Ave Maria Tigers Have Big Turnaround Season
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- Published on Monday, 30 May 2011 15:02
What a difference a year makes.
After failing to win a game in their inaugural Little League season in 2010, the Ave Maria Tigers came roaring back to post a 14-3 record this season against the Golden Gate and Gulf Coast Minor A leagues - both of which have much more established programs and a larger pool of potential players.
The Tigers acquired a number of new players who joined a strong nucleus of players returning from last year.
"The team combined consistent pitching, steady fielding, key hits, and aggressive base running to drive the stunning turnaround," said coach Ken Mahrle.
"While certain players anchored key positions, they were surrounded by indispensable utility fielders who could be interchanged throughout the field," he said, adding, "the Tigers had no less than 10 players pitch and 8 players catch at some point throughout the season - a manager's dream."
T
he team, clockwise from top left:
Joe Pakaluk - First Base, Second Base
JP Raiger - Utility Fielder
Mark DeLiso - Utility Fielder
Daniel Ledesma - Catcher
Nick Mahrle - Pitcher, First Base
John Narcisco - Third Base
Kenny Longley - Pitcher, Shortstop, Catcher
Sam Moore - Utility Fielder
Michael Joyce - Utility Fielder
Peter Williams - Utility Fielder
Tristen Emmans - Utility Fielder
Isaiah Emmans - Shortstop, Second Base, Pitcher
Francis Adames (not pictured) - Pitcher, Shortstop
Coaches - Drew Emmans and Ken Mahrle