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Even though this is Danielle's first year at National, she's made quite an impact in our League and in our town. Danielle not only plays for National's Gold team in the Jr/Sr Softball Division, but she is also a standout player at Cherry Hill High School West. Many girls like Danielle play at Cherry Hill National to give them extra playing time - honing their skills in preparation for scholastic competition. Even though the girls are competitive at National, they enjoy playing with and against each other. Danielle has a .476 batting average and an on base pct. of .551. Earlier in the season, she recorded her 100th hit in just her 73rd varsity game. She is currently just 20 hits shy (113) of being Cherry Hill West's all time hit leader (132). Her numbers this year are even more impressive given that West has several Top 20 teams on their schedule.
Danielle's speed and quickness, combined with her softball "smarts," makes her a dangerous lead-off hitter - both for National's Jr/Sr Gold team and West's Varsity Softball team. Her aggressive base running puts pressure on an opposing team's defense - challenging them to not make a mistake. At Cherry Hill National, Danielle has helped keep her team in the thick of the Jr/Sr Softball Division race. Always a team player, Danielle is quick to praise her teammates, not only for their play, but for her's as well.
In 2007, Danielle participated in the nationally recognized SPARQ (Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction, and Quickness) Testing Program, which, in essence, is a standardized test for athletes. This test gives coaches and scouts a scoring system with which to evaluate a player's athleticism, providing a reliable tool for comparisons against other players. The test, along with other factors, helps in recruitment efforts by college and professional sports programs. Danielle finished 3rd in the country out of over 3500 girls tested, and from 2006 until the present, she has the 9th best score out of over 6600 girls tested.
Danielle's score has given way to scholarship offers from several universities. She was also approached by the people at Rivals.com magazine who wanted her to write a blog for them. Her SPARQ score gained her even more notoriety because she was one of the rare players from the east coast to score so high. In the end, Danielle has decided to attend William Patterson University on a softball scholarship. And to think, we might not be spotlighting Danielle today if it wasn't for her brother needing community service time so he could play high school football. He decided to do some umpiring to fulfill his community service requirement, and to accomplish this, Danielle's father and brother enrolled her in softball at the age of four so he'd have a reason to umpire! Whatever the reason, we're certainly glad Danielle decided to stick with softball, and we're extremely proud to have her playing at National. Special thanks to Danielle's father Andrew for helping to provide information for this article.
June 2008 Spotlight: Kelsey Booth
Kelsey Booth is a tough competitor. In a May 2, 2008 game at National, pitching for the Jr/Sr. Division Purple Team, she was hit by a line drive. After taking a few minutes to compose herself, she stepped back on the mound and helped guide her team to a 5-4 victory in a battle, at the time, for first place. Those who interact with Kelsey at Cherry Hill National describe her as a quiet and humble player. Watching her play softball, you can truly see and appreciate how preparation meets raw talent.
Kelsey started playing in Maple Shade's Softball Program at the age of 6. Kelsey's Mom had always played softball, so it seemed like a logical progression to sign her up to play as soon as she was old enough. Kelsey made a few travel teams in town, and every year since age 12 she played in the Gloucester City Tournament, coming in second place except for one year in 2005 when her team took first place. Kelsey started high school enrolled at Paul VI, located in Haddonfield, NJ. Her athleticism was evident early on by how well she competed in multiple sports. While at Paul VI as a freshman, Kelsey played second base and pitched for the Junior Varsity Team. She also excelled as a soccer player there, playing on the Junior Varsity Team at the position of sweeper. Even though she did well at Paul VI, Kelsey preferred to begin her sophomore year at Maple Shade High School, getting back to familiar faces and surroundings. Once settled in at Maple Shade, Kelsey kicked things into another gear. During her sophomore year, Kelsey played sweeper for the Varsity Team. She ended the year being recognized as an All-State New Jersey player for soccer and was also second team Freedom Division in Burlington County.
Kelsey started playing for Cherry Hill National in the Spring of 2007 as a member of the Purple team. Few programs in the area have the number of players and level of competition that National has for the older softball players. Kelsey's parents heard about the program, and since it was close in proximity, decided to give it a try. At the end of her sophomore year, both of Maple Shade's pitchers were graduating and the coaches there asked Kelsey to prepare herself for the starting job in her junior year. Being the team player she is, Kelsey began training two times per week, from October to March, to get ready for her new role. Maple Shade's varsity softball team remained competitive in Kelsey's junior year despite facing some bad breaks...both literally and figuratively. They finished the regular season with 7 wins and 13 losses, yet ended up with a .500 division mark...even with having New Egypt and Florence in their division (ranked 8th and 12th in the Courier Post Top 20, respectively). While the team's young makeup might not have allowed them to gel this year, the experience playing together should pay big dividends next year. Kelsey's team came on strong at the end of the season, winning three games in a row and coming in third in the Palmyra Tournament - a feat Maple Shade has not accomplished in at least three years. To acknowledge Kelsey as an integral part of her team's success in the Tournament, she was chosen as a member of the All-Tournament team.
All this experience under her belt, and she still has one more year of competition at the high school varsity level! As if that wasn't enough to fill up her Junior year, Kelsey was also selected first team Freedom Division in varsity soccer.
This is a photo (actually 2) of the Evans/Haimes team, and also their baby sister, "Future CHNLL ball player," in her Phillies attire!
1 combined family, 6 children on 5 different teams!
We apologize for the delay, but we're back with the next Photo of the Week. The photo came with a caption that we couldn't resist running with:
Now even though this photo was taken last year, we know that the two players still play for the Indians this year. And despite the rumored antics that probably occured out of camera shot to prompt the players' reactions, we know that Coach Earl was allowed to come back and coach this year!! Photo of the Week #3 - May 23rd
Merriam Webster's Dictionary defines intensity as it's listed above this photo. It's our opinion that the next edition of Merriam Webster's should include this photo with the definition.
The photo is of Giant's player Ryan Wimmer, who has helped his team finish in first place in the Major League Baseball Division for the 1st half of the season, thus guaranteeing them a spot in the championship game.
Now, are these players in the background playing in a men's league, or did we create an entirely new, hybrid division at Cherry Hill National? Photo of the Week #5 - June 13th CHNLL Quiz Time
What in the world are these girls doing?!?!
The answer is...E...None of the Above. The girls are doing a little cheer, or celebration, after their team gets an out. "One down...two to go...say one done, two to go!!" At which point they slap their heel. More bang for your buck...a game and a show!! Helping lead the cheer above is Elizabeth Dugan and Victoria Neale...two players from the 2008 Major League Softball Division Champion Royal Team. Way to go girls!! Photo of the Week #6 - July 7th
Call it what you want: a "sixth sense", "spider sense", "the force"...whatever. This player just seems to know when we're around wanting to take photos. The photo above was taken at our Inaugural Jr/Sr. All-Star Game, which was played on June 17th. The player, Alaina Caruso, apparently didn't get the memo to wear her full uniform. In fact, in every game that we've been around to take photos of the team in which she was playing for, she's never been in full National garb. In her defense, some of the earlier games of the season were too cold, so most of the girls were bundled up in sweats. And in defense of her in this photo, she does have her team visor on. No one will question whether Alaina is ready to play - she "brings it" every game - you definitely get that impression from the photo. We'll check back with her after her first tournament game...we know she'll be "ready to play" in every sense of the phrase!! Photo of the Week #7 - July 27th
You can just hear Bob Uecker saying that after this pitch. We're sure he would also compliment this player, Mike O'Connell, for his quick reflexes in avoiding getting plunk'd with the ball.
The photo above was taken during a Cherry Hill Atlantic Tournment game on July 13th, with National's 9 year old Red team playing Newtown, PA. Article Archive
Major League Division Player First to Conquer National's "Blue Monster"
It was bound to happen, but nobody could have imagined it happening this early. On April 17th, Dodgers player Aaron Hacker was the first to airmail a ball over the newly installed outfield fence on Field 1, aptly named National's "Blue Monster". To top the evening, the Dodgers won the game, defeating the Phillies 11-3. What makes the home run impressive is not only having to scale the 8 foot fence at a distance of 200 feet, but the fact that it was done using a wood bat!! Spectators said the home run was a line drive shot over the left centerfield fence.
While it's reasonable to assume others will follow in Aaron's footsteps, he has the distinction of being the first to accomplish this feat. Congratulations Aaron!! Opening Day Ceremony Recap
For the first time, Cherry Hill National hosted a Major League Baseball Skills Competition, sponsored this year by Aquafina. It seemed to catch on, with just over 80 players (both boys and girls) participating in the competition. Players were scored in pitching accuracy, hitting for distance, and running the bases. There were overall winners in four age groups, and winners for each of the three skill competitions, also broken down by the four groups. The winners (ones we are able to post) are listed below. We've also included some photos of the winners:
On April 30th, Indians player Joe McGinley lifted his team in dramatic fashion with a Grand Slam over National's "Blue Monster", sealing his team's win over the Dodgers, 8-3. The Indians began their rally in the 2nd inning with two outs and the bases loaded. After taking the signs from Coach Belfer and direction from Coach Earl in the dugout, Joe stepped in. The question on everyone's mind was: "Hey Joe, watcha gonna do with that bat in your hand?" The answer: Joe coiled up and jumped on a first pitch fastball, sending it over the left centerfield fence between "Hill" and "National" (see photo above). After the Slam, Coach Belfer said, "I could tell it was gone by the crack of the bat." Now, we didn't hear any reports of Joe or Aaron Hacker, the first player to send one over the fence April 17th, pointing to left center like Babe Ruth before hitting their homeruns. But one may wonder whether our players have discovered a weakness in the "Blue Monster." If balls keep getting hit to that part of the fence, there may need to be a meeting to discuss moving that part back!! And if that wasn't enough to make it a memorable night, Joe delivered on his parents 14th Wedding Anniversary. Way to go Joe!!
Move Over Boys... The boys no longer have exclusive bragging rights to homering over
National's "Blue Monster". On May 17th, Lisa Kosteleski, who plays for the Navy team in the Jr/Sr Softball Division, hit a two-run home run to left centerfield (noticing a pattern developing in placement). Playing as a substitute for the Purple team, her presence in the lineup helped guide the team to a 13-3 win over the Green team. People at the game noted that Lisa's line drive shot just missed the scoreboard...whew!! Lisa was presented with a home run pin on the field by League President Steve Saft. When she's not competing at National, Lisa is the starting third baseman for Cherry Hill High School West's Varsity Softball Team - as a freshman!! Lisa, along with other National players, have helped West earn a playoff berth this season.
GIRL POWER!!
2008 Season...That's a Wrap!!
It seems like we were just getting the season underway, yet as quickly as the season came upon us and began, that's how quickly it came to a close. Marty began by giving the annual "shout-outs" to those who helped make the season a success. That's not to say there weren't bumps along the way, and we hope that people will reflect on the season and provide feedback so we can smooth the wrinkles out for next year. All in all, however, a season of great memories made with new and longtime friends. Marty then passed the mic to CHNLL President Dr. Steven Saft, who had the enviable task of giving out special awards from the 2008 season. Before getting into the individual awards, he took time to acknowledge the 2007 Mayor's Cup Champion Giants. Former Giants Coach Jeff Stewart provided a brief synopsis of the Championship Game last year, and then called up each player from the team to present them with commemorative jackets. After that, Steve presented bats to Aaron Hacker and Joe McGinley, the two players who hit home runs over the "Blue Monster" using wood bats. Steve then explained the criteria for the Player of the Year and Mark Martines Awards, and then had some complementary things to say about each of the recipients. The Player of the Year Award winners for 2008 were Joey Craig for baseball, and Emily Sachs for softball. The Mark Martines Award winners were Christina Kurtz for softball, and RC Rossell and Chris Yobb for baseball. Marty then proceeded to talk about CHNLL's 2008 tournament teams and the Summer Baseball/Softball Camp that will take place at National the end of July. The website has more detailed information on both. National will also host numerous tournament games this summer, including the State Championship Game for the Big League Girls' Softball Division.
We are sad to see the 2008 season come to an end, but we look forward with great anticipation to the bright future ahead for Cherry Hill National.
Tallying Up the Home Runs for 2008
Congratulations to these players for their skilled use of lumber and/or metal in clearing the fences this year!!
Despite some early shaky play in the field, the Giants managed to settle down and manufacture enough runs to defeat the Dodgers from Cherry Hill American, 9-7, in game 1 of the Cherry Hill Mayor's Cup Tournament.
The victory puts the Giants one win away from repeating as Cherry Hill Township Mayor's Cup Champions. The Giants will now face the Major League Division Champion from Cherry Hill Atlantic on Sunday, June 22nd, 7pm at Cherry Hill American's complex.
Whether they were putting too much pressure on themselves, or just not focusing early on, the Giants allowed Cherry Hill American to gain a 1-0 lead after two innings of play. After trading some runs, Cherry Hill American led 4-2 after four innings.
The Giants managed to load the bases in the top of the 5th, and RC Rossell sent a high fly ball to the warning track in centerfield. Even though the ball was caught, it allowed Matt Hinger to tag up and score, thus opening the gates to a four run 5th inning. The Giants managed to hold Cherry Hill American scoreless in the bottom of the inning.
In the top of the 6th, with two Giants on base, Matt Hinger sent a shot to left field, easily clearing the "Blue Monster" and giving the Giants a 9-4 lead. The Giants managed to hold on in the bottom of the 6th, with two rally-killing plays by second baseman Nick "Nicky Baseball" Grant. Joey Craig and Matt Hinger shared pitching duties, keeping Cherry Hill American from doing further damage at critical points in the game. All the Giants players contributed at some point during the game, helping the team pull out the win - from solid late-inning play in the field by Jake Johnson, to key at-bats by Johnny Segrest and Brannon Evans, to pinch running by Richard Scott. Rounding out the contributors from the Giants were Ryan Wimmer, Chris Thomas, Nico Linsalata
The weekend didn't quite go as we would've hoped, but there were some positives, as well as some things still to look forward to.
On Sunday, the Junior Softball Team lost 10-0 to a very tough South Vineland Team. Despite the setback, the team bounced back the next night to defeat Brigantine, 7-2 to advance to the Section 4 Finals against South Vineland on July 23rd.
Big League Softball Team back from Connecticut;
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