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! 

Baseball on the Radio

Baseball on the radio, whether it be online or terrestrial, can be a joy to listen to. 

So many people want the pictures. TV or online video broadcast. 

All sports can be terrific on the radio, but, in my opinion, baseball is the best. 

I am not in my car driving all that often, so I don't listen to games truly on the radio as much as I might like. That being said, listening to John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on WFAN (previously on WCBS), or Howie Rose and company on WOR (previously WFAN) is always enjoyable. 

I do listen to sports radio in the car. Often WFAN. I miss the days of Mike and the Mad Dog. This could be a whole different post. 

I listen to A LOT of online radio. Most notably, Rob Adams on Robcasting Radio or WGCH.com (the online site for 1490 WGCH out of Greenwich). 

There's something about listening to the broadcasters describe the action and painting the picture and as the listener, we get to paint our own picture in our heads as to what the play looks like. The play-by-play person gives the play and then the analyst, if there is one, describes it more in depth. If there isn't, the PBP person can also give some color as well. This is important so the broadcast isn't dry. 

A radio, or audio call of any kind needs more description of the play and everything going on than a TV call where the viewer can see what is happening. This does not mean for a radio call there needs to be talking all the time. There can still be pauses and the broadcaster "laying out" on a big play. There needs to be a middle-ground. 

You can do it with all sports, but it just seems like baseball is the best. Football or basketball, while I will listen on the radio, is more of a TV sport, at least for me. 

Baseball on the radio is also a great avenue for stories. Stories make the broadcasts interesting. As long as the action doesn't get lost, stories keep the broadcast interesting. Stories about the players, coaches, families or teams, or anything else that might come up.  

Sure, you can do this on TV, but it's a different type of attention as a viewer/listener on TV. 

I'm not trying to tell people things they don't know. I've just heard conversations from people, a lot who don't understand broadcasting, about how they want to watch a video broadcast and don't care/won't listen to audio only. 

To be clear, this is not everyone. 

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.  

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. 

Fairfield Champions

Note: I started writing this post on Saturday afternoon with plans to finish it Saturday night. Got back too late, so I'm finishing Sunday morning. 

This weekend is spring sports state championship weekend around Connecticut. 

Warde baseball and Ludlowe softball were both playing in championship games on Saturday. 

Warde was playing Staples at Palmer Field in Middletown, while Ludlowe played Southington at UConn. 

I went to the softball game, but not baseball. I should have gone to both, but for numerous reasons, did not. 

I did however, follow intently on Twitter. Thanks to Scott Ericson of GameTimeCT and Dave Ruden of The Ruden Report for the updates. 

Warde defeated Staples 2-1 in 10 innings in a classic game. The game-winning hit came from senior starting pitcher Griffin Polley, who threw a terrific game to finish off a great season. Polley was named Championship game MVP. 

The Mustangs are now back-to-back Class LL State Champions to go along with three FCIAC Championships in a row. 

On the softball side, Ludlowe defeated Southington 5-2 to capture the school's first softball title. 

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

The loss for Southington snapped a 40-game win streak. 

Chelsea Villar was named Championship game MVP for the Falcons, who got the job done with small ball, defense and great pitching. 

Of Ludlowe's five runs, four came off squeeze bunts. 

On the mound for the Falcons Alex Lewey was dealing, allowing just one hit through the first four innings. 

In the fifth, she ran into some trouble. Southington homered to get on the board and then loaded the bases with nobody out. Anna Gedact came in in relief and got out of the inning, allowing just one more run to score and preserving a 4-2 Ludlowe lead. 

Gedacht would shut Southington down the rest of the way. 

Ludlowe got an insurance run in the top of the seventh. Villar doubled to lead off the inning, Later in the inning, with Villar now at third, Katie Tournas laid down a squeeze bunt to push Villar across the plate. 

This was the third time Ludlowe and Southington had met in the last three years late in the postseason and the second time in the championship. The third time was indeed the charm for the Falcons. 

It was a great day for Fairfield public school sports, with both Warde and Ludlowe picking up the championships. 

This concludes not only the spring sports season, but the 2022-2023 sports year for high school sports. 

As with every season, lots of great moments and many tough moments as well, But there's no better way to end a year than with championships, and Warde and Ludlowe did that. 

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. 

Ludlowe Baseball 2023 In The Books

Team huddle after a scrimmage last week (Photo: Jennifer Gibson) 

Every year I seem to write something on the Ludlowe baseball season when the season ends. Well, here I am again. 

Our (and as I coach on staff, I think I can say "our") season came to on Tuesday in the first round of the state tournament with a 4-3 loss to Hamden*. 

*As I noted on Twitter and Instagram, it was cool to coach against kids who were on the Hamden Little League team that Rob Adams and I had fun covering in 2020. 

The season started strong as we started 4-0 and 6-1, before a tough stretch, losing four straight. After that, there was a lot of back and forth. Some great wins and tough losses. 

Included in those tough losses, was a 10 inning loss to Warde. It was a tremendous baseball game. One of best games I've seen. As long as I'm working at both schools, that game will always be weird for me. I've written about this many times, so I'll leave it at that. 

There were also some great wins, including Greenwich twice, New Canaan and Danbury, to name a few off the top of my head. 

We finished with an 11-9 regular season record which earned us a state tournament berth, just missing out on making the FCIAC tournament. 

There's always things that go on that make every season interesting, and this year was no different. Great moments, tough moments and special moments, among other things. 

Even in the game on Tuesday, there was a moment that was one of my favorite moments of the season. A special moment. It was about more than sports. I could write more. However, I'm being vague on purpose as it's not my story to tell. I've probably said too much already. 

It's about the bonds with the players, my fellow coaches, the families, and so many others. It goes beyond baseball. 

We hosted Fairfield American Day and that was a great event for our team, FALL and the community. Wins are great, but building an image is also something very special. 

I had fun filling in for our JV coach for a game and coaching that game. My goal was just to not mess things up, which from that aspect, made it successful. However, I know they didn't get the same experience they get when the JV coach is there. We make things work though, however we can. 

Lots of fun with a great coaching staff this year, that I am grateful to be a part of. Head Coach Ken Geriak, Bob Maffei, Vin Riccio, Tommy Howell and Chris Howell. 

I hate it when the season is over. There's still other sports to watch this spring. There will be sports to watch and work this summer (starting tomorrow) and then we will be back at it with high school sports in the Fall and do it all over again. That being said, there is something special about Ludlowe baseball. 

I'm already excited for next season. Our juniors and sophomores got a lot of experience this year and last year, which can only bode well for the future. They are also a tremendous group of kids. 

Another season in the books. 

Falcon Pride!