Wethersfield Takes on the Big Leagues

By Chelsea Pinchera

On May 10, 2017, the Wethersfield Varsity Boys Baseball team took to Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford, CT to face Southington, where they lost 8-6. Dunkin Donuts Park is the brand new home of the minor league baseball team, The Yard Goats and holds many home games throughout the Spring-Summer Season.

This year’s team with a record of 9-6 consists of 38 players from sophomores to seniors. This year’s graduating seniors are James Sullivan (who will play at the University of Virginia next year), Tyler Fote (playing at Farleigh Dickinson next year), Jose Correa, Joshua Gray, Kyle Bukowski, Michael Mercado Ortiz, Ryan Skelly, Joe Luiz, Samuel Tenny, and Zachary Bonfiglio.

When I asked some of the seniors their thoughts on this big league-like game, “Well last time we were supposed to play there it got rained out so now that we actually are confirmed to play there it’s really exciting because is a once in a lifetime opportunity” Joe Luiz said.

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Timmy Blaisdell, who will continue his pitching at the University of Hartford (a Division 1 school) said, “Southington was the best hitting team I’ve faced this year. As a team we made too many mistakes.”

After talking to Coach Bagdasarian (by students known as Coach Bags) he said, “Overall it was a great opportunity for the kids. Unfortunately we did lose this one, but it isn’t always about the winning or losing. They got to play in an amazing facility with great amenities and learned how to work as a team in situation like the big leagues. I think it something every one of them will remember”

Multiple food vendors that ranged from hot dogs to cotton candy to Dippin’ Dots were offered. Unfortunately, the fan favorite Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ was not open for this night’s game but there were other good eats available for purchase.

The weather for the night was the perfect springtime ending. While it wasn’t quite shorts and tank top weather, a light windbreaker or jacket would have been just right.
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On behalf of the Eagles, I think we can conclude that the game was a success, although they did lose, the team along with school staff, students, and spectators had a blast.

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