KEENE, NH — Lynn Babe Ruth’s 15-year-olds punched their tickets to the Babe Ruth World Series in Virginia with wins over Waterford (CT) 4-1 in the semi-finals and Three Corners (VT) 7-5 in the Regional championship.
In what was a long day of nail-biting back and forth games, the emotions that exuded from every player, coach, and parent after the championship victory were incredible. For everyone involved, it was a moment they struggled to describe but a moment that will live in each of their memories.
Lynn Babe Ruth’s president, Jeff Earp, had trouble putting into words the feelings he had seeing the team’s success.
“How does it feel? Sometimes in life, effort is rewarded. These kids worked their asses off, and they are the best team in New England,” said Earp.“People do not know, and we all get sick of saying it, and you guys get sick of hearing it, but the amount of work that goes into running this league, the fields. The core people that we have; we kill ourselves, and this is the ultimate reward.”
“Nothing could be better than this,” he continued.
Lynn’s Manager, Leon Elwell, will make his third World Series appearance after Tuesday’s win, and like Earp, he struggled to describe the type of emotions a victory like this produces.
“I really cannot put this into words, this is my third one, and it never gets old. I am happy for the boys and the coaches because they are going to experience, probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them,” said Elwell.
The victory was a joyous occasion for all the families involved with the team as well. Elwell thanked his wife, Lisa, for supporting him throughout the journey.
“I have to thank my beautiful wife who lets me do this. I have to say thank you to her; without her, this would not be possible at all,” Elwell said.
The win was even sweeter for Coaches John Peterson and Rich Avery, whose sons are also part of the team.
Peterson and his son Jake had just joined the team after a spot opened up on the roster and coaching staff, making the win just a little sweeter.
Jake Peterson was excellent on the mound during Regionals, with his relief pitching shutting down the opposition when his team needed it. For his father, it was a mix of emotions watching his son go on a run like this with the team.
“It was very exciting as a coach, but as a parent, you try to separate the two on the bench, but it was a little nerve-wracking as a parent, but I am proud of him,” said John Peterson.
Avery echoed the sentiment of how special it was to share a moment like this with his son Rich, who brought a big bat in Lynn’s 13-2 thrashing of Rochester (N.H.)
“It has been pretty special. I have coached him since he was little. Every year that you go into the All-Star tournament, you are thinking World Series, but we have never really been that close. This group is just so special; every time we look up, they just keep wowing me,” said Avery.
Now the champs will turn their focus to the World Series in Stafford, Va., where Pool Play begins on Aug. 13.
