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! 

Fun Night in Trumbull

We've talked on here before about the friendships and people we get to know through being involved in sports in many different ways. It extends to the friendships that develop because of sports but last forever. 

I've also written about all of the summer baseball coverage I've been involved with over the years. Whether that be Little League, American Legion, College Summer League or Babe Ruth. 

A lot of that over the last several years has been Trumbull Babe Ruth. Trumbull has become a town I've really enjoyed dealing with, and most of that is because of the great people. 

It's all the staff, coaches, players and families that we have interacted with. 

That leads me to Friday night where Ludlowe was playing Trumbull in football at Trumbull High School. I love when we get Fairfield vs Trumbull games in any sport. As I wrote on Instagram, it's "my guys" vs "my other guys." 

Its people involved with Trumbull like Mike Buswell, Brayden Jagoe and Luke McDermott to name a few, and the families. 

It was good to chat with Mike during the game and to watch Jagoe play* (McDermott is hurt, speedy recovery to Luke) and talk to him for a quick second afterwards. 

Ludlowe came away with a 35-7 victory behind four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) from Ryan Love. Peyton Sparacino also had a passing touchdown. Jake Palladino had two touchdown receptions, and Jack Danylko and Timmy O'Neill each had a touchdown catch. 

*Brayden had the lone Eagles touchdown, a 56-yard run. Happy to see these guys having success. When Ludlowe played Trumbull in baseball this past spring, Jagoe homered. Obviously, I'm rooting for Ludlowe, but I also want these other guys to do well. 

There were other people, including former Ludlowe and Trumbull coach and Trumbull football player, Mat Lena, who it was nice to catch up with. There were also people who I wish I would have gotten to see. 

I root for good people and good stories, and these are all great people! 

On to next week where I get to see more friends and great people. 

Editor's Note: Once again, this blog post, or any of my blog posts or social media posts, have no affiliation with my job. The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are mine and mine alone. 

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. 

Champions Crowned

Trumbull celebrates the title

This is championship week around spring high school sports in Connecticut. 

On Wednesday, the FCIAC crowned champions in baseball, softball boys' volleyball and girls' lacrosse. 

Congrats to Trumbull, Ludlowe, Ridgefield and New Canaan, respectively. 

I went down to Cubeta to watch the baseball game and hang with Rob Adams as he called the game on Robcasting Radio. 

Trumbull defeated Wilton 7-1 behind a terrific pitching performance from the Eagles Ace, Trevor Schuelke. Schuelke threw a complete game, allowing just the one run (which came in the seventh) on six hits, while striking out eight, hitting one batter, and walking none. He was named FCIAC tournament MVP. 

I didn't really care too strongly who won. Two good programs led by two great coaches. That said, I am happy for all my friends in Trumbull who I have gotten to know through the Babe Ruth and Little League broadcasting. We've gotten to know the kids, families and coaches and the relationships don't end when the run each summer ends. It's also cool to see how the kids develop as ballplayers. 

As much talk about how much I love Fairfield, there's a lot to like about sports, and specifically baseball in the town of Trumbull. From their Little Leage programs to what Mike Buswell does with the Babe Ruth program, to Legion, through high school. These are great ballplayers, what seem to be great kids, who care about playing for each other and their town. I know I've talked about this before. Probably too many times. 

It's the first FCIAC Championship for Trumbull since 2012. Congrats to Phil Pacelli, Buddy Bray, and the entire staff. 

Coach Bray gets a championship as the head coach in basketball in the winter and now a championship as an assistant in the spring. 

It was also a great run for Wilton, as the Warriors beat the top seed, Warde, in the semifinal to advance to the championship. 

For Ludlowe softball, this was their fourth FCIAC Championship in a row. The Falcons defeated Ridgefield 5-2 behind a complete game from Alex Lewey, who was named FCIAC tournament MVP. Lewey has been a part of all four championships over her time at Ludlowe. 

Head Coach, Adam Laliberte, who was an assistant previously, gets the championship in his first year as head coach. 

More champions will be named in the league, then we will get into the state tournament. Before we know it, the spring season and the high school sports year will be over. 

Congrats to all the champions and best of luck to everyone going forward. 

Super Saturday - FCIAC Boys Basketball Style

During intros before Ludlowe/Ridgefield

One of the best, if not the best, days of the high school sports year is the FCIAC boys' basketball quarterfinals. That was this Saturday, also known as Super Saturday. 

Eight teams, four games. All at Fairfield Warde. 

Lots of great players and coaches. 

Tremendous job by those running and working the day. From Dave Schulz and Matt Narwold to Jack Kelly, Franey Donavan, Art Cockerham, and so many others. A total team effort for a long day. 

On the court, the first game saw an upset, with the six-seed Danbury, knocking off the three-seed Stamford, 50-46. 

In game two, Trumbull got out to a 15-3 lead over Warde after a quarter and came away with a 57-38 victory, despite Warde cutting the deficit to four in the fourth quarter. 

The third game, much like the previous one, saw a team jump out to a convicting first quarter lead. Staples led Wilton 19-5 after one period, in route to a 60-43 win. 

The nightcap saw the number-eight seed Ludlowe get out to a strong 12-6 lead after the first quarter, before the top seed Ridgefield outscored the Falcons 20-9 in the second quarter to take a halftime lead. The Tigers would eventually go on to win by a score of 55-37. 

Trumbull will meet Danbury in the first semifinal on Tuesday at 5:30pm at Wilton High School. Staples and Ridgefield will face off in the nightcap at 7:15pm. The winners head to Thursday's championship. 

Listen to the semifinals and championship on Robcasting Radio with Rob Adams on the call. 

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. 

 

Baseball, Radio and Work

The original look of the offices when I started. Many changes since then. 

The Yankees are bad. 

There is no other way to put it. 

Seven losses in a row and three games under .500. As I type this, they are down 5-2 to the RedSox in the seventh inning so, barring a comeback, those numbers get worse. Ok, now they tied the game on an Anthony Volpe home-run. 

And now they are losing again in the ninth as Clay Homes gives up a run in the ninth inning of a tie game. 

And now they have lost. 

Make it eight in a row and four under .500. 

There are games where they don't pitch, games where they don't hit, games where they make mistakes, both physical and mental. Then there are games where multiple issues happen. Just not a good baseball team. 

I think there needs to be changes in the offseason. Management changes are likely needed because that is the only way you get a change in philosophy for the organization. 

We will see how the rest of the season plays out and then see what the off-season brings. 

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Happy National Radio Day! I enjoy dabbling in the little radio I do, both on and off the air. I really enjoy listening to the radio I do, whether that be sports talk, games, or other items. 

A lot of that is with Rob Adams. Whether it's joining him on air, hanging with him as he calls games, or listening to him call games. I enjoy it all. It's also listening to him on his sports talk show, Doubleheader, and occasionally coming on with him. 

Beyond that, it's listening to WFAN, both talk shows, and games. 

There's the occasional other broadcasts I will listen to as well, often to listen to the broadcasters more than the actual game. 

So many people want video, but there is something great about radio broadcasts, whether that be terrestrial or online radio. 

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I'm way late on this and I've already wrote multiple times about it, but congratulations to Trumbull Babe Ruth 14U on an amazing run to the Babe Ruth World Series quarterfinals. 

It's a tremendous group of players, coaches and families. That's led by Mike Buswell, who is not only the 14U coach, but also is the managing director of Trumbull Travel Baseball, which covers, Trumbull Little League, Trumbull Babe Ruth and Trumbull American Legion. Trumbull Travel is truly something special. 

I am excited to see what these kids do going forward, especially in high school, both on and off the field. 

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On this date in 2018 was my first day working in the Athletic Departments at Ludlowe and Warde. It's been a wild ride. Many great moments, other not so great moments. Some changes. Often chaos. 

I guess that means technically year six begins. It's been crazy already. 

Excited for the high school sports year. I'm excited about all the improvements that have been made/are being made to the facilities this summer. It's what the student-athletes deserve. 

Good luck to all the athletes, coaches and teams as another year begins. 

Boys Of Summer 2023

Barnums Team Photo (Missing some)

Summer's over. 

Ok, it's not actually over. 

Just summer baseball coverage for me. As far as I am concerned though, that means summer is over. Get me to Fall and Fall sports. Or even better, get me to basketball and baseball season, selfishly. 

The baseball coverage consisted of The Bridgeport Barnums, Fairfield Legion and Babe Ruth. I wish there was more and I am always open to any opportunities (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @ShawnSailer). 

The Barnums were my main coverage, as they were the actual "job" for the summer. That's not to say I cared about any less of the others, it's just when there were conflicts, the Barnums took priority. 

The Barnums were in their inaugural season and are part of the Connecticut College Baseball League (CCBL). Members of the team (and league) are those who are playing baseball in college or recent high school graduates who are planning to play in college. 

My work with the Barnums consisted of GameChanger scorekeeping during games, Instagram and writing game stories after, along with whatever else was needed. I enjoyed doing post-game video interviews with the players, as they got to have some fun and even more promotion. 

The Bridgeport team consists of players from Fairfield, Bridgeport and other surrounding Fairfield County towns including Darien, Trumbull and Easton.  Fun to watch the guys I already knew from Ludlowe, Warde and Prep and get to know others. 

The Barnums had a strong season, making it to the CCBL semifinals in year one. Terrific job by the coaching staff of manager Chris Bugyi and coaches Jim Chaves and Mark Keeney and everyone involved. 

I was also able to get to watch some of the Fairfield Legion team. Not as much as I wanted due to conflicts, but tried to get to as much as possible. It was mostly just watching and not too much coverage, but coverage where I could. Wish it could have been more. The kids deserve the coverage. Lots of current Ludlowe and Warde players on the team. Great group who played hard, despite the results not being what they wanted. Great job by the coaches and staff involved here. 

I've already written about the Babe Ruth broadcasting Rob Adams and I did in Trumbull. Rob went on to broadcast the New England Regional in North Providence, Rhode Island, which Trumbull won. Good luck to them in the World Series. 

It seems sort of odd that it's all over before August, but that's the way it is. 

It was a fun summer. Love covering the athletes, coaches and teams. Getting to know and talk with the families is also something that makes it enjoyable. 

We will see what next summer brings. 

On to high school sports. 

But first....

Enjoy the rest of the summer! 

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.