Grant Lewis was awarded the game's MVP for starting the ballgame with four shutout innings for Orland Park. He was helped by some good defensive plays, particularly from Cody Gountounas, who made three great plays at second base.
I appreciated the opportunity to have worked along with such an experienced and excellent coaching staff. Our coaches (in alphabetical order)--Gary Dietz, Tom Hughes, Dave Lewis and Matt Rafferty) bring years of baseball experience and positive attitudes to the field. I learned a lot from them over the past two months.
I also enjoyed coaching this outstanding group of players. It can be difficult maintaining a positive environment while losing ballgames, but this team continued to battle through the last out of the tournament.
Although our team was eliminated from this tournament during pool play, I believe that it accomplished the three goals that we established in early June:
- Respect the game (opponents, teammates, officials and yourself)
- Learn more about the game
- Have fun
I look forward to seeing many of you during Fall baseball and in the Pony League next Spring.
Glenn Nagel
