Although Ocracoke high school did not have a baseball team this year, a group of young men came together for this pick up game. Coached by Vince O’Neal, the players practiced for only one week before traveling to play against the Hatteras Hurricanes on their senior night.
The team roster included Adam Carter, Spencer Gaskins, Kyle Tillett, Carson O’Neal, Darvin Contreras, Jordi Perez, Kalai Samick, John Brodisch, Eldon Robinson, and Eli Straw.
Adam Carter is an Ocracoke School alum (Class of 2014) who pitched in the game. Eli Straw is the third basemen at Emory and Henry College where he is an upcoming sophomore.
Spencer Gaskins and Carson O’Neal also pitched. The three pitchers allowed 10 runs scored by the Hurricanes. That is some great pitching by guys who hadn’t played ball all year!
Highlights of the game included gaining two runs in the first inning, giving us the lead after the first inning. The Ocracoke team had a concrete lead throughout most of the game, ahead 5-2 at one point, however the Hurricanes rallied and scored runs to advance to the lead. The final score of the game was 10-8, with a win by Hatteras High School. Although we did not win, Ocracoke did play a great game. The players showed skilled base running and did very well defensively in the field. For not having played together all year, and practicing very little, every player of the team put out their best effort and showed that hard work and passion for baseball bring out the best in everyone.
The Ocracoke Blue Claws once again showed they reign supreme in the world of little league baseball with a 12-0 win over the Sand Gnats from Hatteras! #11 Finn Kattenburg hit the only homerun of the game in the bottom of the second inning, giving the Blue Claws a 7-0 lead early in the game. The slaughter rule (when you win after the 4th inning if your team is ahead by 10 runs) came into sights for the Blue Claws when an amazing hit by #3 Noah O’Neal, bringing in three more runs, making the score 10-0. Not only was their hitting on fire, the players showed immense skill in the field, with great throws from third base to first (which is a very long way). It is extremely rewarding to all the parents, coaches, and players to see that hard work and practice does pay off!
The Raptors played the Hatteras Thunder in a match-up at the Community Park Saturday afternoon. Excellent pitching by Jackson Strange in the first inning secured three back-to-back strikeouts. At the end of the first inning, the Raptors were ahead 4-0 after a triple by the catcher, Chandler helped bring in two runs. Exciting highlights of the game include a beautiful catch by the shortstop, Daymon Esham in the top of the second inning. Hayden Austin hit a very long double in the bottom of the third to bring the score to 5-0. Our pitching roster included Julian Bennink and Daymon Esham. Julian also pitched a 3 up, 3 down inning; shout out to the pitching coaches, these boys are good!
The Thunder scored one run in the top of the 5th inning gaining one run after a player hit a nice double.
The Raptors defensive plays dominated this game, allowing only one run by their opponents and showing that even with the bright sun in their eyes they can catch a fly ball!
The Blue Claws and Raptors both play again at home this coming Saturday, May 21st, starting at 1pm! Congratulations to both teams, we are so proud of you!
On Friday at 5pm, there's another Community Park Fundraiser game! Some players from the Cops and Coaches teams have joined together to make one team, and they are playing the Guerreros Aztecas. There will be Mexican food, hamburgers, and hotdogs! Admissions is $5. All proceeds benefit the Community Park!
Don’t forget to come out and play pick-up softball every Sunday at 5pm at the Community Park. Everyone is welcome! It's only $2 a person to play and the money goes to support the ball field.