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Yankees finally win 18th game at Knapp Ranch

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Contributed by: Pam Vetter on 6/7/2008

Imagine losing 17 baseball games in a row and finally winning your 18th game. That is exactly what happened in the Juniors division of the Knapp Ranch Baseball League as Yankees players, parents and coaches had tears of joy filling their eyes.

When the Yankees players arrived for the playoff game against the Angels, they were smiling.

"We could win today, you never know," one of the boys told players in the Yankees' dugout before the game.

While it seemed impossible to other teams that the Yankees could rise from the ashes of 17 losses, the Yankees never stopped believing in themselves.

By the end of the first inning, the score was 6-to-1 as the Yankees were leading the Angels. Finally, the possibility of winning seemed within reach.

Through hard-fought innings between the two teams, the final score was 11-to-5 with the Yankees on top. Applause and cheers rose from the supportive crowd.

Coach Marc Bender was proud of his team.

"This win was great for our team, but our team attitude was greater," Bender said. "I was thrilled with these kids before today's win and I'm glad all of their hard work paid off."

Coach Spencer Lord had only two words to share after the game: "We won!"

Assistant Coach Eli Palomares was enjoying the pizza party with the kids after the first win of the season.

"I appreciate the kids so much. All of the practices they came to and they played hard," Palomares said. "We had a fantastic group of supportive parents and that also helped with the spirit of the team."

Steve Gordon, whose son, Jeremy, was an incredible catcher and had big hits during the season, was pleased with the outcome.

"This is a well-deserved win. The boys played hard all season long," Gordon said smiling, "and it's a nice culmination for the season."

Yankees player Jimmy Forrester, who played center outfielder, first baseman and pitcher during the season, had fun playing baseball as he also found his own success on the field.

"After zero and 17, we finally won!" Forrester cheered. "The best part of the year for me was making great fly ball catches and getting hits that turned into runs. I will be back next year!"

In response to the win, player Jared Mills was grinning from ear-to-ear.

"We worked as a team and we won," Mills said. "My best moment was getting three for three without getting out."

Player Ian Monterrosa looked relaxed after the game.

"Finally, after winning, I feel relieved," Monterrosa said.

Ian Vetter, who enjoyed playing every position, will always remember the 18th game for the two doubles that he hit to the fence.

"I had a great season. After each loss, I went around and shook hands with the winning coaches. We got snack whether we won or we lost, but we never quit trying," Vetter explained. "My former coach, Steve Ross, even came onto the field after one loss and helped me with my pitching. On my own team, Coach Spencer helped me learn about pitching and catching. Coach Marc and Coach Eli gave me positive encouragement."

"Even though I played with a broken nose, the best part of the season was playing pitcher and striking out my friends," Vetter added, "I'll definitely play at Knapp again next year!"

Playoffs continue for many of the teams at Knapp Ranch with the final championship games to be played next weekend.

For more information about Knapp Ranch Baseball in West Hills, visit www.KnappRanchBaseball.com.

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

Submitted By: Marion Green

posted on 6/13/2008 @ 1:36:29 PM

Rated Story

Pam, A wonderful story and a great example of persistence and not giving up. It is obvious the team understands what sportsmanship is all about. Nice to read a story with wholesome values illustrated. Now, about them Lakers...! Marion

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Submitted By: Jackie Houchin

posted on 6/8/2008 @ 5:49:21 PM

Rated Story

Great, encouraging story, Pam. Those kids sound fantastic, and the win - coming right at the end - was terrific. Thanks for letting us know about this team of good players and positive thinkers1

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Pam Vetter

West Hills , CA

Pam Vetter has posted 287 stories and 75 comments since joining on 8/21/2006. Pam Vetter 's average story rating is 4.98.

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