dblemup.....your wrong on the Little League that feeds LB. It also feeds West Springfield, South County and even Lee. A little background below....
LB and West Springfield are fed by one of the best little leagues. Look at the history of West Springfield Little. State Champions in several years at the Majors level and 11's. The current junior class at these schools have several players that won state championships. The 2003 and 2005 teams were both two games from Williamsport. This is a very special group of boys, now young men who have worked hard for a long time. West Springfield used to have over 1000 kids in the league. It is now less than 500. I am not sure what that says, but after next year you will see s droppoff at these schools.
quote:Originally posted by novabball:
dblemup.....your wrong on the Little League that feeds LB. It also feeds West Springfield, South County and even Lee. A little background below....
LB and West Springfield are fed by one of the best little leagues. Look at the history of West Springfield Little. State Champions in several years at the Majors level and 11's. The current junior class at these schools have several players that won state championships. The 2003 and 2005 teams were both two games from Williamsport. This is a very special group of boys, now young men who have worked hard for a long time. West Springfield used to have over 1000 kids in the league. It is now less than 500. I am not sure what that says, but after next year you will see s droppoff at these schools.
I am well aware of the VERY good WS Little League program..and it is very good, but LB is also fed by Fairfax LL, average at best..and Annandale-North Springfield LL, not very good at all (some good players, but not a good system there).
quote:I am well aware of the VERY good WS Little League program..and it is very good, but LB is also fed by Fairfax LL, average at best..and Annandale-North Springfield LL, not very good at all (some good players, but not a good system there).
quote:May seem simple, but that's it. It's not the size of the HS, "youth" baseball programs, or magic pixie dust.
quote:In this case, LB is not fed by real strong LL programs and Babe Ruth is dead in that area, talent-wise. The better LB players do play on some VERY good travel teams in the off-season.
In addition to West Springfield Little League, they get a few players (e.g. Nebrich) from Central Springfield Little League which, along with WSLL, has been one of the strongest little leagues in the state. But it's not just the little leagues I was referring to. The reason Babe Ruth is nearly dead in that area is because there are a large number of quality travel teams that also feed players into LB before the players even got to high school (one of which is specifically designed for that purpose).
But that's really beyond the point - the feeder programs are just one element of LB's success. It's a perfect storm of an outstanding coach who has designed an excellent program, a large talent pool to draw from, and players who arrive at the school with a high degree of baseball readiness.
Give me players with both skill and talent to start with, and combine that with excellent coaching in the context of a good program and you've got a winner.
You can have the best coach in the world but it's all for naught if you don't have the horses (and the reverse is true as well: you can have plenty of talent that will be undone by poor coaching).
It's not as simple as just designing a good program - now THAT would be magic pixie dust.
quote:Originally posted by Number41:quote:I am well aware of the VERY good WS Little League program..and it is very good, but LB is also fed by Fairfax LL, average at best..and Annandale-North Springfield LL, not very good at all (some good players, but not a good system there).quote:May seem simple, but that's it. It's not the size of the HS, "youth" baseball programs, or magic pixie dust.
41...dude relax...read my posts...I agree with you.quote:In this case, LB is not fed by real strong LL programs and Babe Ruth is dead in that area, talent-wise. The better LB players do play on some VERY good travel teams in the off-season.
In addition to West Springfield Little League, they get a few players (e.g. Nebrich) from Central Springfield Little League which, along with WSLL, has been one of the strongest little leagues in the state. But it's not just the little leagues I was referring to. The reason Babe Ruth is nearly dead in that area is because there are a large number of quality travel teams that also feed players into LB before the players even got to high school (one of which is specifically designed for that purpose).
But that's really beyond the point - the feeder programs are just one element of LB's success. It's a perfect storm of an outstanding coach who has designed an excellent program, a large talent pool to draw from, and players who arrive at the school with a high degree of baseball readiness.
Give me players with both skill and talent to start with, and combine that with excellent coaching in the context of a good program and you've got a winner.
You can have the best coach in the world but it's all for naught if you don't have the horses (and the reverse is true as well: you can have plenty of talent that will be undone by poor coaching).
It's not as simple as just designing a good program - now THAT would be magic pixie dust.
OK Guys....you ready for this:
West Potomac 6 West Springfield 4
Trenchard 3 run HR in 1st inning set the tone and had a big time game at SS
Murray 3 hits, solo shot in the 4th, 3 RBIs
2 hits each from Hagan and Cordone
Belanger pitches complete game for West Po
West Potomac 6 West Springfield 4
Trenchard 3 run HR in 1st inning set the tone and had a big time game at SS
Murray 3 hits, solo shot in the 4th, 3 RBIs
2 hits each from Hagan and Cordone
Belanger pitches complete game for West Po
Sullyfan,
Did WS play their starters on offense? I know West Pot is an up and coming team, but this is a bit of a surprise. I had heard WS was pitching someone that had not pitched much this year. Regardless, congrats to WP for a big win.
Did WS play their starters on offense? I know West Pot is an up and coming team, but this is a bit of a surprise. I had heard WS was pitching someone that had not pitched much this year. Regardless, congrats to WP for a big win.
It was Senior Night for WS and all the seniors got to start and play the whole game, so yes, some of the regulars did play. Credit Coach James for giving all the seniors the opportunity when the temptation may have been to switch things up when WS continued to trail late into the game. You can bet that if this game meant anything in the standings, that that may not have been the case. That said, WestPo played extremely well and made some spectacular plays in the field. Congrats to them on a well played game and a deserving win.
No doubt WS was not going all out from the pitching standpoint, however, WP was throwing their No. 4 pitcher as well. WS did have all their regular hitters in the lineup though....and were reportedly talking alot of trash to the WP players throughout the game...so don't believe WS was not trying to win the game. It was the perfect setup for a young team to pull off an upset....fun to see after such a tough season.
WS threw a kid who maybe has thrown 2 innings all year. About half of the regulars were in and guys were in different positions defensively. Obviously winning the game was NOT the primary objective tonight. Trash talking? Can't speak to that since I wasn't on the field, but that's generally a two-way street. Sure it's an upset and judging by their reaction, I'm sure this win meant a lot more for WestPo than the loss does for WS. I do agree with Sullyfan on one point, even as a WS fan on our senior night, it was good to see the WestPo kids play well and hopefully this victory serves them well going into next week.
Sorry for the delay in reporting...
Senior Night on Friday night for Stone Bridge...They also officially retired James Timbers' #12 jersey. Coach Plank is wearing it this season and then it will be permanently retired and displayed. Official write-up from SB below:
---------------------------------------------------
Stone Bridge Baseball
Mclean traveled to Ashburn Friday night to take on the Stone Bridge Bulldogs in the final regular season Liberty District game of the 2010 season. In front of a large crowd for senior night, Coach Timbers number twelve jersey was retired as a prelude to a game that did not disappoint. Spencer Brookbank was on the hill for Stone Bridge and retired the first three Highlanders he faced, striking out two in the first inning. Stone Bridge followed, sending four batters to the plate, with no hits and no runs at the end of the inning.
Mclean opened up the scoring in the top of the second on a home run to left field by Sophomore Josh Sborz. They added another, after the DH Jordan Ghanam doubled down the right field line and scored on a single by right fielder Colin Cannon. Stone Bridge got one back in the inning when Daniel Bour, on base after a fielder’s choice, scored off of senior Kevin Schofield’s double to right with two outs. The game got interesting, with the score Mclean 2 – Stone Bridge 1, as it moved into the third. Brookbank held Mclean scoreless in the top of the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Brookbank and JJ White singled, and Dillon Berger walked to load the bases with one out. Sid Harvey was called in to pinch run for White. With the Bulldog crowd cheering intensely, sensing something big was about to happen, pitcher Denis Buckely balked home the tying run. Taylor Lambke, up next, walked to load the bases again. After a Bulldog strikeout to make it two outs for the inning, Mac West came up to bat. After several pitches, Lambke got hung up on a pick off play at first base. He did a great job stringing out the throws as Harvey took off for home plate, scoring before Lambke was tagged for the third out, making the score Stone Bridge 3 – Mclean 2 at the end of three innings.
With the threat of storms all night, the wind picked up in the top of the fourth inning. Brookbank, sharp as he has been all season, retired the Mclean batters in order. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth the game was called due to lightening. After a long delay it was agreed that they would pick up where they left off the next day, Saturday afternoon.
Both teams regrouped, and the conclusion of the game started at one o’clock. Both head coaches decided to use fresh arms to close out the game, throwing Junior Mac West for Stone Bridge and Sophomore Josh Sborz for McLean. When the game resumed, Ty Lighton grounded out and they moved to the top of the fifth inning. West was strong in his three innings of work, giving up no runs and three hits, while striking out three with a runner in scoring position at second. He ended the game, with a runner in scoring position at second, by making the play on a comebacker to the mound.
Brookbank got his sixth win of the season and West got the save.
Stone Bridge starts District play Wednesday night at home against an opponent to be determined Tuesday night in the play in game.
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I'd say the game was closer than the score indicated!
McLean had at least one guy on base in each of the last 3 innings. In the 6th, the pinch runner was caught stealing second. McLean's lead off in the top of the 7th got a single and SB turned a 4-6-3 DP to erase that threat. Their #8 batter doubled and took 3rd on a wild pitch. The #9 hitter walked before the lead off hitter grounded back to the pitcher to end the game.
I got a few good photos - will try and post one or two later once I get finished going through them...
Senior Night on Friday night for Stone Bridge...They also officially retired James Timbers' #12 jersey. Coach Plank is wearing it this season and then it will be permanently retired and displayed. Official write-up from SB below:
---------------------------------------------------
Stone Bridge Baseball
Mclean traveled to Ashburn Friday night to take on the Stone Bridge Bulldogs in the final regular season Liberty District game of the 2010 season. In front of a large crowd for senior night, Coach Timbers number twelve jersey was retired as a prelude to a game that did not disappoint. Spencer Brookbank was on the hill for Stone Bridge and retired the first three Highlanders he faced, striking out two in the first inning. Stone Bridge followed, sending four batters to the plate, with no hits and no runs at the end of the inning.
Mclean opened up the scoring in the top of the second on a home run to left field by Sophomore Josh Sborz. They added another, after the DH Jordan Ghanam doubled down the right field line and scored on a single by right fielder Colin Cannon. Stone Bridge got one back in the inning when Daniel Bour, on base after a fielder’s choice, scored off of senior Kevin Schofield’s double to right with two outs. The game got interesting, with the score Mclean 2 – Stone Bridge 1, as it moved into the third. Brookbank held Mclean scoreless in the top of the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Brookbank and JJ White singled, and Dillon Berger walked to load the bases with one out. Sid Harvey was called in to pinch run for White. With the Bulldog crowd cheering intensely, sensing something big was about to happen, pitcher Denis Buckely balked home the tying run. Taylor Lambke, up next, walked to load the bases again. After a Bulldog strikeout to make it two outs for the inning, Mac West came up to bat. After several pitches, Lambke got hung up on a pick off play at first base. He did a great job stringing out the throws as Harvey took off for home plate, scoring before Lambke was tagged for the third out, making the score Stone Bridge 3 – Mclean 2 at the end of three innings.
With the threat of storms all night, the wind picked up in the top of the fourth inning. Brookbank, sharp as he has been all season, retired the Mclean batters in order. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth the game was called due to lightening. After a long delay it was agreed that they would pick up where they left off the next day, Saturday afternoon.
Both teams regrouped, and the conclusion of the game started at one o’clock. Both head coaches decided to use fresh arms to close out the game, throwing Junior Mac West for Stone Bridge and Sophomore Josh Sborz for McLean. When the game resumed, Ty Lighton grounded out and they moved to the top of the fifth inning. West was strong in his three innings of work, giving up no runs and three hits, while striking out three with a runner in scoring position at second. He ended the game, with a runner in scoring position at second, by making the play on a comebacker to the mound.
Brookbank got his sixth win of the season and West got the save.
Stone Bridge starts District play Wednesday night at home against an opponent to be determined Tuesday night in the play in game.
---------------------------------------------------
I'd say the game was closer than the score indicated!
McLean had at least one guy on base in each of the last 3 innings. In the 6th, the pinch runner was caught stealing second. McLean's lead off in the top of the 7th got a single and SB turned a 4-6-3 DP to erase that threat. Their #8 batter doubled and took 3rd on a wild pitch. The #9 hitter walked before the lead off hitter grounded back to the pitcher to end the game.
I got a few good photos - will try and post one or two later once I get finished going through them...
Could someone confirm this. I heard that West Potomac's JVs beat West Springfield on Friday night. That would have given WP a weekend sweep of WS.
With how many WP starters are returning, could we finally have some additional competition in the Patriot League in the coming year or two?
With how many WP starters are returning, could we finally have some additional competition in the Patriot League in the coming year or two?
quote:Originally posted by TurnTwoNet:
Sorry for the delay in reporting...
Senior Night on Friday night for Stone Bridge...They also officially retired James Timbers' #12 jersey. Coach Plank is wearing it this season and then it will be permanently retired and displayed. Official write-up from SB below:
---------------------------------------------------
Stone Bridge Baseball
Mclean traveled to Ashburn Friday night to take on the Stone Bridge Bulldogs in the final regular season Liberty District game of the 2010 season. In front of a large crowd for senior night, Coach Timbers number twelve jersey was retired as a prelude to a game that did not disappoint. Spencer Brookbank was on the hill for Stone Bridge and retired the first three Highlanders he faced, striking out two in the first inning. Stone Bridge followed, sending four batters to the plate, with no hits and no runs at the end of the inning.
Mclean opened up the scoring in the top of the second on a home run to left field by Sophomore Josh Sborz. They added another, after the DH Jordan Ghanam doubled down the right field line and scored on a single by right fielder Colin Cannon. Stone Bridge got one back in the inning when Daniel Bour, on base after a fielder’s choice, scored off of senior Kevin Schofield’s double to right with two outs. The game got interesting, with the score Mclean 2 – Stone Bridge 1, as it moved into the third. Brookbank held Mclean scoreless in the top of the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Brookbank and JJ White singled, and Dillon Berger walked to load the bases with one out. Sid Harvey was called in to pinch run for White. With the Bulldog crowd cheering intensely, sensing something big was about to happen, pitcher Denis Buckely balked home the tying run. Taylor Lambke, up next, walked to load the bases again. After a Bulldog strikeout to make it two outs for the inning, Mac West came up to bat. After several pitches, Lambke got hung up on a pick off play at first base. He did a great job stringing out the throws as Harvey took off for home plate, scoring before Lambke was tagged for the third out, making the score Stone Bridge 3 – Mclean 2 at the end of three innings.
With the threat of storms all night, the wind picked up in the top of the fourth inning. Brookbank, sharp as he has been all season, retired the Mclean batters in order. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth the game was called due to lightening. After a long delay it was agreed that they would pick up where they left off the next day, Saturday afternoon.
Both teams regrouped, and the conclusion of the game started at one o’clock. Both head coaches decided to use fresh arms to close out the game, throwing Junior Mac West for Stone Bridge and Sophomore Josh Sborz for McLean. When the game resumed, Ty Lighton grounded out and they moved to the top of the fifth inning. West was strong in his three innings of work, giving up no runs and three hits, while striking out three with a runner in scoring position at second. He ended the game, with a runner in scoring position at second, by making the play on a comebacker to the mound.
Brookbank got his sixth win of the season and West got the save.
Stone Bridge starts District play Wednesday night at home against an opponent to be determined Tuesday night in the play in game.
---------------------------------------------------
I'd say the game was closer than the score indicated!
McLean had at least one guy on base in each of the last 3 innings. In the 6th, the pinch runner was caught stealing second. McLean's lead off in the top of the 7th got a single and SB turned a 4-6-3 DP to erase that threat. Their #8 batter doubled and took 3rd on a wild pitch. The #9 hitter walked before the lead off hitter grounded back to the pitcher to end the game.
I got a few good photos - will try and post one or two later once I get finished going through them...
An accurate report with one glaring exception. The play that scored the 3rd run for SB was COMPLETELY blown by the home plate umpire. The runner was tagged out WAY BEFORE the runner on third crossed home. Runner had to be at least 6 feet from plate. It was not even remotely close and any objective observer would have to agree. It was a dreadful call by yet another poor umpire although I swear I'm not sure if the ump knew the rule--and I'm not kidding. If he did, he needs to seriously consider another part-time job.
That said, you get breaks now and then and SB took advantage of the call and made the best of it.
quote:Originally posted by Doubles Work:
An accurate report with one glaring exception. The play that scored the 3rd run for SB was COMPLETELY blown by the home plate umpire. The runner was tagged out WAY BEFORE the runner on third crossed home. Runner had to be at least 6 feet from plate. It was not even remotely close and any objective observer would have to agree. It was a dreadful call by yet another poor umpire although I swear I'm not sure if the ump knew the rule--and I'm not kidding. If he did, he needs to seriously consider another part-time job.
That said, you get breaks now and then and SB took advantage of the call and made the best of it.
I will state up front that I don't know the answer as I didn't see it, but more on that later...
I had several people volunteer their opinions (some to the ump on both Friday night and Saturday afternoon) and some in conversations that I was a part of. They pretty much broke down by which team was being rooted for. One SB parent said they watched the player cross the plate and looked up to see the tag between 1st and second...from where she was standing, she had about as good an angle as you could get to seeing both plays...
I was talking with the umps during the lightning delay and one of them asked me what I saw in the stands. The other - correctly in my view - IMMEDIATELY told him that you never ask for a fan's opinion...I told both that it was fine as
a) I wasn't in the stands
b) I didn't see the play
I was the photographer on the field and there is no way that I could see the timing through a long lens. I know he was safe at the plate, but I have NO idea on when the runner was tagged...The ump definitely knew the rule though...
Now, let's see if I remember how to post a photo or two of the caught stealing (top of 6th) and two photos from the DP (top of 7th)...
Good! Remembered how to do it!
While the game didn't mean anything to the standings, I'd say that watching the players and coaches from both teams, it definitely mattered to them!
The game was well played by both teams with only 1 error (on SB and allowing a run to score). Nine SO for SB pitchers and eight for McLean pitchers...3 walks for each team...
quote:Originally posted by TurnTwoNet:quote:Originally posted by Doubles Work:
An accurate report with one glaring exception. The play that scored the 3rd run for SB was COMPLETELY blown by the home plate umpire. The runner was tagged out WAY BEFORE the runner on third crossed home. Runner had to be at least 6 feet from plate. It was not even remotely close and any objective observer would have to agree. It was a dreadful call by yet another poor umpire although I swear I'm not sure if the ump knew the rule--and I'm not kidding. If he did, he needs to seriously consider another part-time job.
That said, you get breaks now and then and SB took advantage of the call and made the best of it.
I will state up front that I don't know the answer as I didn't see it, but more on that later...
I had several people volunteer their opinions (some to the ump on both Friday night and Saturday afternoon) and some in conversations that I was a part of. They pretty much broke down by which team was being rooted for. One SB parent said they watched the player cross the plate and looked up to see the tag between 1st and second...from where she was standing, she had about as good an angle as you could get to seeing both plays...
I was talking with the umps during the lightning delay and one of them asked me what I saw in the stands. The other - correctly in my view - IMMEDIATELY told him that you never ask for a fan's opinion...I told both that it was fine as
a) I wasn't in the stands
b) I didn't see the play
I was the photographer on the field and there is no way that I could see the timing through a long lens. I know he was safe at the plate, but I have NO idea on when the runner was tagged...The ump definitely knew the rule though...
Now, let's see if I remember how to post a photo or two of the caught stealing (top of 6th) and two photos from the DP (top of 7th)...
I have spoken to SB fans about the play myself. They know full well it wasn't close--and the plate ump was dreadful.
That said, those things happen (his zone was bad for SB too) and SB gets the Win. Hope to see McLean play them again in a game that really matters.
quote:Originally posted by Doubles Work:
I have spoken to SB fans about the play myself. They no full well it wasn't close--and the plate ump was dreadful.
That said, those things happen (his zone was bad for SB too) and SB gets the Win. Hope to see McLean play them again in a game that really matters.
I hope so too! Both games this season were very close and could have gone either way...
1st round Patriot District:
Annandale 15 West Potomac 4
Solid Annandale hitting, pitching, and D.
Annandale 15 West Potomac 4
Solid Annandale hitting, pitching, and D.
Schubert did not pitch last night.
Annandale may have the best hitting team in the District...very impressive with the bats. Look out Woodson!!!
Annandale may have the best hitting team in the District...very impressive with the bats. Look out Woodson!!!
quote:Originally posted by sullyfan:
Schubert did not pitch last night.
Annandale may have the best hitting team in the District...very impressive with the bats. Look out Woodson!!!
With all due respect, putting up 15 against West Potomac shows a very nice night...but to even think about putting Annandale, offensively, ahead of LB, WTW or WS is a bit off. Those teams have been putting up better numbers all year long.
That said, Annandale surely can give WTW some trouble, especially when Shubbert is pitching well.
Annandale cant be ahead of LB IMO. Lindemuth, Klein, and Towns is just plain scary.
sullyfan......what pitching did you see Annandale hit against.....they have some good sticks, but not even close....this sounds like another crazy thing I heard about West Potomac taking over the district in short order....
Woodson 11 Annandale 1.
Oakton 13 Herndon 6
TC 5 Lee 2
TC @ South County tomorrow for the final Patriot District regional spot.
TC @ South County tomorrow for the final Patriot District regional spot.
Patriot District sends West Springfield, Lake Braddock, South County, and W.T. Woodson to regionals.
TC Williams 1
South County 9
Semis 5/21 @ South County:
5:30pm (3)South County @ (2)Lake Braddock
8:00pm (4)W.T. Woodson @ (1)West Springfield
TC Williams 1
South County 9
Semis 5/21 @ South County:
5:30pm (3)South County @ (2)Lake Braddock
8:00pm (4)W.T. Woodson @ (1)West Springfield
Stone Bridge 9-2 over South Lakes.
South Lakes got to Brookbank for 2 in the first. The Bulldogs evened it up in the second and pulled away from there...
With the victories, Stone Bridge plays Madision at 5PM and Fairfax plays McLean at 8PM - both at McLean on Friday night...
South Lakes got to Brookbank for 2 in the first. The Bulldogs evened it up in the second and pulled away from there...
With the victories, Stone Bridge plays Madision at 5PM and Fairfax plays McLean at 8PM - both at McLean on Friday night...
Good slate of games all over the region tonight. Be sure to post results as they go final!
Westfield 4 Oakton 2
Yorktown 3 Mt Vernon 1
WP Johnson
LP Murdock
HR Wood(YT)
WP Johnson
LP Murdock
HR Wood(YT)
McLean 3 Fairfax 2 11 innings
West Springfield over Woodson 9-4
Lake Braddock over South County 8 - 3
Madison over Stone Bridge 6-4
W&L over Hayfield 7-0
Centreville over Robinson 8-2
W&L over Hayfield 7-0
Centreville over Robinson 8-2
West Springfield over Woodson 9 -5
I will yield to the previous score of WS over Woodson 9- 4
So the top two seeds will meet in each final except the national, where #2 Mt Vernon fell to #3 Yorktown.
Stone Bridge Madison was an excellent game overall. It was tight all the way and either team could have won, but SB didn't get it done a few times when they could have gotten in a few runs.
Wish I could have stayed for the Fairfax McLean game to watch. Listened to some of it on Gameday and it sounded like it was one heck of a game!
Congrats to all 4 teams and I'm hoping they all do well in Regionals!
Wish I could have stayed for the Fairfax McLean game to watch. Listened to some of it on Gameday and it sounded like it was one heck of a game!
Congrats to all 4 teams and I'm hoping they all do well in Regionals!
Who pitched in the Patriot League games???
Wahl pitched for West Springfield and Wyslocki for Woodson.
Interesting that Wahl pitched. Will he come back with 2 days rest against Lake Braddock???
I might have to go out and see that one.
I might have to go out and see that one.
He threw a little over a hundred pitches, so I hope they would rest him