|
|
|
 Headlines |
|
Friday, November 14
Farewell to the Braves National 2008 Team
On a warm, breezy, late October, 2007 afternoon in Jupiter, Florida, the Braves National 2008 team reached the end of the trail. Their remarkable eight year journey is largely chronicled in these pages.
Dear Braves,
We wish to thank the many players, parents, siblings, coaches and friends who made any part if not all of the journey. These were indeed the best of times for us and we hope that our players will cherish the memories and friendships for a lifetime. Please return here often to relive a favorite moment or two from your youth.
Boys, it's been our great pleasure to share your good company, marvel at your spendid talents and watch you grow up. Wherever you go from here we wish you greatness and we hope that you will always remember who you are - a Brave!
- - Coach Roberts and Coach Mayers
Welcome to the home of the Richmond Braves National '08 Team
The Richmond Braves National '08 Baseball Team is a national travel baseball program based in Richmond, Virginia. Formed in 1999, the team competes in CABA Baseball, Perfect Game/WWBA, USA Baseball and other unlimited levels of competitive baseball. Our purpose is to prepare players for Division I college baseball through a rigorous and well organized program that emphasizes elite competition, advanced instruction and year round preparation. Please visit our website often for updates.
Headlines
Friday, July 27
Braves finish 2nd in 2007 CABA 18U Wood Bat World Series
The Braves capped off a highly successful summer campaign by finishing 2nd in the 2007 CABA 18U Wood Bat World Series in Charleston, South Carolina. For the second year in a row, the Columbus Sharks denied the Braves a CABA World Series Championship by a final score of 2-0. The Braves placed three players on the All tournament team: Francis Brooke (RHP), Austin Stadler (LHP, OF) and Tim Melville (RHP, 3B). Braves shortstop, Riley Reynolds received the World Series Gold Glove award for outstanding defensive play. The Braves played 29 games in the span of 25 days in July at the top national championships in travel baseball and finished with a record of 24-4-1. For the summer, the Braves posted a record of 31-4-1. More details to follow.
Monday, July 16
Braves finish 2nd in 2007 Perfect Game/WWBA 17U National Championship
The Braves '08 team made a gallant run to the final game of the 2007 Perfect Game/WWBA 17U National Championship before falling to the East Cobb Braves. The Braves relied on their usual formula of great pitching and small ball offense to reach the final 16 single elimination round of the 148 team event. In the opening game of the Sweet 16 round, Will Roberts handcuffed Titus Sports of Pensacola, Florida for seven innings and Jackie Bradley and Andy Thomas each homered in a 7-2 win. In the quarterfinals against the Impact Baseball Dirtbags from North Carolina, each team scored one run in the first. Starting pitcher Tim Melville held them through the fourth inning before yielding to Austin Stadler. Stadler delivered a masterful pitching performance over the final three frames and helped push the winning run across in the sixth when the Dirtbags misplayed his sacrifice bunt for a 2-1 win. In the semifinals, the Braves fell behind 5-1 early. Francis Brooke pitched four gutsy innings of middle relief to hold the Astros and give the Braves a chance to rally to take a 7-5 lead. The Astros got a bases loaded walk in the sixth to close to 7-6. With one out and the bases still loaded, closer Will Roberts came in for his third appearance in three days and second save opportunity of the event. He induced two grounders to end the threat then dispathed the Astros in order in the seventh as the Braves advanced to the national championship game. The win was Francis Brooke's second of the tournament. In the final, the ECB Braves struck for three runs in the first, but the Braves '08 answered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the second. Reliever Jacob Mayers fought off the ECB Braves hitters until the fourth when they plated four more runs to break the game open. Unable to muster another miracle, the Braves fell 8-2. Tim Melville was named co-MVP of the event for his outstanding hitting performance. More detailed highlights and player stats of the week to follow later.
Sunday, July 8
Braves place 9th in 2007 Perfect Game/WWBA 18U National Championship
The Braves finished 9th out of 152 teams at the 2007 Perfect Game/WWBA National Championship this week. More highlights and player stats to follow later.
Sunday, June 24
Will Roberts named MVP of Virginia Commonwealth Summer League All Star Game
The Braves wrapped up the inaugural weekend of what will become known as Richmond Braves National Baseball Clubs' Annual Alumni Weekend by winning the Virginia Commonwealth Summer League All Star Game by a score of 19-5. The Braves plated five runs in the fourth inning and never looked back against a team of current and former college stars. Will Roberts picked up the win with five strong innings of work and Francis Brooke looked sharp over the final four frames. By fan vote, Will Roberts was named the MVP of the game for his dominant performance and electric fastball.
On Saturday, the Braves fell behind 5-0 in the first but outslugged the league leading Prince George Blue Sox 16-9 to tune up for the All Star game on Sunday. Taylor Perkins pitched seven innings to secure the win and added a home run for good measure.
The Braves wish to thank the Blue Sox and the Virginia Commonwealth Summer League for hosting us this weekend. In the future the last weekend in June will become Richmond Braves National Baseball Clubs' Alumni Weekend. Festivities will include another visit to the VCL All Star game and much more. Mark your calendars for years to come and join present and former Braves greats for a weekend of reminiscing and old fashioned baseball.
1st Annual Braves Alumni Weekend Attendees
Jacoby Fields ('03)
P.J. Sadler ('04)
Mike Roberts ('05)
John Bivens ('06)
Chris Williams ('04)
Sam Roberts ('07)
Jackie Bradley ('08)
Taylor Perkins ('08)
Andrew Thomas ('08)
Will Roberts ('08)
Ty Morrison ('08)
Francis Brooke ('08)
Ryan Montgomery ('10)
Thursday, June 14
Riley Reynolds named MVP of the 2007 Sunbelt Games
Braves '08 shortstop Riley Reynolds (Blue Springs South HS '08) led Team Missouri to the championship of the 2007 Sunbelt Games in Oklahoma this week and was awarded the tournament MVP trophy. As a result of his outstanding play with the glove and bat, Reynolds netted a last minute invitation to the 2007 Perfect Game National Showcase in Cincinnati. He follows that with a trip to the west coast for the Stanford All Star Camp and finally catches up with the Braves in Atlanta for the Perfect Game National 18U and 17U National Championships in early July. Reynolds supplies everything a team could ask for in a shortstop - he routinely turns hits into outs in the field and consistenly creates scoring opportunities on offense. A three sport star in high school, Reynolds is a heady, athletic playmaker destined for great things.
Monday, July 30
Riley Reynolds, Austin Stadler lead hit parade at '06 CABA High School WS
The Braves '08 team hammered their way to a second place finish in the CABA High School World Series in Euclid, Ohio. The heavily scouted 17U event pitted the Braves against some of the best '07 players in the country. The Braves won eight straight games before falling to a potent Columbus (OH) Sharks team in the finals.
Austin Stadler was named the Tournament Offensive MVP. Riley Reynolds was the World Series batting champion with a .577 average. Jacob Mayers (1B), Tim Melville (3B), Riley Reynolds (SS) and Will Roberts (RHP) were named to the CABA High School World Series All Tournament Team.
Sunday, July 15
Will Roberts highlighted for Perfect Game/WWBA 18U National performance
The Braves '08 team had a week of ups and downs at the 2006 Perfect Game/WWBA 18U Nationals in Atlanta this week. They opened the event on a highnote by upsetting the Boomtown Prospects from Oklahoma. Jackie Bradley singled in the top of the first and Tim Melville drove him home for game's first and only run. Will Roberts shutout the Prospects the rest of the way to give the Braves a 1-0 decision. Roberts impressive performance didn't go unnoticed as he was applauded by Perfect Game Scout David Rawnsley in his PGCrosschecker.com daily blog:
"RHP Will Roberts (Richmond Braves) threw a great game against Boomtown Prospects. The 2008 Roberts pitched against a lineup of top Oklahoma prospects and threw a 7 inning shutout with no walks. Roberts is a very projectable 6-4, 175 athlete who has evolved from an acclaimed C/3B prospect to a pitcher as he’s continued to grow. He threw 86-88 mph and showed excellent command and poise for a young pitcher."
The Braves struggled to plate runs in the next two games and fell in both contests. The bats finally came to life on Thursday as the Braves won 6-0. The Braves fell 1-0 in their final game to Hoots Baseball from California in a rain shortened contest. Jackie Bradley and Taylor Perkins were the team's most consistent offensive performers during the week reaching base over 75% of the time. Pitching and defense gave the team a chance, but the offense struggled against 18U pitching. Overall, the week was a very worthwhile tune up for the team's upcoming trip to the CABA High School World Series and the team also received significant scouting exposure.
Sunday, July 2
Braves battle to 4th place finish at 2006 USA Baseball Jr. Olympics East
The Braves '08 team overcame an injury depleted roster to fight their way all the way to the Final Four of the JO's with gutsy pitching and stellar defense in the championship bracket. The team finished the 72 team event with a 7-3 record. The three loses were to the three Florida based teams that finished the event 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Of the 10 games played during the week, nine were against teams that made the championship round.
The Braves arrived in Florida without the services of two top prospects - Austin Stadler and Tim Melville - due to injuries and proceeded to go 4-1 in pool play to earn the #10 seed for the 32 team single elimination championship round.
RHP Will Roberts took the ball in the first game of single elimination play on Thursday morning against Miami, Florida based X-Team. Roberts displayed the poise and command he is known for to hold the dangerous X-Team scoreless through 6 innings as the Braves built a a 3-0 cushion. He was relieved by LHP Danny Hultzen in the 7th with one out and men at 1st and 3rd. Hultzen picked a runner off first and struck out the batter to send the Braves into the Sweet 16. RHP Zak Sinclair started the Thursday evening game against the ECTB Showcase team and took a no hit shutout into the seventh. With two out and the tying run on 3rd, Danny Hultzen once again came on in relief and retired the final out to send the Braves into the Elite 8 on Friday morning. Jacob Mayers pitched eight strong innings to beat the Palm Beach Raiders in the quarterfinals. In the semi-final game on Friday night, the Braves fell behind the Tampa Raiders in the first inning but could not replicate their quarterfinal magic act and their run for the title was ended.
The Braves were one of only two non-Florida teams to make the quarterfinal round and the only non-Florida team to make the Final Four.
Friday, October 26
Jacob Mayers nationally ranked #4 by PGCrosschecker.com
Jacob Mayers (RHP, 1B) was recently ranked the 4th best prospect in the nation in the class of 2009 by Perfect Game's PGCrosschecker.com. Mayers attends Hanover High School ('09). He is one of the original members of the Braves '08 team. Since inception in 1999, Mayers has led the Braves to dozens of state, regional and national championships.
Sunday, May 6
Tim Melville, Zak Sinclair, Will Roberts ranked in Top 50 nationally
Perfect Game released its 2006 national ranking of the Top 50 players in the Class of 2008 and four players from the Richmond Braves National '08 team are listed: #2 Tim Melville, #16 Zak Sinclair and #35 Will Roberts.
Braves 2005 Summer Tour is a smashing success!
One national championship. Two national final fours. Two state titles. Two National Player of the Year finalists. Two Team USA invitees. One glorious summer! That's the linescore for the Braves 2005 Summer Tour. (Click on 'Headlines' on left hand panel to read all about the Braves remarkable 2005 season.)
Sunday, October 23
Braves Win 16U Virginia USSSA Fall State Championship
The Braves blasted their way to their second straight state title in as many weeks with a stunning display of power in the cavernous Douglas Freeman HS stadium. The Braves peppered the incline around the outfield with bombs all weekend, tallying 30+ extra base hits in four games. The championship was the team's eighth state title and its 43rd overall tournament championship.
Sunday, October 16
Braves Win Inaugural Virginia CABA State Championship
The Braves '08 used great pitching and a potent offensive attack to overcome a formidable field of high school age teams to win the first annual Virginia CABA 18U Fall State Championship and qualify for the 2006 CABA High School Ultimate World Series.
Thursday, October 13
Mayers and Melville Named to Baseball America Magazine's "Baseball for the Ages" Team
Two players from the 2005 Richmond Braves National '08 Team were named today to Baseball America Magazine's Annual "Baseball for the Ages" Teams. In addition to earning a spot on the team in their respective age divisions, each was named "Honorable Mention" Player of the Year. This honor signifies that each player was one of the top three players in the nation in his age group.
14U AGE DIVISION:
JACOB MAYERS, 1b/of, Mechanicsville, VA
"Hitting machine for Richmond Braves National "08 earned MVP honors at two World Wood Bat Association events this summer. Though just 14, Mayers exceled in two older age groups for the Richmond Braves, who won the World Wood Bat Association 15-year-old national championship and finished second at the 16-year-old tournament, both played in Marietta, Ga. Mayers was named MVP of the former and co-MVP of the latter, sharing the award with East Cobb's Cody Johnson, the Baseball For The Ages 16-year-old winner."
"Mayers, a freshman at Hanover High in suburban Richmond, hit .700 with two homers at the WWBA 15U event, while winning the championship game as a pitcher. He slammed four homers in the more competitive 16U tournament, including a game-winning grand slam."
15U AGE DIVISION
TIM MELVILLE, rhp, Wentzville, MO
"The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Melville made a big impression in his first season at Wentzville Holt High in suburban St. Louis, earning second-team all-Missouri honors after going 6-1, 0.76 while hitting .380-4-21. Having just moved to the area from Virginia, Melville elected to return home for the summer to play for his former team, the Richmond Braves National '08 Team, and helped lead that team to the WWBA 15-year-old national title and a second-place finish at 16."
"Melville was also selected to the USA Baseball Youth National Team that finished second at the World Youth Championship in Mexico, fashioning a 1-0, 0.00 record with 11 strikeouts in five innings. With a fastball that peaked at 92 mph on the summer, Melville elevated his stock to No. 2 overall among players in the high school class of 2008, according to Perfect Game USA."
Monday, October 10
Braves Finish 3rd in 2005 Perfect Game/WWBA Underclass World Championship
The '08 Braves relied on pitching and defense to battle their way to the semi-finals of the 2005 Perfect Game/WWBA Underclass World Championship in Ft. Myers, Florida on October 7-10 before falling to the Primetime Prospects from Florida. The '08 Braves have first, second and third place finishes to show for their three appearances at Perfect Game/WWBA events in 2005.
Sunday, July 24
Braves Finish 2nd in Perfect Game/WWBA 16U National Championship
The Braves '08 team came within one game of accomplishing the unthinkable: winning both the 15U and 16U Perfect Game/WWBA National Championships in the same year. The Braves marched through a field of older 16U teams to reach the championship game before falling to the 16U East Cobb Astros 5-1. In the process the Braves dispatched 5 of the final 8 teams in the event.
Braves 4 East Cobb White Sox 1
The Braves started slowly in their opener against the ECB White Sox. In the fourth inning, Jacob Mayers doubled with one out. Danny Hultzen followed with a pinch hit RBI single. Zak Sinclair plated Hultzen with a two out single to make the score 2-0 after four complete. In the fifth, Austin Stadler started a two out rally with a walk. Tim Melville doubled and Jacob Mayers drove both home with his second double of the game to make the score 4-0. Tim Melville pitched a two hitter through six innings before yielding to Mayers in the seventh. The White Sox scored one run in the seventh and had the bases loaded when Melville was recalled to the mound to extinguish the threat.
Braves 5 Illinois Sports Academy 4
The Braves took a 1-0 lead in the second off a double by Jacob Mayers and an RBI single by Andrew Thomas. After working three perfect innings, pitcher Daniel Marrs yielded a run in the fourth to tie the game 1-1. In the top of the fifth, the Illinois Sports Academy plated three more runs to take a 4-1 lead. In the bottom of the sixth, the Braves struck back with 2 runs. Austin Stadler singled and Jacob Mayers drove him home with a base hit. Andrew Thomas delivered Mayers to the plate with a two out single. Zak Sinclair relieved Marrs in the fifth and gave up no runs the rest of the way. In the bottom of the seventh, with the Braves trailing 4-3, Danny Hultzen reached on a fielders choice. Alfred Rodriguez singled. After the runners advanced on a wild pitch, Austin Stadler delivered a game winning single to score Hultzen and Rodriguez.
Braves 3 San Jose Players 2
The Braves faced the Players in the final game of pool play in a battle between two 2-0 teams. The Players struck first with a run in the top of the first inning. The Braves answered right back with a run to make the score 1-1 after one complete. Alfred Rodriguez coaxed a lead off walk and took second on a passed ball. Austin Stadler reached on an error and Rodriguez advanced to third. Rodriguez scored on a wild pitch. Starter Austin Stadler held the Players scoreless through the fourth before being relieved by Matt Flora in the fifth. The Players inched ahead with a run in the top of the sixth. The Braves battled back in the home half of the sixth when Tim Melville led off with a single. Jacob Mayers reached on an error, advancing Melville to third. Zak Sinclair drove him in with an RBI single to knot the score 2-2. Flora worked his way out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the seventh. In the bottom of the seventh, Taylor Perkins battled to a lead off walk. Danny Hultzen sacrifice bunted and reached on a throwing error. Alfred Rodriguez walked with one out to load the bases and for the second straight game, Austin Stadler delivered a walk off game winning single to make the final 3-2.
Braves 4 South Charlotte Panthers 1
The Braves opened championship bracket play against the dangerous Panthers. The Panthers touched Braves starter Jacob Mayers for a run in the top of the first. The Braves answered right back with two runs in the home half of the first. Austin Stadler walked with one out. Tim Melville reached on an error. With two outs, Zak Sinclair executed a perfect hit and run with a drive to the top of the wall in right field that scored both runners for a 2-1 lead. The Braves extended the lead to 3-1 in the third. Austin Stadler reached on a error then scored from first on another perfectly executed hit and run by Jacob Mayers. Zak Sinclair led off and scored in the fourth when Taylor Perkins executed yet another hit and run to make the final score 4-1.
Braves 6 East Cobb Rebels 2
The Braves trailed the Rebels 2-0 through five innings in the Sweet 16. In the top of the sixth, Alfred Rodriguez led off with a walk. Austin Stadler and Tim Melville followed with singles to load the bases. Jacob Mayers delivered the knockout punch with a grand slam over the right field wall. Zak Sinclair followed with a majestic blast over the left center fence to make the score 5-2. Taylor Perkins reached and scored to make the final score 6-2. Pitcher Tim Melville went the distance to record his second win of the event.
Braves 4 ABD Bulldogs 1
The Bulldogs and Braves locked up in pitcher’s duel in the quarterfinals. With some outstanding defensive plays behind him, starter Daniel Marrs held the national powerhouse Bulldogs scoreless through four innings. The Bulldogs broke through first with a run in the top of the fifth. Jacob Mayers answered right back with a led off home run in the home half of the inning. Mayers wasn’t done though. In the sixth, he launched a two run homer to make the score 3-1. Not to be outdone, Zak Sinclair turned on a 90 mph fastball to record his second back to back homerun feat of the event.
Braves 10 Atlanta Blue Jays 16U 2
The Blue Jays jumped to a 1-0 lead in the first inning of the semi-final game. The Braves answered back in the home half. Alfred Rodriguez singled. Austin Stadler sacrifice bunted him to second and Jacob Mayers plated him with a double. The Braves extended the lead to 3-1 in the third inning. Rodriguez walked, Stadler singled and Tim Melville singled Rodriguez home. Jacob Mayers singled to score Stadler. In the fourth, Zak Sinclair led off by being hit by the pitch. Taylor Perkins singled, Andrew Thomas reached and Danny Hultzen delivered a RBI single to make the score 5-1. The Braves put the Blue Jays away for good in the fifth. Jacob Mayers led off with a double. Zak Sinclair doubled Mayers home. Taylor Perkins reached on a bunt, Luke Saunders drove in Sinclair with a single. Matt Flora singled Perkins home. Jacob Mayers singled to drive in Saunders and Flora for the winning margin and a berth in the national championship game. Pitcher Austin Stadler went the distance to record his second win of the event.
East Cobb Astros 16U 5 Braves 1
Jacob Mayers and the Braves faced down a frightfully loaded East Cobb Astros 16U team for six innings before falling. The Braves opened the scoring in the fourth on a single by Taylor Perkins that plated Zak Sinclair. The Astros answered back in the top of the fifth with one. The Astros finally chased a tiring but valiant Mayers in the sixth with a run to make the score 2-1, Astros going into the seventh. Unlike so many other games this summer, there would be no dramatic last inning comeback this time.
Jacob Mayers named Co-MVP
Jacob Mayers followed up his MVP performance in the 15U National Championship with an even more impressive performance in the 16U National Championship. For his efforts, he was once more deservedly named the Co-MVP of the event.
Sunday, July 3
Braves Win Perfect Game/WWBA 15U National Championship
A hungry Richmond Braves National '08 Team that started the week shorthanded on pitching, showed a flair for late inning dramatics and won the 2005 Perfect Game/WWBA 15U National Championship on Sunday at the East Cobb Baseball Complex in Atlanta, defeating the South Florida Diamond Kings in the final game, 10-7.
Trio of 14 Year Old Pitchers Step Up
The Braves earned the #1 seed going into the playoff round by going 3-0 and giving up only 3 runs in pool play. This was quite an achievement considering the Braves started the week without star 15U pitchers Tim Melville and Daniel Marrs who were invited to Phoenix for the USA Baseball Youth National Team trials. A trio of Braves 14 year olds were called on to carry the pitching load until reinforcements arrived late in the week.
Braves 4 Napersville (IL) Renegades 1
Will Roberts was the first to step into the pitching void left by Melville and Marrs in the first pool game against the Napersville (IL) Renegades when starter Austin Stadler was lifted for precautionary reasons after the third inning with the Braves trailing 1-0. The 14 year old Roberts struck out the first six batters he faced with masterful command and a fastball that hit 84 mph on the Perfect Game radar. Off the mound but still in the game, Stadler rallied the Braves in the fourth when he stole third and scored on an overthrown ball. Riley Reynolds got a two out single in the fifth and gave Roberts and the Braves a thin 2-1 lead by scoring from first on a base hit by Alfred Rodriguez. In the top of the seventh, Taylor Perkins reached with a one out single. Luke Saunders was hit by a pitch. Zak Sinclair plated the two insurance runs with a hit and run double to make the final score 4-1. Roberts finished the night with 9 strikeouts in four innings, allowed only one hit and no walks and faced only one batter over the minimum.
Braves 9 East Cobb Braves 14U 1
The Braves sent another 14 year old, Zak Sinclair, to the mound in the second game of pool play against the 14U East Cobb Braves. The Braves scored early and often. Riley Reynolds opened the home half of the first with a lead off walk. Alfred Rodriguez singled and Austin Stadler scored Reynolds with a base hit. Taylor Perkins generated another run in the second. After reaching on a walk he stole second and third and scored on a grounder to the right side by Riley Reynolds. The Braves batted around and added four more in the third. Austin Stadler doubled to lead off the inning. Jacob Mayers doubled Stadler home, Andrew Thomas walked and Taylor Perkins singled Mayers in. Zak Sinclair walked and Riley Reynolds drove Thomas and Perkins home with a single. Zak Sinclair hurled four strong innings and touched 85 mph on the Perfect Game radar gun. He recorded 5 strikeouts. The Braves double play combination of Alfred Rodriguez and Riley Reynolds short circuited any hopes the ECB Braves had with two sterling inning ending double plays in the 9-1 victory.
Braves 7 Chattanooga Cherokees 1
In the final game of pool play, the Braves started a third 14 year old pitcher, Jacob Mayers, against the Chattanooga Cherokees. Mayers staked the Cherokees to a 1-0 lead in the first inning then worked himself out of the jam. The Braves tied the game in the third when Alfred Rodriguez singled and Austin Stadler doubled him home. The Braves busted it open in the fourth. Zak Sinclair reached on a lead off single. Taylor Perkins singled, Will Roberts walked to load the bases. Danny Hultzen walked to plate Sinclair. Luke Saunders walked to score Perkins then two more runs scored on an infield error off the bat of Austin Stadler. Zak Sinclair capped the scoring with a homerun in the fifth. After the first, Mayers settled in to strikeout nine in the 7-1 victory.
Braves 4 Atlanta Blue Jays 2
In the Sweet 16 on Saturday morning, the Braves sent Zac Sinclair to the mound to face the Atlanta Blue Jays. The Braves jumped in front in the first after Austin Stadler reached on a base hit and took second and third on consecutive wild pitches. Jacob Mayers singled him home for a 1-0 lead. The Blue Jays touched Sinclair for a run in the second, but the Braves answered back with three runs in the home half of the inning. Will Roberts singled to lead off the inning. He advanced to third on a single by Taylor Perkins and scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Danny Hultzen. Luke Saunders doubled and scored on a single by Alfred Rodriguez. Sinclair worked into the sixth with a 4-1 lead and was relieved by Will Roberts after walking the first batter he faced. Roberts surrendered a hit that plated the Blue Jays second run, then picked off the runner at first and struckout the next batter to end the threat. In the seventh, he recorded the first out on a check swing comebacker and then fanned the final two hitters to record the save. In five innings of work, Sinclair allowed two earned runs, struck out seven batters, and walked one as the Braves defeated the Atlanta Blue Jays 4-2 to advance to the quarterfinals. For the week, Sinclair allowed three earned runs on 5 hits with 12 strikeouts and only four walks in 9 innings of work.
Braves 7 New England Ruffnecks 1
By Saturday evening, reinforcements in the form of Melville and Marrs arrived from Phoenix as the Braves teed it up against the New England Ruffnecks. The Braves wasted no time in running Tim Melville out to the mound. He struck out the side in the first and the Braves plated two runs in the home half to take a 2-0 lead. Austin Stadler started the scoring with a walk and stolen base. Melville singled him home and Melville took second on a throwing error. Zak Sinclair scored Melville with a single. Melville pitched the first three innings recording 7 strikeouts and lighting up the Perfect Game radar at 88 mph. The Braves padded the lead in the third when Jacob Mayers launched a lead off homerun. Zak Sinclair reached on an error, Will Roberts singled and both advanced on a wild pitch. Taylor Perkins drove Sinclair and Roberts in with a single then stole around to third. Andrew Thomas executed a perfect squeeze bunt to plate Perkins and extend the lead to 6-0. The Braves capped the night's scoring in the sixth when Luke Saunders reached on a lead off walk. Alfred Rodriguez sacrificed him to second and Jacob Mayers scored him with a double. Will Roberts relieved Melville in the fourth and pitched three strong innings, allowing one run, with four strikeouts and no walks. For the week, Roberts allowed one earned run on seven hits with 16 strikeouts and no walks in nine innings of work on the mound.
Braves 4 East Cobb Astros 3
On Sunday, the Braves were down 2-0 to the East Cobb Astros 15U in their semifinal match going into the bottom of the sixth inning despite a gutty pitching performance by a jet lagged Tim Melville. Austin Stadler opened the bottom of the sixth by reaching after being hit by the pitch. Danny Hultzen walked. Jacob Mayers sacrifice bunted them to second and third. With two outs, Will Roberts plated Stadler and Hultzen to tie the game 2-2 with a clutch single to right. The Astros regained the lead in the top of the 7th with a single run, leading to a dramatic bottom of the seventh inning. Andrew Thomas singled, then with one out Alfred Rodriguez singled. Austin Stadler walked to load the bases, and Tim Melville hit into a fielders choice at second to plate Thomas for the tying run and advance Rodriguez to third with two outs. Jacob Mayers slashed a single down the third base line to score Rodriguez and advance the Braves to the championship game.
Braves 10 South Florida Diamond Kings 7
The South Florida Diamond Kings jumped to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning of the championship game and lengthened their lead to 3-0 in the third inning. After the Braves scored a single run in the 5th inning, the tide of the game completely changed. A combination of walks, errors and the powerful Braves' bats accounted for 9 Braves runs in the bottom of the 6th inning. Tim Melville started the inning by reaching on an error, Jacob Mayers doubled to set up second and third with no outs. Will Roberts walked to load the bases, Zak Sinclair walked to make the score 3-2. Andrew Thomas then delivered the big hit, a bases clearing double that made the score 5-3 Richmond. Danny Hultzen bunted to advance Thomas and reached second on a throwing error that allowed Thomas to score. Taylor Perkins advanced Hultzen to third with a sacrifice. Alfred Rodriguez doubled to score Hultzen. Tim Melville doubled to score Rodriguez and Jacob Mayers doubled to plate Melville. Mayers, meanwhile, was contributing on the mound as well as with the bat. He entered the game with one out and the bases loaded in the first inning and held South Florida to only one run until the 7th inning. South Florida made the game close with 4 runs in the 7th off a tiring Mayers. For the week, Mayers pitched 14 innings allowing 6 runs on 13 hits, with 18 strikeouts and only three walks and was deservedly named the Most Valuable Player of the 15U Championship.
Click on Perfect Game USA logo above for link to more information.
Friday, July 1
Tim Melville selected to play for USA Baseball Youth National Team
The Braves' Tim Melville was selected to play for the 2005 USA Baseball Youth National Team in World Championships in Monterrey, Mexico starting August 20. Melville was one of 18 players from across the country selected to represent the USA at the event. Follow all the action with the USA Baseball GameTracker
Sunday, June 26
Braves' Daniel Marrs and Tim Melville invited to Team USA trials
The Braves were one of only two teams out of the 144 teams participating in the 2005 USA Baseball Jr. Olympics to have two players invited to Team USA trials. Pitcher/3B Tim Melville and Pitcher Daniel Marrs were invited to join 36 other players selected from the event in Phoenix for a week of practice and games. Melville and Marrs both impressed the Youth National Team coaches and scouts in the JO's at Jupiter with fastballs in the upper 80's. Melville also impressed as a two way player who batted over .600 in the event. After a week of workouts the final team of 18 will be selected to represent the USA at the World Championships in Monterrey, Mexico later this summer.
Saturday, March 5
Braves freshmen expected to make big impact on varsity
The opening day line ups of high school varsity teams from Virginia to DC to Pennsylvania and as far west as Missouri are expected to be inked with freshmen from the Richmond Braves National '08 team. Years of hard work and discipline have paid dividends this spring as the Braves achieve a long held objective of making varsity as freshmen. Best wishes to all the boys for a productive spring season.
Sunday, November 14
Braves Win 40th Tournament Championship
The Braves ended their brief fall season by claiming the 2004 Sluggers Ball Wood Bat Classic with brilliant pitching and flawless defense this weekend. We allowed no runs and only one hit. In winning, the team surpassed another milestone, claiming their 40th tournament championship.
Friday, August 6
Braves Finish 2nd at 2004 USSSA Elite 16 World Series (14U)
The Braves completed their 2004 season in fine fashion with a second place finish at the inaugural USSSA Elite 16 World Series (14U) at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Orlando. The Braves defeated the defending national champion No Fear (CA) Astros in the first game of double elimination bracket play then beat the Chastain (GA) Bulldogs twice to advance to the semi-finals. They defeated the Mac-n-Seitz (KS) Indians to reach the championship game where they fell to the Scottsdale (AZ) Storm.
Friday, August 6
Will Roberts named Co-MVP at USSSA Elite 16 World Series
Will Roberts was named Co-MVP at the 2004 USSSA Elite 16 World Series and was joined by three Braves players on the USSSA Elite 16 All World Team.
USSSA Elite 16 All World Team:
Daniel Marrs - Pitcher
Jacob Mayers - First Baseman
Tim Melville - Pitcher
Will Roberts - Catcher
Sunday, June 27
Braves win 2004 Virginia USSSA State Championship
The Braves won the 2004 Virginia USSSA State Championship in Purcellville, Virginia today. The Braves won five straight games to clinch the title. The Braves have already qualified to represent the state in the USSSA Elite 16 in Orlando, Florida later this summer.
Tuesday, June 15
Braves win 5th straight Virginia AAU State Championship
Shortly after midnight, the Braves collected their 5th consecutive state AAU title at Varina High School in Richmond. The Braves went undefeated in the double elimination event featuring the ten finalists from the preliminary round. The Braves dispatched a four time state champion, the Virginia Storm, to the losers bracket in the first game of the weekend thereby clearing a path to the championship.
Tuesday, June 1
Braves Ranked #1 in Nation
The Braves are ranked #1 in the country by the 14U Boys Baseball Majors USSSA Power Ratings. The USSSA Power Rating system is designed to rank teams by record and strength of schedule.
Monday, May 31
Braves Win Michigan Super NIT, Qualify for USSSA Elite 16
The Braves won the 2004 Michigan USSSA Super NIT in Detroit, Michigan this weekend and qualified for the 2004 USSSA Elite 16 at Disney World in Orlando, Florida on August 1-6. This is one of the hardest tickets to punch in youth baseball. Way to go, Braves. We're in the Show!
Sunday, May 23
Braves Win 2004 MATB May Mini-Tournament
The Braves swept three games in the single elimination event to win the 2004 MATB May Mini Tournament in Southern Maryland.
Sunday, April 25
Braves Win 2004 Gatorade AAU NIT
The Braves won the Gatorade AAU National Invitational Tournament in Morganton, NC this weekend. The Braves bested Team Charlotte to win their pool, then beat Beaver Valley Red in the finals to claim their 35th tournament championship.
Sunday, April 18
Braves Win 2004 Quest for the Best
The Braves won the 6th Annual Quest for the Best at Prince George. Excellent pitching carried the day until the bats heated up in the finals.
Sunday, March 21
Braves Win 2004 St. Patrick's Day Slugfest
The Braves won the 2004 St. Patrick's Day Slugfest with a 4-0 record. The highlight of the event was a pitcher's duel with the Wild Things from Pittsburg. Regulation ended in 0-0 tie and the Braves won it in the bottom of the eighth inning 1-0.
Sunday, November 9
Braves Win 2003 USSSA Fall State Championship
The Braves claimed their fifth tournament championship of the fall season by winning the USSSA Fall State Championship in Prince George, Virginia. The Braves ran their record to 23-0 against 14U competition.
Sunday, October 19
Braves Win 2003 American Baseball World Series
The 14U Braves battled to their 4th straight tournament championship of the fall at the American Baseball World Series this weekend. The team pounded out 46 runs in five games to secure the championship in the inaugural series of this fall classic.
Monday, October 13
Braves Win 2003 Southern Maryland Shootout
The 14U Braves rode one outstanding pitching performance after another (including a perfect game) to the championship of the 2003 Southern Maryland Shootout in Lexington Park, MD. The Braves went 5-0 in the event and celebrated their 30th tournament championship since inception in the fall of 1999.
Sunday, September 28
Braves Win 2003 Sluggers Ball Wood Bat Classic
The Braves won the 4th Annual Sluggers Ball Wood Bat Classic at Prince George, Virginia this weekend with a combination of masterful pitching, steady defense and power hitting. The team claimed its second tournament championship of the young season and remains undefeated.
Braves Win 2003 Southern Maryland Fall Brawl
The 14U Braves won their first tournament of the 2004 season at the Southern Maryland Fall Brawl in Lexington Park, Maryland. The team won all four games they played with a balanced combination of great pitching, stingy defense and timely hitting.
Braves Ranked 4th in Final National Poll
The Braves rose to 4th in the 12U division of the 2003 Final National Poll published by USA Sports Rankings. The team finished the 2002 season ranked 5th in the final polls. The high ranking indicates the high regard other teams and tournament directors around the nation have for the Braves team and further confirms our place among the country's elite baseball programs.
Sunday, August 25
Extra! Extra! Read all about us!
The September/October 2002 issue of Junior Baseball Magazine features the Richmond Braves National Team in a cover story entitled "Top Travel Team in the Nation?: Richmond Braves Reveal Secrets to Success." The article chronicles the team's three year journey to national prominence and extensively describes the hard work and high standards we use to compete at the highest echelons of youth baseball.
Sunday, June 15
Braves Win 2003 Virginia AAU State Championship
The Braves won their fourth consecutive Virginia AAU State Championship in Hampton, Virginia today with a four game sweep of the championship round. The Braves relied on outstanding pitching and defense to extend their unprecedented four year winning streak.
Sunday, June 1
Braves Ascend to #3 in National Polls
The Braves were ranked #3 in the nation for the month of June in the latest USASportsRankings.com national poll. The team grabbed the national spotlight this spring with impressive wins over the previously #1 ranked Funacho (OH) Flames and perennial powerhouses like the Beaver Valley (PA) Red, McDonough (GA) Redbirds, and the Knoxville (TN) Stars. Click on headline or image to see the polls.
Monday, April 28
Braves Win "Battle of the Big Boys" in Tennessee
The Braves won the third annual All South Classic in Knoxville, Tennessee this weekend. The Braves outdueled a 22 team field laden with state, regional and national champions to claim the title in the annual "Battle of the Big Boys." The Braves bested the #1 ranked team in the country, a USSSA World Series Champion, the CABA World Series Champion, an AAU Nationals finalist, the defending champion of the event and a slew of state champions in route to a 7-0 record and the championship. Teams from Florida to Virginia and as far west as Indiana and Mississippi attended the event which annually draws national acclaim for its concentration of powerhouse programs.
Championship Round
Championship Game: Braves 14 v. Knoxville (TN) Stars 0
Semi-final Game: Braves 18 v. McDonough (GA) Redbirds 2
Quarterfinal Game: Braves 7 v. Tornado Baseball (MS) 0
Sweet Sixteen Game: Braves 11 v. Peninsula (VA) Pilots 3
Pool Play
Braves 6 v. McDonough (GA) Redbirds 5
Braves 13 v. Funacho (OH) Flames 2
Braves 11 v. Knoxville (TN) Yard 9
Monday, April 14
Braves Win Quest for the Best
The Braves won the Quest for the Best tournament in Prince George, Virginia this weekend with a thrilling come from behind win against a powerful Beaver Valley (PA) Red team in the championship game. The game pitted two of the hardest throwing 12U pitchers in America in a true battle of titans. The Braves salute the mighty Beaver Valley Red players for their outstanding performance in the event and their families for making the long journey from Pittsburg to play. The tournament featured 28 teams from five states in the 12U division.
Monday, March 10
Braves finish 2nd in 2003 Tucson Spring Nationals
The Braves opened their 2003 spring season with a cross country weekend trip to Tucson, Arizona for the Triple Crown Spring Nationals presented by USASportsRankings.com. The Braves swept through pool play then bested the El Paso (TX) Aces, the Ventura County (CA) Redbirds and the Tucson (AZ) Wildcats in bracket play to reach the finals. There they faced the defending USSSA Majors World Series Champions, the San Diego (CA) Stallions. The Braves jumped out in front 3-0 but could not hold off the hard hitting Stallions in an 8-4 loss. Will Roberts and Jacob Mayers were named to the All Tournament team.
In addition to playing some great baseball in the desert the Braves took in spring training games at the Diamond Backs/White Sox facility where they saw Curt Shilling pitch.
Monday, October 14
Braves Win 2002 Sluggers Ball
The Braves won the 13U division of the Sluggers Ball with great pitching, outstanding defense and timely hitting. Due to weather delays the Braves finished playing after midnight on Saturday, then won three games back to back to back on Sunday to claim their third straight 13U title of the fall.
Sunday, September 29
Braves Win 2002 Prince George Fall Classic
The Braves won the 13U division of the Prince George USSSA Fall Classic this weekend with outstanding pitching and timely hitting. The Braves posted a 4-0 record in route to the championship.
Sunday, September 22
Braves Win 2002 Virginia Cup Wood Bat Classic
The Braves won the 13U division of the 2002 Virginia Cup this weekend in Prince George. The team came from behind in both victories on Sunday to claim the title for the second straight year. The Braves are now qualified for the 2003 USSSA World Series.
Braves Ascend to Top 5 in 2002 Final National Poll
The Braves rose to 5th in the 11U division of the 2002 Final National Poll published by USA Sports Rankings. The high ranking indicates the high regard other teams and tournament directors around the nation have for the Braves team and further confirms our place among the country's elite baseball programs.
Sunday, August 25
Braves Win 2002 Grand Slam World Series
The Braves won the first ever Grand Slam 11U World Series in Richmond, Virginia this weekend by winning all six games by run rule. The title was the Braves' 13th tournament championship of the 2002 season and a fitting end to a memorable year that was truly one for the record books. The Braves posted a remarkable 60-2 tournament games record against 11U opponents in 2002 and won eleven of the thirteen 11U events they entered. Including 12U tournaments, the Braves finished 82-5 overall and won thirteen of the eighteen events they entered.
Sunday, August 18
Braves Win 2002 ECTB World Series
The Braves went 6-0 to win the 2002 East Coast Tournament Baseball 11U World Series in Lexington Park, Maryland. The Braves pounded out 64 hits with 10 doubles, 16 triples, 2 home runs and added 74 stolen bases in outscoring their opponents 81-9.
Friday, July 26
Braves Finish 2nd in Nation at AAU Championship
The Braves posted their best overall finish in a national event by placing 2nd at the 2002 AAU National 11U Baseball Championship in Orlando, Florida. The Braves relied on contributions from all 11 players to reach their first national championship game. The week long event featured 52 teams from Puerto Rico to Hawaii. Will Roberts and Jacob Mayers were named to the All Tournament Team.
Sunday, June 23
Braves Win 2002 Virginia USSSA State Championship
The Braves won the 2002 Virginia USSSA Baseball 11U State Championship with an impressive offensive attack, outscoring our opponents 54-4. The team pounded out 40 hits with 2 home runs, 3 triples, and 10 doubles.
Sunday, June 9
Braves Win 2002 Virginia AAU State Championship
The Richmond Braves National Team claimed their third consecutive Virginia AAU Baseball state championship title this weekend in Fredericksburg.
Sunday, June 30
Braves Win 2002 Southern Maryland Summer Classic
The Braves won the 12U division of the Southern Maryland Summer Classic in California, Maryland this weekend. The Braves rallied from a four run deficit in the championship game to claim their 11th tournament title of the 2002 season.
Sunday, April 21
Braves Win 2002 Virginia Beach Spring Classic
The Braves won the Virginia Beach Spring Classic today with a 4-0 record. The highlight of the weekend was a perfect game hurled by a combination of three Braves' pitchers.
Sunday, April 14
Braves Win 2002 Quest for the Best
The Braves won the 11U division of the 4th Annual Quest for the Best this weekend at Prince George, Virginia. The Braves combined timely hitting with strong pitching and stingy defense to post a 5-0 record in the event.
Sunday, March 24
Braves Win 2002 Grand Slam Tournament
The Braves won the 12U division of the first ever Grand Slam Tournament Series event. The Braves are now qualified for the Grand Slam World Series to be held in Richmond, Virginia in August.
Wednesday, March 20
Braves Win 2002 AAU Super Regional
The Braves won the 11U AAU Super Regional at Williamsburg on March 15-17. Great pitching and steady defense yielded only one run in the event.
Sunday, October 21
Braves Win 2001 East Coast Tournament of Champions
The Braves won the 12U Division of the 1st Annual USSSA East Coast Tournament of Champions in Prince George, Virginia on the weekend of October 20-21, 2001. We won all five games to run our fall 2001 tournament games record to a perfect 17-0.
Monday, October 8
Braves Win 2001 Catawba Valley Autumn Classic
The Braves rolled to a third straight championship at the 2001 Catawba Valley Autumn Classic in Hickory, NC on the weekend of October 5-7. In five games, we outscored our opponents by a combined score of 63-4 and won every game by slaughter rule.
Sunday, September 23
Braves Win 2001 Virginia Cup
The Braves won the 2001 USSSA Virginia Cup Wood Bat Classic in Prince George, Virginia on the weekend of September 22-23. The Braves are now qualified for the 2002 USSSA 11U World Series.
Monday, September 3
Braves Win 2001 Labor Day Bash
The Braves successfully secured an early bid to the 2002 AAU 11U Nationals in Orlando, Florida by winning the 2001 AAU National Qualifier Labor Day Bash at Concord, NC.
Saturday, August 11
Braves Lead All Stars to 2001 Cal Ripken World Series Title
The Glen Allen All Stars won the first ever 10 year-old Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken World Series in Vincennes, Indiana. The team was a perfect 15-0 in district, state, regional and World Series games. The World Champions were managed by Braves coach Tommy Mayers and started six players from the Richmond Braves National Baseball Team including World Series MVP and Batting Champion, Will Roberts. Jacob Mayers of the Braves was selected to the All World Team.
Sunday, June 10
Braves Win 2001 Virginia AAU State Championship
The Braves won their second consecutive Virginia AAU Baseball State Championship in Fredericksburg on June 10, 2001. And for the second straight year the Braves overcame the Tidewater Drillers in the championship to claim the title.
Sunday, October 29
Braves Win 2000 Howl-O-Ween Spook-Tackular
The Braves went 4-0 in route to the championship at the Hurricane Howl-O-Ween Spook-Tackular AAU Tournament in Stafford, Virginia on the weekend of October 28-29.
Thanks to Kyle Roberts and all the Stafford Hurricane coaches, parents and fans for a terrifyingly fun weekend of boosball!
Sunday, September 17
Braves Win 2000 Catawba Valley Autumn Classic
Eleven NCAAU teams arrived in Hickory, NC gunning for the Braves and an AAU title in the Catawba Valley Autumn Classic on September 15-17. As the sun settled over the North Carolina Blue Ridge on Sunday evening, the Braves claimed their 5th straight AAU title in the Tar Heel state. The Braves employed masterful pitching, flawless defense and timely hitting to dominate old rivals and upstart foes alike.The tournament title continues the Braves undefeated streak: In five NCAAU tournament appearances, we are a combined 20-0.
The Braves salute Catawba Valley Baseball for running an outstanding tournament. Without a doubt, the Hickory tournaments are the best AAU tournaments in North Carolina. Thanks to Andy Wharton, Dave Baker and all the good folks of the Catawba Valley for a fantastic weekend of baseball.
Friday, July 21
Braves Finish 8th in Nation at 2000 AAU Championship
The Braves capped a highly successful season with a 8th place finish in the 2000 AAU 9U National Baseball Championship at Walt Disney World's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida in July. The event featured 42 of the top 9U teams from around the nation. The Braves won their first six games in the tournament before falling in the quarterfinals of the medal round. The team earned a medal for their outstanding performance and Will Roberts was named to the All Tournament Team. The team's trip was highlighted by a 3-2 victory over the eventual national champion San Diego Stars North. Congratulations to all the Braves players, coaches, parents and fans for a season to remember.
Sunday, June 4
Braves Win 2000 AAU Virginia State Championship
The Braves defeated the Tidewater Drillers 13-4 to claim the Virginia AAU Baseball 9U State Championship on Sunday, June 4. The Braves were undefeated in the tournament, outscoring opponents by a combined score of 60-5.
Sunday, May 14
Braves Win 2000 Grand Slam Invitational
The Braves claimed their 4th straight 9U championship title in a North Carolina AAU tournament on the weekend of May 12-14. The Braves were undefeated as they collected the gold medals in the Grand Slam Tournament at Concord, NC.
Sunday, April 9
Braves Win 2000 Rumble in the Valley
The Braves won the 9U Championship at the Rumble in the Valley in Hickory, NC on the weekend of April 7-9. The Braves were 4-0 and outscored their opponents by a combined score of 47-5.
Sunday, October 24
Braves Win 1999 Hartsell Invitational
The 9U Braves won their second AAU tournament championship of the season on the weekend of October 23-24, 1999 at the Hartsell Invitational in Concord, NC. In the opener on a beautiful crisp fall Saturday morning the Braves outslugged the Cleveland County (NC) Cardinals 21-6. In the afternoon we trimmed the host Hartsell Fury by a score of 8-3. On Sunday morning, the Braves outdueled the Catawba Valley (NC) Storm 7-6 to claim the gold medals.
While daring greatly . . .
"It is not the critic who counts,
Not that man who points out how the strong man stumbled,
Or where the doers of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena;
Whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood;
Who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again;
Who knows the great enthusiams, the great devotions
And spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best,
Knows in the end the triumph of high achievement;
And who, at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly,
So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls
Who know neither victory nor defeat."
--Theodore Roosevelt--
Sunday, September 26
Braves Win 1999 Catawba Valley Autumn Classic
The 9U Braves swept to their first AAU tournament championship in the Catawba Valley Autumn Classic on September 25-26, 1999 in Hickory, NC. In Game 1 on Saturday, we outslugged the host Catawba Valley Storm 23-10. In the nightcap we raced past the Cleveland County (NC) Cardinals 22-12. And in Sunday's final we stopped the Carolina (Hartsell Athletic) Fury 18-2. Congratulations Braves!
|
|
