One loss, but many successes

COLUMBUS -- They'll be together for the final time on Sunday, but the good-byes started on Thursday. Every baseball team has a story, but this team was a little different. A little closer. A little better.
And on Thursday, a little sadder.
"Without a doubt, this was the best team ever at Canfield," said Cardinal baseball coach Tony Ross. "It's been a great ride."
Canfield's 16 seniors will graduate on Sunday. They came within one game of their dream, losing to Steubenville 3-2 in the Division II state semifinal at Cooper Stadium.
Something similar happened in 1998, when nine of these players came within one game of the Little League World Series.
But this time it's different. This time, it's the last time.
"It's tough," senior Frank Turocy said. "We're like family."
Will hurt for awhile
They'll stay in touch, but it will never be the same. That doesn't mean their futures aren't bright. But when you've been through so much, how can you help but be a little sad?
"They've had a great career for us," Ross said. "I think this is going to hurt for awhile, but it will go away. They've been more memorable than any team I've ever coached."
Ross took over at Canfield three years ago. He's seen these guys grow up, grow together and become just the second team in school history to get this far.
"The further you get, the tougher it is to lose," Ross said. "But they'll take these memories with them and carry them the rest of their lives."
Every player has a story. There's Chad Baker. He was 7-0. He's arguably the Cardinals' ace. He would have pitched the state final. Instead, he'll get ready for his career at Pitt a few days early.
There's Justin Kucek. His father, Jack, was a major league pitcher with the White Sox, Phillies and Blue Jays. Justin was held back in eighth grade and developed into an outstanding football player. He'll punt at Minnesota next season.
Grace and dignity
There's Rick Banna. He was 9-0 before Thursday and pitched well enough to win. But sometimes you need a little luck. Thursday, he didn't get it. But Banna didn't hide. When a few reporters asked him to talk, he answered every question with grace and dignity.
That's called class. Anyone can talk after a win. To talk after losing the biggest game of your career is a different story.
After the game, Turocy was asked to name his favorite memory of the season. He didn't hesitate.
"Getting this far," he said. "Getting to play here."
Banna mentioned beating arch-rival Poland -- "twice," he said -- and the team's trip to Myrtle Beach during spring break. The trip -- capped by a title game win over Fitch -- came during a 15-game win streak. They won in every way imaginable this season -- blowouts, shutouts, squeakers -- and it took one of Steubenville's best games of the season to beat them.
Only two non-seniors made this year's roster -- junior pitcher Josh McKenney and sophomore infielder Chris Morris -- and graduation will definitely hurt next year's team.
It will hurt this year's team, too.
"Everyone's going their separate ways," said Banna. "But most of us are staying pretty close. I'm sure we'll stay in touch. I'm sure we'll see each other."
Fan support
They won't forget each other. The community won't either. Hundreds of fans made the trip to Columbus for Thursday's game. They made signs. They painted their faces. They wore matching shirts.
Heck, some of them even wore matching beanies.
And when the game was over, they lingered for awhile, not wanting to say good-bye.
The same thing will happen at Sunday's graduation ceremony. Only this time, it will be for good.
But what they accomplished this season will linger for years to come. The younger players will remember this game. The program will stay strong. And the Cardinals will have another chance.
Someday.
"Hopefully, we'll make another trip," Ross said.
And if they do, Ross will look back on this year's team and remember what they accomplished.
And he'll smile.
XJoe Scalzo is a sportswriter for The Vindicator. Write him at scalzo@vindy.com.