LYNN — Year in and year out, Lynn maintains a positive track record in the Ray Gallant Baseball Tournament.
The Lynners are always competitive and known for playing the game the right way, with good core values. Manager Jeff Earp feels this year’s team can match those values.
“It’s extremely important,” Earp said. “It’s representing the city of Lynn with pride in the program, in themselves, in the city. The kids put forth their best effort and represent the city with class. These kids always respond and they see the rewards. They see the rewards for their conduct and effort. We talk to the kids about it but I don’t want to take the credit for it. These kids do it. They get it.
“Lynn kids are typically strong-willed,” Earp said. “They aren’t afraid to compete. I expect this group to do the same.”
This year’s Gallant Tournament begins Thursday evening, with Lynn’s opening game at 6:30 against defending champion Danvers. The tournament follows a double-elimination format. All games will be played at Salem’s O’Grady Field.
“The way this tournament’s set up, starting with a win is huge,” Earp said.
Earp has worked tirelessly over the past few weeks in assembling his team and coaching staff. He doesn’t take either of those tasks lightly.
“It’s the hardest thing,” Earp said. “You want to take the right kids. I can’t run around and watch everybody. You rely on a network of people involved, the all-star managers and multiple people from each league. The group narrows. Then you get down to the last few and you hope to make the right decision. It’s extremely hard. You don’t want to hurt a kid that deserves to be there.”
The team started practicing two weeks ago and things are looking good thus far, Earp said.
“They’re working hard. They’re a great bunch of kids,” Earp said. “They’re very nice, very polite. They’re respectful, they’re all-ears and they want to learn. There’s a lot of talent.
“With Gallant we try to tweak things and improve them in a short period of time to the best of our ability. We try to get kids to the next level out of respect to the competition they’ll face. They’re going to see fastballs and curveballs they haven’t seen. Everything has to be elevated. We’ve worked on a ton of baserunning and bunting.”
Lynn’s most recent tournament title was in 2016. Since 2009, Lynn has won four tournaments while appearing in five championship games. The Lynners were runner-up in 2017 when they fell to Peabody.
“Peabody’s outstanding,” Earp said. “They won District 16. They’re loaded. They have pitching, hitting, they’re very good. It’s an exceptional group that has come together for them. Swampscott has a young team that’s going to be fundamentally sound. Marblehead’s excited about their team. Beverly’s always good. Danvers won last year. We expect it to be very tough, as always.”
This year’s roster includes Ryan Amirault, JJ Avery, Nate Cutone, Josh Doney, Kyle Doney, Jaiden Driscoll, Christian Figueroa, Gilbert Galva, Guilmer Galva, JoJo Hernandez, Justin Jennings, Jake Peterson, Mike Phelps and Anthony Seals. Joining Earp on the coaching staff are assistants Rich Avery, Jim Burt, Dave Galeazzi and Billy McCafferty. Volunteers who’ve also pitched in include Katie Burt, Joe Driscoll, Brendan Falasca and Juniel Guzman.
“Brendan’s 14 and he came down to work with the catchers,” Earp said. “He’s thrown the kids batting practice. He tells the kids that they should listen to what the coaches are saying. The kids really listen to him. He’s a special player. The kids really like working with the younger guys.
“They’re excited,” Earp said. “They’re ready. They want to get going. At the same time, they’re apprehensive because they’ve heard about what to expect. We tell them that’s OK. But they’ll be ready. I like these kids. I want them to succeed.”
Earp expressed his gratitude toward longtime sponsor (and Lazy Dog owner) Tom Dill, who pitches in by helping the team purchase its uniforms.
“Tom makes it all easy,” Earp said. “It’s an automatic thing. The kids appreciate it. He gives them new uniforms. It makes it fantastic that I can count on his support year in and year out.”
