Coach's Corner
PONY Firecracker Classic (June 27-28) CHAMPIONS!
Sterling, VA
Firecracker Classic Champions! What a way to close-out the month of June, and what a way to conclude a challenging three-week stretch. You all played in the tournament championship game in each of the last three weeks (seven games each weekend), taking 1st place two times, and second place (consolation bracket) once. Though we were without one of our starters in the Firecracker, the team still had a batting average of nearly .400. Defensively, you didn’t miss a beat either, notching three shutout victories, including one no-hitter, and one perfect game.
After the Independence Day Holiday, we’ll practice hard for one last local tournament before competing in our two National tournaments. I’m very proud of the team’s achievements thus far, but we have great opportunities ahead of us, and there is much left for us to accomplish. The season has gone by very fast…let’s build off of the success we’ve had these past three weeks, be confident in how well you can play, and don’t be satisfied with anything less then your very best.
Go Baseliners!
SPECIAL THANKS: By all accounts, the 2009 Firecracker Classic tournament was a great success. After being unable to host a 12U bracket during the 2008 Firecracker, the 2009 tournament included nine teams, and would have been larger but for limited field space. I want to thank the other 8 softball organizations for participating in this year’s tournament. We had some exciting and competitive games, and we hope to build on this year’s foundation, making the Firecracker Classic the premier late-June qualifier tournament in Northern Virginia.
I also want to thank all of the 12U Baseliners parents, as well as T.D. Kurtz for providing sensational support in hosting this tournament. You all did an awesome job in every aspect…from planning to concessions, and from field preparations/maintenance to the website and communications. It was an outstanding tournament, and I can’t say “Thanks” enough to each of you for your support and contributions.
NSA Virginia State Tournament (June 20-21) Runner-Up (Consolation)
Sterling, VA
After being dealt two disappointing one-run losses on Saturday (3-2 & 2-1), Baseliners, you really turned things around on Sunday to earn a 2nd place finish in the Consolation Bracket of the NSA Virginia State Tournament. While some errors on Saturday dropped us to the Consolation Bracket, you pulled things together on Sunday and showed more intensity and focus then the day before.
Our pitching was solid all weekend, never giving up more then 4 earned runs in any one game, but our key to Sunday’s run to the Finals was your hitting. We had three players who hit over .500 for the weekend, and two others who sparked the offense by blasting homeruns. It was really a treat to see those shots sail over the fence. You played hard and made this Father’s Day an enjoyable one at the park. In the end, the Aftershock (Lynchburg) made the plays, pulled out the 4-2 victory, and earned the Championship.
Congratulations to the Aftershock for a great tournament, and for winning the Championship.
Congratulations Baseliners…2009 NSA Virginia State Tournament - Consolation Bracket Runner-Up.
USSSA Virginia State Tournament (June 13-14) CHAMPIONS!
Sterling, VA
Baseliners, I’m proud of the way you played this weekend. With a record of 6-1, you claimed the USSSA Virginia State Championship. This is a nice accomplishment, and was one of my goals for the team this year. At the plate, we had clutch hitting, and played “small ball” when we needed to. The defense provided good support, giving up a total of 10 runs over the course of our 7 games. The pitching was solid, throwing 3 shut-outs, including one no-hitter. We congratulate the Ashburn Shooting Stars-Gold for playing a great tournament and taking 2nd place.
Congratulations Baseliners….2009 USSSA VIRGINIA STATE CHAMPS!!!
Memorial Day 2009
On Memorial Day, let us all take time to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
We thank, and we pray for, those who unselfishly continue to protect us, our country, and our freedom.
PONY BRYC Classic (May 16-17) CHAMPIONS!
Annandale, VA
The Baseliners returned from Mother's Day weekend off and captured the Championship in the rain-shortened BRYC Classic this weekend. Before the storms washed out the remainder of the tournament, the offense had pounded out 27 hits for 20 runs with a .540 average in two games.
Our next test will be the Vienna Invitational Tournament the weekend of May 30th. Go Baseliners!
NSA Atlantic Coast Challenge (May 2-3)
Annandale, VA
After starting out slowly in the pool play portion of the tournament, the Baseliners knocked off the #1 seed in the elimination phase on Saturday. In the semi-final game, the Baseliners held the lead, but eventually lost 7-6 to the eventual champions in this rain-shortened tournament.
We thank all the teams and parents for your support of our concession stand during this tournament…it was a great fundraiser for our program. Go Baseliners!
NSA Kaboom Spring Classic (Apr 25-26) 3rd Place
Annandale, VA
With a record of 5-1 over the weekend, we captured 3rd place in the 3rd Annual Kaboom Spring Classic. We faced 6 new opponents this weekend to bring our total number of games played to 23…against 19 different opponents. Facing such a large number of different teams has allowed us to put our game to the test against a wide range of talented teams with differing styles and approaches.
Behind strong pitching, we finished as the top seed in our pool on Saturday. On Sunday, we had two excellent come-from-behind wins before losing in the semi-finals to the tournament runner-ups. In our finale, we hit the ball hard, but couldn’t get the big hit, leaving the bases loaded on two occasions.
It was great to see everyone come together as a team this weekend. As coaches, we’re most proud of the great character and never-say-die determination that you continue to put on display. There aren’t many teams which could come from behind in consecutive games on Sunday like you did, and you have to take great pride in that.
PONY Cherry Blossom (Apr 18-19)
Vienna, VA
There were both disappointments and accomplishments, but overall the Cherry Blossom Tournament was another great tournament that allowed you to shine. It was a good tournament because we faced some great competition and became a better team in the process.
A brutal Saturday schedule started when we outlasted the eventual tournament champion Orange Crush in our first outing on Saturday morning, and ended when we finished our fourth game after 9pm. On Sunday, we started off slow in the very first game of the day, but you showed great character and determination by sticking with it and pulling out the victory in the final inning. Our next game on Sunday was against top-seeded Orion Hunter. You all played a hard-fought game, but came up just short in a 3-2 loss.
In this tournament we improved on the things we worked hard to correct following the Spring Fling Tournament. We need to continue to work to improve in these areas and others, but the coaches are pleased with your progress and hard work. The team continues to develop and make accomplishments as we play our highly competitive schedule. Continue to work hard in practice so we can reach greater accomplishments each week.
USSSA Spring Fling (Apr 4-5) CHAMPIONS!
Laurel, MD
The Baseliners 12U are the USSSA Spring Fling Tournament Champions – what a feeling, and what a nice accomplishment…congratulations!
This tournament included some of the best 12U fastpitch softball teams from Maryland, including Lakeshore Lightning, Olney Cougars, and the runners-up Churchville Lightning to name a few. We were undefeated over the weekend (6-0-1), only allowing 11 runs against some really talented teams. Though our schedule wasn’t easy on Saturday or Sunday, you proved you were up to the task.
We had several close and competitive games, including two one-run victories on Sunday, but our hitting, pitching, defense, and determination all came together to carry us through to the championship. Coming out victorious when you face tough teams in close and meaningful games is where you show your character and toughness, and it’s also how you become better players and a better team.
There were so many great performances, but each of you made a significant contribution. This was so well-deserved and hard-fought, and all of the coaches and parents are proud of you for getting the job done.
Our next tournament is the Cherry Blossom tournament where, again, we’ll face some of the toughest teams in the region. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, but always continue to dream and strive to accomplish even greater goals.
Cabin Fever VII (Mar 21-22)
Hampton, VA
While the weather for our first tournament of the year has been terrible in previous years, this year the snow and rain stayed away and we actually had decent conditions. It certainly was great to finally be able to get outside and begin our tournament schedule.
The Cabin Fever tournament, as usual, included great competition, just what we needed to help us focus on areas for improvement. Although the results were not close to what we expected, we came away with some good highlights and lessons learned in order to better prepare us for our upcoming tournaments. Now that we're able to practice outside, we will be able to focus on flyballs, pop-ups, and situational defenses. We look forward to our next tournament, the Spring Fling.
Halloween Classic (Oct 25-26)
Sterling, VA
On October 25th-26th, the Baseliners hosted its annual Halloween Classic Tournament. The team started strong and hit well, scoring 20 runs in its first two games of the day, however, the weather proved to be frightful and all remaining games on Saturday were cancelled due to heavy rain.
On Sunday, the Baseliners were matched against the Virginia Crushers based on a random draw used to determine the Sunday brackets. After a scoreless tie through the first innings, the Crushers eventually broke through, and the Baseliners couldn’t find an answer to the Crushers’ pitching all day. The Crushers went on to win the game and the tournament, and we congratulate them for an outstanding tournament.
We want to thank all 21 teams who competed in the 12U bracket of the Halloween Classic. We look forward to seeing everyone back at The Classic again next year.
Ham Slam VII (Oct 18-19)
Carrollton, VA
On October 18th-19th, the Baseliners 12U team competed in the Ham Slam Tournament (PONY). The tournament included the best fastpitch teams from around the tidewater region, and was certainly our toughest test of the season. The team started the tournament by blanking an explosive Yorktown Revolution team, thanks to great pitching and sound defense, including two great plays in rightfield. Way to go Ashley S.!!!
The second game of the day matched the Baseliners against Orion Hunter. Though the team played well, the result was a tough 2-1 loss, with all runs scored in the first inning. Finally, helped by an unassisted doubleplay by Mary B. in the final inning, the team ended the day with a tie to the Virginia Beach Waves.
On Sunday, the Baseliners outlasted the Southside Sting in ITB. Haylea G. led the way with 3 hits and 2 RBIs as the Baseliners advanced to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, the team faced Yorktown in a re-match from Saturday. The game was back-and-forth for the first four innings before the Revolution pulled away to capture the win, and go on to beat Orion Hunter to win the championship. Four Baseliners had a multi-hit game in the semi-finals and, as a team, the coaches were encouraged with some of the things we were able to do offensively this weekend against some of the best pitching in this region.
Prince William Fall Challenge (Oct 4-5)
Nokesville, VA
Although we didn’t win the Prince William Challenge this weekend, I want to congratulate you for several achievements in this tournament. From winning by mercy rule in one game on Saturday to holding the eventual Tournament Champions scoreless in another, we saw your potential. We need, and we EXPECT, you to bring that same level of intensity, focus, and readiness each time you step on the field.
We need to recognize that we cannot give up any extra outs because quite often they will be the difference between a win and a loss, as was the case in our semi-final game on Sunday. We had the winning run on first base in that final game, but the unearned runs given up earlier in the game were too much to overcome. Lets tighten up the defense, cut down on the errors, and look forward to proving ourselves in our next tournament. MTXE!
Finally, we’re all thinking about you Jessie…get better soon!
Thanks to NSA for hosting a great tournament, and for helping to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Coach John
Potomac River Clash (Sep 27-28) CHAMPIONS!
Sterling, VA
It’s early in the 2008-09 season, but in only our second tournament together, we won the USSSA’s Potomac River Clash tournament and earned a berth to the National Tournament in Orlando, Florida in July 2009. Pitching and team defense certainly were the keys to success in winning this rain-shortened tournament.
Winning this tournament was a nice accomplishment, especially having pulled the team together just within the last month. We’ve made several improvements, and we need to continue to work hard, stay focused, and push ourselves to excel in order to make continuous improvements and have more successful weekends this year.
Congratulations Baseliners! MTXE!
Coach John
NoVA Fall Open (Sep 13-14)
Nokesville,VA
Ladies, we started the season out strong on Saturday and finished our first tournament together with a 3-1 record…not bad. We made very few defensive errors and pounded out 41 runs in four games, but I was particularly pleased by the hustle, clutch hitting, and "no quit" attitude that allowed us to notch a come-from-behind win on Saturday afternoon. That showed character and determination that coaches are always looking for, and those traits should help to take this team a long way this season.
Our lone loss on Sunday was a difficult one, but sometimes the most important lessons are those learned the hard way. We will practice hard during the next weeks to tune up for the remaining Fall tournaments, and we will build off of this tournament. Everyone on the team made valuable contributions during this first tournament, and each tournament will be a stepping stone to get us better prepared to compete at the National Tournament next summer.
The coaches are looking forward to a fun, exciting, and very successful season. MTXE!
Coach John