Yes!! The undefeated Rangers won the RBVLL AA Division Title in the AA Tournament yesterday with a 12 - 2 victory over the Cardinals.
The Rangers had been the uncontested AA champs during the season, losing only 4 games: two of which were due to lack of players. So it was a sweet victory to remain the AA division champs and clinch the tournament.
The Rangers brought their bats, and the bats were smoking again! During the first half of the season the Rangers would bat our entire line up every inning but once the second half of the season started, and tournament rules limiting teams to 5 runs an inning were in place, the bats cooled down and instead of earning 20 runs a game we were down to 5 - 7 runs a game.
Perhaps the fun had left the boys and the pressure was building so before today's game I reminded the boys what we were there for, to have fun. "Do you remember at the beginning of the season when we would bat our entire lineup every inning? Do you remember how much fun you had just hitting the ball? Forget about the tournament. Just go out there and do what you do best, hit the ball." So each time the boys went up to bat I'd remind them, "Just go have fun. Do what you do best." And bam, that ball would fly!
Coach Len did an outstanding job with the boys, teaching them the fundamentals, building up their talent in both the field and at bat, and also gave every player the opportunity to pitch. Several pitchers were developed during the year, especially Carlos, who was instrumental in our win.
Even though the Rangers were winning 12 - 2, with the bases loaded in the top of the 5th inning, 2 outs and one of the Cardinals best hitters at bat, Coach Len wasn't taking any chances of letting the Cardinals catch up. Coach Len brought Carlos (our closer) in to seal the deal. With just a few pitches Carlos struck the batter out and the Rangers went to victory!
Team photo to follow when I return.
