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Welcome to the home of the back to back to back 2005, 2006 and 2007 East Bay Little League, Majors Division, American League Champion, Braves.
Friday, May 18
Updated Stats
Updated stats through 18 games are now posted!
Handout:
Stats May 17 07
Tuesday, May 15
BRAVES CLINCH 3RD STRAIGHT A.L. CHAMPIONSHIP!
With last nights 10-4 win over the White Sox, the Braves clinched their 3rd straight American League Championship. The Braves will represent East Bay at the annual Tournament of Champions; and, this year, they are fortunate enough to host the tournament!
After two scoreless innings for both teams, the Braves bats came to life scoring 7 in the 3rd. Josh pitched 5 strong innings and Matt came in to shut it down in the 6th. As always, defense was solid with Trevor, Brandon and Matt all making tremendous plays in the outfield, Justin and Big Al are always nails up the middle and Ellis made a fantastic effort on a ball at 3rd.
It was a great way clinch another regular season title by playing team baseball. Good hitting and solid defense has been the Braves style all year!
The TOC begins May 29, at East Bay, and as soon as we get our draw/schedule, we will let all of you know. Please plan on coming out and supporting your team, the home team, Braves!
Thanks to all the parents for a wonderful season. The accomplishments these boys have enjoyed on the field would not have been possible without the support from each of you.
Thank you very much!
Let's go Braves!!
Saturday, May 5
Braves win 2nd consecutive close one!
The Braves showed a "Never Give Up" attitude in a big come from behind win today against a much improved Yankees ball club. After spotting the Yankees 4 runs early, the Braves were able to chip away little by little as the game progressed. With the score tied 5-5 going into the top of the 6th, Michael Botto was impressive on the bump striking out 2 of the three hitters he faced. That was all the Braves would need.
Leading off the home half of the 6th, Matt Birch drew a walk, stole second (not without giving me a heart attack), took third on a passed ball and eventually scored the game winning run on a passed ball. Combined with another Cardinals loss today against the White Sox, the Braves, with 4 games remaining, are two wins away from clinching the division and 3rd consecutive league championship.
Defense was again solid with Justin and Big Al making some huge plays at short and 2nd. Melman made a nice play at the hot corner, Trevor made playing 1st base look very easy, Matt made a HUGE catch in center with runners at 1st and 3rd and Nick and Michael were great on the bump as they combined to get the win.
Luke came up big today with two big hits, Justin bounced one off the gate in straight away center field, Nick had a huge hit late in the game that helped tie it up and Michael busted the cover off the ball for an infield single.
Great TEAM effort today and a much better job of controlling attitudes and composure. Great win today guys, lets go win two more!
Friday, May 4
Braves get HUGE win vs. the Cardinals
In a game pitting the best two teams in the league against each other, the Braves were able to take control of the second half with a big win against the Cardinals.
In a true pitchers duel, Josh Kemper and Bo Hogan were both dominant with electric stuff. Both guys made their pitches when they had to and each pitched themselves out of trouble in the early going.
With the score tied 2-2 in the fourth, after walking the first two hitters he faced, Bo reached his pitch count and had to come off the bump. The Braves were able to break through for three runs as a result. With runners at second and third, Justin doubled off the gate in right center to put the Braves up by two. Josh and Michael both had doubles in the early going and The Beertruck had a base hit up the middle to score a run in the fourth.
Josh continued making his pitches late in the fifth and sixth inning and even struck out the last hitter of the game with his 85th pitch to get the complete game win. The Braves were able to add an insurance run in the bottom half of the fifth to help seal the deal.
While it was good to win, this game showed us that we clearly have some things to work on, namely KEEPING OUR COMPOSURE AND ATTITUDES IN CHECK. It takes 12 men to win and 12 men to lose. There are no superstars on this TEAM!
Let's play hard and do a better job of keeping our compsure against the Yankees on Saturday!
Go Braves!
Sunday, April 29
Braves get 3rd straight vs. White Sox!
The Braves continued rolling in an dominating 11-0 win against a good White Sox team. Michael Botto was fantastic on the bump only giving up 1 hit in a 5 inning game shortened by the mercy rule.
Defense was outstanding with Justin making a 6-3 double play, Trevor made an outstanding catch in center field and Nick was solid at 1st base with a couple of put outs of his own.
We had enough offense to score 11 runs in 4 and 1/3 innings. It was another great team effort that brought us a win.
Big game coming up Thursday against the Cards! Let's take it to 'em boys!!!
Wednesday, April 25
Braves win again!
Luke (May the force be with you Skywalker) Weaver pitched 4 absolutely solid innings only allowing 1 run. The defense behind him was outstanding. Justin had a double play and an amazing play behind the bag at 2nd. Josh was solid at the hot corner, and Michael, Ryan and Brandon all made some big catches in the outfield.
Offense was strong enough to score 10 more runs. The Beertruck left the building again for his 3rd round tripper of the year. Michael bounced two line drives off the gate in left and right center. Big Al was on base all night drawing 4 walks, Melman had a base hit to left and lined out to right.
Michael pitched a scoreless 5th, The Beertruck came in in the 6th and recorded two outs before being lifted for Justin to close the game and get the last out.
I know I keep saying it, but once again, the definition of teamwork played out on the field last night and that is what ultimately led to another win for the Braves.
On to the White Sox on Saturday. Let's go Braves!
Monday, April 23
Updated Stats are now on the website
You can check the last game summary article or go to the Handouts page for the most current stats through 12 games.
Sunday, April 22
Braves beat D-Rays for 3rd time!
The Braves beat the D-Rays again for the 3rd straight time and shut them out for the second straight time. On the bump, Josh Kemper was outstanding only giving up two hits while locating the fastball and dropping the curve ball for strikes.
The bats were alive and Michael and Justin both were robbed as they hit screamers that somehow found the glove of a defender. Trevor had a couple of hits in a clutch situation to help bust the game open.
Once again, it was another example of teamwork that ultimately proved to be the difference in the game. With 8 games remaining in the season the Braves have firmly established themselves as the team to beat down the stretch! Great game guys, let's go get'em!
Handout:
Stats Apr 23 07
Tuesday, April 17
Braves start 2nd Half off with a blast!
The Braves picked up where they left off with another 11-1 pounding of the Yankees. The Beertruck had a three run blast to center, Josh had a double to right, Justin had a double to left with 2 rbi's, Big Al had a base hit up the middle, and Michael had a base hit. Pitching was solid with Nick throwing three strong innings and giving up one run and Trevor coming in to pitch the last two innings without giving up a single run. Defense was excellent with Brandon making a nice catch in center, Melman had a couple of nice defensive plays at the hot corner, and Justin going horizontal for a line drive in the hole at short.
Great game guys......one down, nine to go.! On to the Devil Rays on Saturday.
Sunday, April 8
Updated Stats
For those of you who are interested, updated stats through our first 9 games are now attached!
Handout:
Stats Apr 7 07
Wednesday, April 4
Braves moves to 9-0 on the season!
What was supposed to be a fun and relaxing game, turned out to be just that. Trevor Rush pitched 3 solid innings in his first pitching start of the year. Brandon Johnson came in and pitched the last three innings and only allowed two runs, and the Braves came away with a 8-6 win.
Rocky Balboa, (I mean Big Al) received the Ironman Award last night by letting a pop fly bounce off his melon and into MIchael Botto's glove for an out. Other than the fact that Big Al's eye swoll shut and turned about 15 different colors, he should be ok.
Justin and Josh both hit bombs to left and left center. The Beertruck had a double to left and The Beercan also had a base hit to right. Brandon was hit with a pitch and scored a run and the offense, once again, proved to be too much for the opposition.
Everyone enjoy your Easter Holiday and we'll see you all next week. We will probably have a practice on Tuesday, April 10 at East Bay cages.
Monday, April 2
Braves clinch the 1st Half with win over the Mets
The Braves moved to 8-0 on the year and are officially winners of the 1st Half of the season with a 14-2 demolishing of the Mets. The win at least guaranteed them an appearance in the Championship playoff game, if needed. The bats showed up in a big way scoring 4 runs in the first and 10 in the third. In a game shortened after 3 and 1/2 innings by the 10-run mercy rule, the Braves proved that they are clearly the class of the Majors division.
Michael Botto was fantastic on the bump only allowing 1 unearned run. Matt Birch came in and closed the game in the top of the fourth throwing stinky cheese!! Excellent job guys!! Let's go have some more fun tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 28
Braves pound the D-Rays. Again!
Last night's game was another text book example of TEAMWORK. Defense was absolutely solid with not one Devil Ray player reaching second base. Pitching was dominant and the offense, although started slow, finished with a BANG!
In the top of the 6th, with the score 4-0, Big Al hits a rope to center for a leadoff base hit. The Beercan then bunts Big Al over to second and also reaches first safely. Michael Botto, after beating the cover off the ball his last three times up, is intentionally walked setting up a bases loaded and no out situation. Justin hits a bloop single to center to score a run. The Beertruck hits a rope right at the shortstop for the first out. And then Melman blasted a bomb off the flag pole in straight away center for a GRAND SALAMI!!!
Brandon Johnson also contributed with a rocket in the hole, Matt Birch had two beautiful bunts and also assisted on throwing out a runner trying to stretch a single to a double.
After a one week layoff, I was pleased with the effort of ALL the players. Let's go get'em again on Saturday. Look out Mets, here we come!
We missed you last night Weave!! Get well soon!!
Handout:
Mar 27 07 Stats
Sunday, March 18
WOW! Now that's what I'm talkin about!!
The Braves beat the Yankees for the second time this year, thanks in a BIG way to BIG AL. For the second straight game, the littlest man on the field had the BIGGEST impact. Big Al has been absolutely dominant at the second base position, making Big League defensive stops look like routine Little League stuff. Nick Bynum and Trevor Rush combined to get the win and there was plenty of offense to go around. In the fourth inning Trevor Rush through a total of six pitches and got 3 outs. Now, I don't know about anyone else, but thats what I call efficiency.
Once again, another strong TEAM effort. And if I may, I have to say something about the attitudes of all our players. On the whole, they have been absolutely wonderful. When I look at some of the other teams and hear the bickering and fighting amongst the teammates, it gives me a certain measure of pride to know that the Braves do not have to worry about those things.
Enjoy your week off boys, you have earned it!!! GO BRAVES!!
Saturday, March 17
Braves improve to 5-0 on the season.
The Braves found themselves up against the hardest thrower in the Majors this year, in Bo Hogan and the Cardinals. The team hitting approach going into this game was patience, and it paid off in a big way. While Bo throws hard, he didn't survive the 3rd inning throwing over 70 pitches and walking in 3 runs. There were enough hits to add a few insurance runs later in the game, and the Braves were able to end the evening with a 9-0 win.
Melman was solid again on the hill throwing his 3rd straight shutout and getting the win. Nick came in the top of the 6th and closed the game. Defense was solid also, when it had to be. Once again, it was a total TEAM effort that allowed us to win tonight and it will continue to take TOTAL TEAM effort to finish the season.
Well done guys, next up, the Yankees on Saturday.
Sunday, March 11
Braves pass first real test!
In their first real test of the season, the Braves beat a good White Sox team, 10-5. Michael and Nick combined forces on the bump to get the win, and there was enough offense to cover the sloppy defensive outing. Anytime a team averages almost 12 runs a game, they are going to be hard to beat. However, the Braves are going to have to clean up the defense if they plan on sticking around for the rest of the season. It's always good to win, but clearly this game showed us some things we need to work on. On to the Cardinals Thursday and their big flame thrower, Bo Hogan. Let's hit him hard guys!!! Go Braves!!
Stats for the first four games are attached.
Handout:
Braves Stats mar 12 07
Friday, March 9
A Perfect Game!
The Braves took it to the Mets last night, thanks in large part to Josh (Melman) Kemper. Baseball is a team sport probably more so than any other game, but on this night Mel didn't need much help. In a 5 inning game shortened by the 10-run mercy rule, Mel struck out 14 of the 15 hitters he faced, he did not give up a base on balls and did not allow a single hit. This night was all yours Mel, way to throw the pill!
On the offensive side of the ball, Luke(Skywalker)Weaver recorded another base hit and got hit by a pitch, Botto punished the ball all three times at the plate, and Ellis Shaw recorded a nice base hit up the middle.
On to the White Sox on Saturday. Let's keep working hard together as a team!! Go Braves!
Sunday, March 4
Braves cool down the D Rays!
After a nice 7-2 win over the Mets, the Devil Rays came into Saturday's game against the Braves feeling pretty good about things. Unfortunately for them, those feelings didn't last very long. The Braves absolutely pounded the ball all day against them and came away with a 14-4 win in 3 1/2 innings. Some highlights include Luke (Skywalker) Weaver and Ryan (Little Papi) Berning recording the first major league hits for their young careers. Ellis Shaw showed what it takes to be a man by staying in front of a very hard bit grounder at the hot corner. Nick Bynum threw a complete game for the win. Michael Botto went 3 for 3 and almost left the yard, Justin Rose went 2 for 2 with a double and a triple, the Beertruck was 2 for 2 and Josh was 2 for 2. Trevor Rush recorded the last out of the game by catching a pop fly in right field. Great team effort guys! Stay focused and keep playing hard and having a good time. Next up for the Braves is the Mets on Thursday! Go Braves!!!
Thursday, March 1
Braves pickup where they left off!!!!!
In their first game of the 07 season, the Braves put a good ole fashioned pounding on the Yankees. Melman registered 11 k's in rout to a complete game shutout. The offense was outstanding. The Beertruck and Bubba had 8 rbi's between them, Nick had a single and a double, Josh hit the ball twice, Alec and Matt drew a base on balls and little papi, Ryan Berning, made contact also. The highlights include Beertrucks 2-run blast in the 2nd; and, Bubba welcomed Nick French to the Majors by smashing a grand slam in the 4th. Great game guys, let's build on this and keep going!!
Wednesday, February 28
Spring 2007 is finally here!
The highly anticipated return of Little League baseball is finally here! Opening day for the newly renamed Braves is tomorrow night! We are proud to add some new faces to the team, including Luke Weaver, Ellis Shaw, Alec Wilson, Brandon Johnson and Ryan Berning. We are excited about the upcoming season and hope to enjoy some of the same success we have enjoyed in previous years. Thanks to all the parents for your commitment to your son and our team; and, let's go Braves!!!!
Monday, July 17
2006 11yo District Champions and Sectional Runner-Ups
I had the privilege of coaching the East Bay American League 11yo All Stars this past summer to the District 13 Championship and Sectional Runner Up. This was truly a terrific team,half of which was our regular season Major League Red Sox team, that played solid defensively and an offense that was just overpowering. Bo Hogan and Josh "Melman" Kemper were both dominant on the bump recording double digit strikeouts almost every time they took the mound. Offensively, Robert "The Beertruck" Berning had a homerun along with several other key hits. Every player down the lineup did his job when it was his turn. However, I believe the highlight of the District tournament was Justin Rose's two homerun game, almost three, in the championship game against North Brandon. After lining out to the pitcher in his first at bat, he doubled off the top of the centerfield fence in his next at bat. His next two trips to the plate after that, he blasted the ball to the deepest part of the field for two homeruns to help lead his team to the District Championship. It was truly my honor and privilege to be associated with this team. I could not be more proud of each one of them. Congratulations Justin, Robert, Josh, Nick, Michael, Bo, Joey, Tommy, Sammy, Derrick, Tyler, Drew, Marc and Eli! You will always be Champions in my book!
Thursday, May 18
Red Sox win back to back A.L. Championships
With their second straight win last night against the Reds, the Red Sox clinched their first back to back A.L. Championship. They will represent the American League, Majors Division for East Bay Little League at the annual District 13 Tournament of Champions.
Dylan Drawdy hit a 2-run blast to deep left center field, Robert had a double to left and 3 rbi's, Michael Botto pitched 3 solid innings and the defense was superb once again.
Its been a great year guys, now lets represent our park well at the upcoming tournament.
Congratulations!!
Friday, May 12
Red Sox take 4 straight from the Mets
The Red Sox beat the Mets for the fourth time this season with solid defense, excellent pitching and timely hitting. Dylan only gave up three runs, and the offense contributed in a big way with base hits by Michael, Justin, Dylan, Josh, Robert, Matt L., Eli, Matt B and Matt C. Matt B also made a big catch in left field at a critical time in the game. It was a good game; and, while the bats started off a little slow, they came through when it mattered the most. Good game Sox, keep it going for Saturday!!
Tuesday, May 2
Sox go 3 for 3 vs. Yankees
In the third game of the series, the Red Sox again shutdown the Yankees beating them handily 10-0. Josh Kemper pitched three shutout innings and Matt Luber pitched the fourth without giving up any runs. Every player in the lineup hit the ball and the Sox ended the game in a hurry after a slow start. Defense was outstanding with Dylan turning a double play and Matty hitting the cutoff man at second and then throwing to 3rd to Nick who tagged out a runner. It was a solid all around effort by everyone. Good game Sox!
Sunday, April 23
Red Sox go to 11 and 1 with win over Mets
In a totally dominating effort, the Red Sox beat the Mets 11 - 2 to improve to 11 and 1 on the year. Matt Birch, Austin, Robert, Justin, Nick, Josh and Dylan all had base hits. Eli made some fantastic catches in center and right center field. Austin did a great job of getting to a ball hit down the left field line, hitting his cutoff man, and getting the runner caught in a pickle between second and third where he was tagged out. Truly a fantastic play. Josh Kemper threw a 6 inning complete game only surrendering 2 runs on 2 or three hits. Great game guys, eight more to go!!!
Handout:
Stats 18 April
Wednesday, April 19
Red Sox escape with a win.
In a hard fought game, dominated by pitching, the Red Sox pulled out a 2-1 win over the Cardinals. Pitching for both teams was superb, and Dylan stealing home proved to be the difference. Robert threw out a runner trying to steal, Josh and Eli each had a hit, and Justin had two hits. We have to hit the ball better on Saturday guys. Keep working hard.
Wednesday, April 5
Red Sox beat the Yankees, again.
Dylan threw a 5 inning, 53 pitch, no hit shutout, while striking out 10 hitters against the Yankees and the Red Sox scored 10 runs, 4 coming in the first inning, thanks to some errors by the Yankees. Michael, Dylan, Eli, Justin and Robert all had base hits. Good game Red Sox. We are very proud of each one of you.
Sunday, April 2
Red Sox get revenge
The Red Sox got their revenge against the Reds team that, up to today, had given the Sox their only loss of the season. The Sox had baserunners each inning and ended scoring 11 runs on their way to their 7th win in 8 games. Once again, pitching and defense was good enough to secure the win and the bats had enough pop when we needed them the most. Michael Botto, Nick, Robert, Eli and Justin all had base hits. Good game guys, we only have 12 games remaining. Almost halfway to our goal. Keep working!!!
Handout:
Stats1April
Tuesday, March 28
Red Sox pound red birds
In what appeared to be a close 3-1 game going into the bottom of the 5th inning, turned ugly in a hurry for the Cardinals. The Red Sox scored 8 runs in the 5th with base hits by Justin, Dylan, Josh and Eli with a bunt base hit. Sean Bannon also recorded his first hit of the year last night. Robert also had a shot to deep center field. Defense was pretty solid all night and the Red Sox ended the game after 5 innings with the 10 run mercy rule. Way to go Red Sox. Great job!
Handout:
Stats27Mar
Monday, March 20
Red Sox pound the ball in lopsided win
In a dramatic display of offensive power, the Red Sox pound out 14 hits, with 11 RBI's, 4 doubles and 10 singles. Robert Berning had 3 singles and a double, Justin had 2 singles and a double, Michael had 2 base hits, Matt L. had 2 base hits, Nick had a base hit, Austin and Melman each had a double and Sean and Matt C. both drew 2 walks each. It was a great game with only 9 players. Well done, boys!!! Keep working hard!!
Handout:
Stats
Tuesday, March 14
Sox turn the Mets red!
Pitching again was outstanding with Matt Luber striking out 5 hitters and Dylan Drawdy striking out 4. The bats were alive all night and the defense was solid when it had to be. As a team, we looked totally dominant. Way to go guys!!! Keep it up! - Stats are located on the Handouts Page.
Handout:
STATS
Tuesday, March 14
Red Sox take game one of the game's best rivalry
Pitching absolutely dominated in this game with Red Sox pitchers striking out 13 Yankee hitters. Dylan Drawdy went deep again for his second long ball of the year. Sean Bannon made an outstanding defensive play in left center throwing to Dylan at short who threw to Melman at third to tag out a runner. Great game Sox, keep playing hard.
Wednesday, March 8
Sox lose a tough one.
The Red Sox had a tough day at the ballpark on this night committing several errors which allowed several unearned runs. Those runs proved to be too much to overcome. The Sox never quite battling though. In the 5th inning, Justin Rose stepped to the plate with a man on, and blasted a rope to deep left center field for a two run homerun. Dylan followed with a single up the middle and then Kemper drove him in with a double to center. Josh pitched three innings and Dylan closed out the last three. We'll get'em next time boys!! Keep your heads up!!!
Sunday, March 5
Sox pull out a close one.
The Red Sox moved to 2-0 with a tough fought win over a solid Cardinals team. With the score 3-1 Red Sox, Dylan Drawdy stepped to the plate and hit what proved to be the game winning run by hitting a towering solo home run to deep left center field. Matt Luber pitched 2 solid innings, Josh Kemper added one and Dylan threw the last three to earn the save. Good game guys, let's keep rolling!
Friday, March 3
Sox make Rays see Red!!
The Red Sox started out the 2006 season with a win against the Devil Rays. The bats were strong with Justin Rose and Matt Luber each having a double and a single, Josh Kemper had two singles, Robert Berning had a double and Nick Bynum had a single. Josh Kemper through three shutout innings striking out 4 and walking 4, and Matt Luber came slammed the door shut in the fourth striking out two. Good game Red Sox, on to game 2.
WELCOME!
The Red Sox would like to welcome the Luber, Bynum, Favata, Crilly and Bannon families to the team this year. We are excited to have Mathew, Nick, Austin, Mathew and Sean as members of the Red Sox team. It should be a fun, exciting and competitive year!!
It's a new year!
The Red Sox had an amazing run last year by coming from nowhere to win the American League Championship. While the team lost some key players, it also has a core group of talented players returning for another shot a winning another championship. The coaches are excited and looking forward to another fun season with the Red Sox.
SOX WIN, SOX WIN!!!!!!!
After winning the second half of the season with a 5-5 record, the Sox found themselves in best of three series against a very tough and good hitting Mets team.
In the first game of the series, Justin Gwinn was fantastic. He pitched a complete game only giving up two runs. The bats were alive in this one and the Sox came out of the first game with a 7-2 win.
In the second game, the Mets threw their ace and he didn't disappoint. While the Sox hitters only struck out 5 times, they were only able to manage 2 runs against a very good pitcher. The Sox played well the entire game, but the Mets ended up evening the series 1-1 with a 6-2 win.
The Championship Game lived up to its name. The Mets jumped out early to a 3-0 lead in the second. But, with one on and no body out, Dylan Drawdy stepped to the plate and put the Sox right back in the game with a 2-run blast to left center. The Mets were able to put three more runs on the board in the third and fourth inning thanks to a couple of Red Sox errors. In the fifth inning the Sox were able to put three runs on the board thanks to some timely clutch hitting after the Mets pitchers struggled to find the strike zone.
In the top of the sixth inning, Dylan Drawdy was strong on the hill with his only one, two, three inning of the game. With the Mets winning 6-5 in the bottom of the sixth, the Mets pitcher walked the first batter. They struck out the next hitter, and then, with one man on, Ricky Kyler doubled down the right field line to tie the game. Then, Josh Kemper hit a ball back to the pitcher, but the first baseman missed it and allowed Ricky to score the winning run from second base.
It was a fantastic, exciting game. The boys battled and kept playing hard the entire time and earned, not only a big win, but also the right to be called East Bay Little Leage, Majors Division, American League Champions, and the right to represent East Bay at the annual Presidents Tournament of Champions.
Way to go guys, I am so proud of each one of you. Congratulations, American League Champions!!!!
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