until the sixth. 

Warde tied the game on a home run by Garrett Larsen in the sixth. The Southington left-fielder attempted to "rob" the homerun and went over the mesh fence. There was a lot of controversy surrounding the home run, whether it was a home run, a catch, or a ground rule double. It was controversial in terms of the umpires had to discuss it and both coaches had to get explanations. I'll be honest, from where I was standing, I couldn't see the play, so It wouldn't be fair for me to give an opinion. I've seen pictures but it's different in real time.

The game then remained tied until the bottom of the inning. Aidan Dowd reached on a leadoff walk. He moved to second on a bunt and third on a flyout. That left it up to Dobbs to be the hero. 

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

Warde will face Newington on Tuesday in the Class LL Semifinals. The time and location are to be determined.  

So after Warde it was over to Seaside Park for the Bridgeport Barnums of the Connecticut College Baseball League and the Danbury Westerners of the New England College Baseball League in a scrimmage. 

I am doing some social media/writing for the Barnums this summer. Lots of great players and coaches who are part of the team. Plenty of former Ludlowe and Warde players, among others. Today's scrimmage did not go in Bridgeport's favor, but it's just a scrimmage and early in a long season. 

More baseball tomorrow and during the week. Plus other work-related events. 

It's never boring. And that's a great thing.