The Newport Garden Center Marlins won their 1st Newport Little League Championship since 2003 with a 4-3 win over the Yankees on Thurs. night. The Marlins fell behind 2-0 after the 1st inning but scored 3 times in the 3rd to take a 3-2 lead, the Marlins added  another run in the 4th to push the lead to 4-2. The Yankees scored 1 in the 5th to close to 4-3 and threatened with runners on 1st & 3rd with one out when the Marlins turned a ground ball to 3rd into an out at the plate as the runner tried to score. With 2 outs and runners at 2nd & 3rd Beau Bryan picked up a strikeout for the 3rd out preserving the lead. In the 6th Beau struck out the 1st batter before handing the ball to Justin Locklear after reaching his pitch count limit. Justin struck out his 1st batter for the 2nd out then Johnathon Black snarred a hard hit line drive heading for the right field fence for the dramatic 3rd and final out of the season.

 Beau Bryan picked up the win on the mound going 5.1 innings allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, surrendering only 2 walks and striking out 8. Offensively the Marlins managed 7 hits and drew just 3 walks as the Yankee defense was nothing short of spectacular at times stealing several base hits away from some frustrated Marlins hitters. The Marlins strung together 3 hits with 1 out in the 3rd and after a Yankee throwing error pushed across their 1st 3 runs. Jacob Patterson led of the 4th with a bunt single and later score the desisive 4th run. Beau Bryan led the offense going 2-2 with a walk, Justin Locklear went 2-3 with a run scored.

 I'am very proud of my players, coaches, and parents for the way they hung in there all season through the highs and lows without losing sight of the ultimate goal. I'd like to thank ex-Marlin manager David Oglesby for helping me put this group of 12yr olds together 3 years ago knowing that 2009 was the year for the Marlins. It is hard to imagine never coaching this team again but nice to know we finished on top. The Marlins finished the year with a record of 18-3, scoring and average of just under 10 runs per game and allowing a scant 3.5 runs a game leading the league in each category. The Marlins dominated the competition throughout the season and left little doubt with their play this week that they were deserving of the Newport Little League Championship. To my players, Justin Locklear, Beau Bryan, Johnathon Black, Bobby Staub, Nathan Lewis, Kirby Mills, Cameron Dingman, Johnathon Meadows, Brett Bryan, Brice Stewart, Jacob Patterson, and Noah Souviney i'd like to say good luck next year and thank you for allowing me the privledge of coaching you. To my coaches Ed Staub and John Black and Team Mom Janie Black thank you for all your help and patience and good luck next year as you assume the reigns.

The Marlins enjoyed great team success this year and needed contributions from all 12 players to win the Newport Little League Championship in 2009, but i'd still like to recognize the statistical team leaders in several categories.

Hits                                 Batting Average                     On-Base % 

1-Bobby Staub-45                          1-Bobby Staub-.682                 1-Bobby Staub-.731 

2-Beau Bryan-36                            2-Beau Bryan-.590                   2-Beau Bryan-.688

3-Justin Locklear-29                      3-Justin Locklear-.500            3-J. Locklear-.638

4-Johnathon Black-27                     4-Johnathon Meadows-.467      4-J. Meadows-.564

5-Johnathon Meadows-21                 5-Johnathon Black-.415           5-Kirby Mills-.522 

Walks                              Home Runs              Team B.Avg .428       Team O.B.% .545

1-Justin Locklear-22         1-Beau Bryan-7 (Led League)                                           

2-Kirby Mills-21               2-Bobby Staub-4 (2nd in League)

3-Beau Bryan-19                3-Johnathon Black-1

4-Cameron Dingman-13

5-Bobby Staub-12

 Pitching

Wins-        Bobby Staub 9, Beau Bryan 6, Cameron Dingman 2, Justin Locklear 1

Strikeouts-Bobby Staub 97, Beau Bryan 48, Cameron Dingman 28, Justin Locklear 18

E.R.A.- Beau Bryan 3.36, Bobby Staub 3.97

The Marlins would like to send our condolences to the family of Gary Carter on his passing. Gary served as President of Newport Little League for the past 22 years and was an asset to the Town of Newport for much longer. His leadership, vision and hard work took Newport Little League from ordinary to a district power. Gary was also a good man and good friend to myself and he will be missed. I met Gary in 1987 as a 13 ball player and later worked beside him as a route salesman, Gary always offered me help and guidance and continued to do the same when I started coaching 8 years ago. Gary will never be replaced or forgotten but we should all see to it that Newport Little League continues to thrive in his memory.

Marlins full season game schedule is now posted! Click " Schedules " for info.