Coach Pete Petros’s 2008 Athletics brought home the coaches second consecutive league championship after knocking off perennial champions the Royals last season. Last years race went down the last game of the season an exciting A’s win over the White Sox who were runner up in ’07.
This years’ season was different. The A’s, who finished 19-2 in league were considered the team to beat from the outset and often faced opponents best pitching. As evidenced when the Royals’ ace Michael Theofanopoulos spun a shutout gem, allowing the second place Royals to hang one of the two league losses the A’s suffered. The A’s had outstanding leadership from their 15’s which included three year players Chris Keck, Cameron Rowland, and Garret Moore. Alex Olsterholt was the teams leading pitcher often taking on the toughest opponents. 1st year teammate Patrick Gibbons played outstanding at 3rd base all year and was a valuable addition to the squad. The 14’s played key roles in the championship season led by right handed pitchers Chad Binanchi and Shane Jackson, who were ably caught by Brandon Wu. Left handers Nate Vincent and Ryan Foley delivered at the plate and played outstanding defense. Our 13 year old players promise to make big contributions in 2008 all stars and in next years season.
Many thanks to the coaching staff and the teams in the league who make winning the championship so rewarding. Four years ago Coach Petros took over a team that won 4 games the prior year. With the help coach Paul Keck and future helmsman Paul Pluschkell they have developed a winning tradition that the players are proud to be a part of. We wish the best to departing coaches Petros and Keck, they will be missed.
