Written by Rosemarie Mello | 31 August 2009

Another exciting year in baseball especially for a few of our local 9 year olds + under.
Four months ago, Kyle Brady, Ryan Mello, Sam Alexander and Michael Rogers, your average 8 and 9 year olds, were anxious to start playing a good game of baseball. They were divided up playing their part in two teams representing Harpswell in Mt. Ararat's Minor Baseball League. Matt Rogers was head coach of one team and Chuck Alexander was head coach of the other; both very strong teams in the league that delivered very exciting games to the fans. With the end of the season and the boys hearts still in the game, as coaches choice, they tried out for Ararat's 9U All Star team: a team which almost didn't exist. In question, was there enough boys to develop a contending team?
The board of Ararat's Cal Ripkin Baseball put a 12 player 9U team together for the State Tournament in Mechanic Falls. Coach Ed Swan and two assistant coaches Chuck Alexander and Reuben Wheeler with our Harpswell boys Kyle, Ryan, Sam and Michael and eight other boys Brendan Emmons, Corson Swan, Cayden Temple, Matt Rhines, Gideon Wheeler, Ben Freeman, Nate Leslie and Nick Merrill from Bowdoin, Bowdoinham and Richmond became the Ararat's 9U battling team with Matt Rogers keeping score. Ararat remained undefeated after playing Gardiner, Brunswick, Skowhegan and Gorham.
Saturday, August 1st in the championship game against Skowhegan, Ararat boys found their strength once again. Coming back more than once from a deficit, Coach Swan knew the boys would never give up. Fans and team chanted a like, with Ararat's spirit and will unbroken, they won 8-7, undefeated. Eliminating 16 other teams, Ararat 9U became State Champions. Each member of Ararat team received an individual 1st place State Championship trophy. Ararat holds the team state trophy for a year and they won the right to advance on to the 2009 9 yr old Cal Ripkin New England Regional tourney hosted by Dover, N.H.
Friday, August 7th found Ararat boys and their families in Dover N.H. Festivities planned all afternoon included a parade, a skill challenge and a picnic. Games began on Saturday, August 8th. Ararat's first game was against host Dover. A tough game with many errors found Dover defeating Ararat 7-2. A player was chosen from each team as "player of the game". Corson Swan walked away with the title and a pin. The Second game played Sunday, August 9th against Burlington E Mass again delivered a loss, 3-3 tie with Burlington E Mass gaining the winning score in overtime. It was an intense and well played game until the end, with Ryan Mello earning "player of the game" title and a pin. With double elimination, the tournament was over for Ararat.
The boys came home early in the Tournament but hopefully holding their heads high, as they have accomplished a major feat in a minors baseball game. Congratulations to the Ararat 9U team!! Each player holds an important role to the team. It took tremendous team effort to become State Champs. The boys through out the season showed sensational sportsmanship. The team had an opportunity to experience in one baseball season what most won't experience in a life time. This season built a mutual respect for the game and will surely carry fond memories for all, forever.
If you run into these Harpswell boys, be sure to give them a high-five and don't be afraid to tell them how proud you are of their success.