2021 30+ American
New England Havoc 8, Safe Financial 5
Submitted by Omar Ortiz, Havoc Player/Coach
We started practicing in November three times a week. We even practiced and scrimmaged here in Boston (we play in the Boston MSBL) outside in 30-degree weather just to prepare for this tourney.
This group is special! We love the game! We play for each other! We all set out a goal and that was to bring that trophy home and we did it!
Our overall Holiday Classic record ended up 4-1, as we averaged eight runs scored offensively. Our offense was led by Brian Curran, Julian Alvarez, Rommel Peguero and Josue Feliciano. Our Boston MSBL 2020 Cy Young winner, John Medina, pitched seven shut-out innings of 1-hit ball while striking out 12 in game one. Matt Benedict also didn’t disappoint in his Havoc debut, striking out 10 batters in a complete game victory and only giving up one run.
In our Semi-final game Dylon Benedict, in his Havoc debut, pitched seven strong innings for the win while striking out seven. Tournament MVP Brian Curran closed the last two innings for the save.
In our championship game against Safe Financial, Josue “Sway” Feliciano went 2-4 with two RBI while calling and catching a great game behind the dish. He caught 18 innings in the playoffs!
Steve “King of New York” Melo stayed HOT going 4-5 with two RBI while “King” Julian Alvarez was 2-4, scored twice and added an RBI, along with some clutch defensive plays in right field.
Omar “Metemano” Ortiz notched a 2-3 day while scoring twice, walked to start a couple of rallies and played solid defense with some key scoops at first.
Brian “MVP” Curran, aka ‘Bugs Bunny’ because he does it all, went 3-4 with two doubles and three RBI and pitched two scoreless innings to close the semi-finals. ‘Bugs’ then came in to throw in the second inning of the finals after our starter hit three batters in less than two innings. Curran then pitched the rest of the way and got some huge hits in the finals.
Beyond the offensive heroes we also had plenty of weekend defensive studs:
Brandon “Bmo” Linton, Kyle “Mike Trout” Johnson and Ryan “Foles” Foley.
Some of our notable big-time contributors were Mitch “Phil” Philibert, who threw 92, Miguel “Miggy” Guieteriez, who pitched well in relief, Mark “Papi Chulo” Blake with a couple big hits during the weekend, while Francis “Paysa” Garcia, Roberto “Bobby” Terrero, Chris “Colombia” Romero and Billy “Mustash” Clemons all played well defensively.
We were once down 5-1 In the finals but fought back to win it. What a great experience. I’m so proud of these guys. This was a total team victory!