New Castle Memorial Day Baseball Tournament - 2017

On a chilly and rainy Memorial Day 2017, the 9U Yorktown Lightning baseball team took on the Briarcliff Bears in a semifinal game of the New Castle Memorial Day Tournament at Chappaqua's Wagon Road Camp ballfield. This was one of several games played throughout the town of New Castle NY in the 8U, 9U and 10U divisions over the course of the 3-day tournament.

This was the most exciting and nail biting game that I ever witnessed. While other games in the tournament regularly posted double digit scores, this was a game of terrific pitching, outstanding fielding and timely hitting by both teams. The score was tied at one apiece after six innings of regulation play. Out of respect for the on-field talent of their players, the coaches decided to play until someone won the game even though the rainy conditions were worsening. Play would continue until a clear winner was determined.

The Bears scored a run in the top of the 7th inning and was feeling confident that they had the game in the bag but the Lightning scored once the the bottom of the 7th and extending the game again. Lightning pitcher Liam O'Connor got the side out in the top of the 8th without allowing the Bears to score. The Lightning Got some timely hitting to advance a runner to 3rd base and he scored on a thrilling play at home plate.

These 8 and 9 year olds displayed sportsmanship, a love for the game and a respect for each others accomplishments and celebrated the Great American Game on this special American holiday. Taking the semifinal game by a final score of 3-2, the Lightning went on to face the Somers Red Storm in the 9U Championship game.

Photographs by Warren Rosenberg. The New York Sports Photo Group. www.nyspg.com

Photos at: http://wr-photo.com/p582385640