While the COVID-19 pandemic has put to rest any hopes of an official Babe Ruth state championship this season, don’t tell that to the three Lynn Babe Ruth teams still playing. The Lynn 13s, 14s and 15s are all right in the mix for a new kind of state title this summer — the state title that comes from winning the newly established “COVID Games” event.
The COVID Games, which received special approval from Gov. Charlie Baker’s office to host the event, has brought together teams from around the state for a series of games. Teams are guaranteed at least four games, two at home and two on the road, and started off with pool play to determine who will move on to play for the championship. Pool play started last Friday night for all teams, and the eventual championship game is planned for Sept. 12 at BC High.
All three Lynn teams are right in the thick of the hunt for a state title, as each team has opened up the pool play portion of the event with a 2-0 record.
The Lynn 13s are made up of Alberto Gerardo, Alex Lara, Andy Beras, Anthony Alvarado, Brendan O’Regan Jr., Christian Figueroa, Devin Wlodkowski, Elian Pena, Gio Batista, Guilmer Galva, Jared Paone, Jariel Benzan, Jojo Hernandez, John Pichardo and Wilfredo Perez Jr. Josh McGrath serves as manager for the 13s, while Mike Leavitt, Kevin Durant, Abu Patrick and Brendan O’Regan Sr. serve as coaches.
“Our team is hardworking and we never give up,” said McGrath. “The biggest part of our game is defense and pitching. We’ve gotten an early lead in both of our games so far and we’ve been able to hold them because of our great defense.
“All of these guys have each other’s backs,” McGrath added. “They all know that win or lose, they fight together as one every game.”
The Lynn 14s roster consists of Richie Avery, Will McCafferty, Juniel Guzman, Almani Medina, Janier Rodriguez, Diggy Rodriguez, Gabe Diaz, Nevin Gonzalez, Anthony Cedeno, Alex McMillan, John Disia, Lew Hopkins, Mornel Castro, Braedon Lundon and Darnell Leon. The Lynn 14s are managed by Rich Avery, while Bill McCafferty, Pablo Rodriguez, Kyle Candeliri and Pat Whelan serve as coaches.
“Our team prides itself on being strong both mentally and fundamentally and we have a team-first attitude at all times,” said Avery. “We all have our roles on this team and we just try to be the best we can be every day out there.”
The Lynn 15s are made up of Brady Bullock, Yordy Contreras, Denielle Ortiz, Brendan Falasca, Knico Ramirez, Shea Palmer, Christian Spates, Doran Benzan, Chanel Gutierrez, Tyler Maynard, William Devereaux, Dariel Echavarria, TJ Walsh, Cole Finnigan and John Diaz. Christian Burt serves as manager for the Lynn 15s, while Liam Devereaux, James Reiling and Dayshon Anderson serve as coaches.
“This team is hungry and ready to win,” said Burt. “They really are all a great group of kids, and with their mindset they plan on going out and winning it all.”
All three teams provide a big point of pride for all of Lynn Babe Ruth in such a crazy year.
“On behalf of our league and our Board, I have to express how proud we are of all these kids,” said Lynn Babe Ruth President Jeff Earp. “All three teams have been working incredibly hard and they are all fully committed to winning a state championship. There’s still a long way to go and anything can happen, but if effort and attitude count for anything then we can expect great things.”
All three teams will be back in action over the next few days, with the Lynn 13s and 14s hitting the field on Saturday afternoon and the Lynn 15s taking the field again on Monday evening.