On Sunday, August 3rd the 2008 season for the Tritons 16U Baseball Club came to an abrupt end with a disappointing 4-3 loss to the North Delta Blue Jays. As a result, the Tritons were eliminated from the 2008 BCJPBL Championships. Season over!
The untimely loss brought to an end of a 336 day journey for many aspireing ball players, starting in September 2007 with fall baseball. After the countless hours over the course of the winter and the early spring exhibitions series, this group of individuals came together to be a team in every sense of the word. After a slow start in the spring the club gained momentum and the confidence to compete. From the first week in May the club reeled off 23 victories from the remaining 29 games of the schedule finishing in second place (27-13), 2 games behind 2008 League Champions, the Abbotsford Jr. Cardinals. Unfortunately in our case as quickly as we caught fire and found that ever elusive confidence, we then somehow let it slip away at an critical stage of the season.
Despite the screeching halt to this season there is much to be proud about and the accomplishments that many of the players have made through out this past season. There were many outstanding performances to reflect on, in addition to the personal growth that many experienced this season. With an overall record of 51-26 (.671) that included over 20 games in the US, this years edition of the Tritons 16U program has established a benchmark for the 2009 group to match. Although we will be graduating a number of key individuals to our 18U club, I would like to personally thank those for their efforts and success in providing the leadership that made this season the success that it was. We are very confident the returning players having also contributed to this success will have now acquired some of these same tools and experience to confidently lead the the next group into the fall and winter training.
I would be remiss not to acknowledge the support of the parents and families of our players. A large commitment is required to play at this level from both players and parents alike in order for our program to be successful. We had a special group that made this long journey seem like it only started a few weeks ago. Your support had much to do with the clubs success for that I would like to express my thanks on behalf of the coaching staff. Like the players I hope you will enjoy your remaining summer away from the park.
At this time I would like to express my deep appreciation and thanks to our coaching staff. Without the efforts of Matt Walker and Darcy Sidhoo this year would not have turned out in the manner it did. The development and personal growth of our roster would simply not have been possible without their dedication and personal sacrifices.
I would like to close by saying that this years group of players is as determined as I have experienced in the 20 years I have been coaching. This was and remains a special group. Despite the success in reaching our goal, all of your experiences gained as a result of your hard work will only make you a better person and player for the future. You can all look back on the season with a great deal of pride and a sense of personal accomplishment. Winning or losing championships does not define your success as a team nor as an individual. At this point in your development, how you choose to respond and the skills you acquire for the future does.
Enjoy the rest of the summer, you have earned it!
Finally, I would ask that players please check the site for news concerning the plans for our wind-up. Also we plan to conduct exit meeting with all players before the fall. There will be information posted on the site for that as well, so be sure to stay in touch.
Remember, there is never an off season! See you in the fall.
