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CBC celebrates District Teams
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Kevin Burdette (top left), manager of the 10-11 District Team, which was the 2015 State Runner-up, introduced his players at the Canfield Baseball Club’s celebration of its three 2015 District Teams, which all won their District Tournaments, on Aug. 29.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.The Canfield Baseball Club honored its 9-10 District Tournament Championship Team and 2015 State Champions, managed by George Beck, at the Canfield Baseball Club’s celebration of its three 2015 District Teams on Aug. 29.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Canfield Baseball Club President Jack Kucek welcomed the teams, coaches, family and friends to the club’s celebration of its three 2015 District Teams, which all won their District Tournaments, on Aug. 29.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.The Canfield Baseball Club celebrated the three 2015 District Teams, which all won their District Tournaments this summer, with a picnic at McCune Park on Aug. 29.
By ABBY SLANKER
The Canfield Baseball Club celebrated the three 2015 District Teams, which all won their District Tournaments this summer, with a picnic at McCune Park on Aug. 29. The Canfield Cardinals 9-10 district baseball team, 10-11 district baseball team and 11-12 district baseball team were all crowned 2015 Ohio District 2 Champions in their respective age group.
Canfield Baseball Club President Jack Kucek welcomed the teams, coaches, family and friends to the picnic.
“For the first time in Canfield Baseball Club history, all three district teams won their district tournaments in the same year. It all starts in November or December and the kids work very hard through January. During the recreation season, the kids hone their skills and get even better,” Kucek said.
Kucek also thanked the coaches and managers for their hard work.
“I would also like to recognize and thank all our managers and coaches for the hard work they put in with their respective teams. Also, we wouldn’t be here if not for the moms and dads, and I will include grandparents here, who brought the kids to practices and games and cheered them on,” Kucek said.
Kucek then introduced Duke Star, manager of the 11-12 District Team.
“I am very proud of this team. Everyone member of the team made an effort for the team. I am hoping many of them stick with baseball. They are really great kids,” Star said.
Kucek introduced Kevin Burdette, manager of the 10-11 District Team, which was the 2015 State Runner-up.
“First, I would like to acknowledge the great things these boys have done this year. We have had a lot of fun and have a lot of great memories. They worked hard and I am proud of their effort. They couldn’t have worked any harder, and I thank them for that. And we are proud of all the Canfield teams and their accomplishments,” Burdette said.
Kucek introduced George Beck, manager of the 9-10 District Team and 2015 State Champions.
“It’s a great thing for Canfield Baseball to have its three district teams win three district titles in one year. It says a lot about our club and our boys. I learned a lot about this team during the state tournament. When we suffered our one loss, it was a challenge to these boys. You can really see the character of a player when you lose. I could tell these boys couldn’t wait to get back on the field and win. And they did. I am very proud of them,” Beck said.
Beck also recognized his coaching staff, saying he could not do this alone.
“It’s nice to get all these accolades for winning, but I cannot go without saying I could not have done this alone. I have the three best coaches in Canfield and they are very good friends of mine. Barry Daggett, Larry Slanker and Rick Havrilla were as invested in this team and I was, and like I said, this would not have happened without them. And I also want to say, without the parents, none of this happens,” Beck said.
Beck closed in saying Canfield Baseball has a bright future.
“I look forward to the future. It gets tougher every year and now we have a big bullseye on our chest. People are starting to realize Canfield can play baseball,” Beck said to loud applause.