Team Select 12u has now been crowned Champions at each of their first two Fall 2013 Tournaments,  dispatching a very talented F.S. Elite Team 6-0 in their semi-final game, then defeating MVP Pines in the finals, to bring home the Coral Springs Labor Day Bash Tournament Championship on Sunday.  Congratulations to all the kids that endured the weather delays and heat to compete at South Florida 12U Baseball’s Top Level…Especially the kids from MVP Pines who were true weekend warriors in playing Team Select as their 4^th Game of the day!  What an incredible accomplishment to have played that game, indeed a fantastic group of Kids, dedicated Coaches and super committed Parents.  It was a grueling day of intense competition for Team Select as it defeated Team Elevate in its first elimination game (4-0) in a rain-delayed game that featured the superior pitching of Ryan Pinto and hitting of Brandon Ortiz, Nikko Boza, and Isaiah Hood.  Game 2 for Team Select featured the shut-down pitching of Isaiah Hood for 3-innings, along with his 2-Run Homer and multiple hit games from J.J. Toler, Tim Manning, Hunter Furtado, Keanu Torres, and Brandon Ortiz, as well as the valiant efforts of catchers Colin Flynn and Chris Satcher.   Team Select then captured the Championship against MVP Pines 12U behind the outstanding pitching of Brandon Ortiz, Hunter Furtado & Ryan Pinto, along with great defensive plays and early hitting by Tim Manning, Keanu Torres, J.J. Toler, Nikko Boza, and Isaiah Hood.  All of Team Select’s players and Coaches were quick to point out the Team’s outstanding defensive effort, particularly catcher Chris Satcher (Tournament MVP), whom the Coaches described as a Warrior all weekend!   Team Select’s Pitching & Defense were characterized by competing coaches as a “clinic” since Team Select only allowed an average of ½ run per game throughout the tournament.   Aside from a single pool game, no other opponent scored more than a single run against Team Select’s defense all weekend. Though injured, Select’s Jet Lica contributed throughout the weekend to this Team’s spirit and base running, keeping Team Select on track for this Championship.  Congratulations also to Team MVP Pines, as this Team’s Coaches and Players exuded the superior class for which they are known, throughout the day, specifically in the Championship.  All agree it was truly a valiant effort by MVP Pines Players & Coaches!       

Manager John Calabrese remarked, “Our bats, gloves & kids were sluggish to begin this Tournament” but by Sunday’s first elimination game, we had their attention.  This team is just scratching the surface of how good it can become and we’re all pleased to have these Parents, these Boys, and this set of Coaches back together.  Now we will truly see how far these boys can go because we believe in every one of them and Coach Toler, Coach Satcher, Coach Lica, Coach Boza and I plan to bring out the very best in each of these young men along the way.”  Coach Calabrese also remarked, “Yes, the #1 National Ranking is nice, but we would rather have that ranking at the end of the fall season.  This Team is just beginning to gel, but this start shows that these boys are a special group that all believe can compete  in a championship-type tournament down the road.  In addition to Manager Calabrese and Coaches Toler & Satcher, Team Select 12U are led by Coaches Steve Lica, Frank Boza, Tim Manning, Tom Flynn and Milton Torres.  Congratulations to the Team Select 12U Players, Coaches and very dedicated Parents!  GREAT JOB & GO TEAM SELECT!