Saugus’ Little League baseball team ended its season on Sunday afternoon with a loss against Salem. Despite being knocked out of the tournament, head coach Jerry Peavey was proud of his team’s season.
“It was a good season. We won two games, but unfortunately, we lost two games too, which means you’re out in the All-Star Tournament,” Peavey said. “The kids fought hard and they battled. We lost 6-5 on Sunday to Salem. It went right to the last inning, we came back and were in it. I’m happy with their effort.”
Peavey, who has been coaching this group of kids for the last three years, said he has seen “a lot of growth” in the team over the years.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth. A lot of kids are definitely better with their fundamentals, hitting, pitching, fielding, and baserunning,” Peavey said. “I’m really proud of the group. A lot of them love baseball and they’re a fun group to be around.”
This was Peavey’s last season coaching this group, as they now will either go to the Babe Ruth League or go on another path. When asked if this season was meaningful to him knowing it was his last with the group, Peavey said it was.
“It was an important year. Some of the kids I’ve been with since tee-ball. Being with them for eight years, through tee-ball, minors, and through majors was rewarding. To see them all grow and become friends and a family was great,” Peavey said.
Peavey said his team was “talented” but just ran out of gas on Sunday afternoon, which was its third game in four days.
“We just played three games in four nights, which was tough. We played Thursday night, Friday night, practiced Saturday, and then played Sunday afternoon,” Peavey said. “It was challenge after challenge and we just fell a bit short on Sunday afternoon.”
Responsibility and accountability were two of the life lessons Peavey tried to teach his players.
“Being a family, treating each other how you want to be treated,” Peavey said. “Responsibility and accountability for yourself and your role on the team. In addition, I wanted to teach them about having a sense of urgency. After the first loss, we wanted them to practice with a sense of urgency because you never know when the last game will be.”
When asked for some of his favorite moments of the season, Peavey first spoke about the big bats of Luka Basta and Greg Domey.
“Luka Basta hit a home run in two of our last three games. It was a big moment for him, it was his first two home runs in Little League,” Peavey said. “Greg Domey also hit a home run in a scrimmage against another city.”
On a personal level, Peavey said he enjoyed watching his oldest son, Garrett Peavey, perform.
“When we played Peabody on Friday he had a good game and ended up closing the game. With him having his last game with me, it’s something I’ll always remember,” Peavey said.
