Pacific League Champions: 1997-1999, 2002-2008, 2012-2014, 2016
CIF Division I Champions: 1998
It just wasn't meant to be for the Falcons tonight as they lost by a final of 3-2 to Capistrano Valley in the first round of the playoffs.
I could talk about the specifics of the game...who had hits, RBI's, and all the other action that takes place, but it just doesn't really feel that important at this point.
I have been running this website for four years now. I have had the pleasure of being in the dugout for home games taking pictures, interacting with the boys, and then doing little write-ups of the game (definitely not a strength of mine). It has been a blast spending time with all the different players that have been part of the program during this time. Truth be told though, this particular group of players have been a special group, and in particular the seniors. Most of these boys I have known, coached, and watched grow since they were 5 years old. Believe me when I say this...I truly love this group of boys...yes, they are all young men now, but they are still boys to me. Watching the way they interact with each other...the love and support they have for one another has been something to behold. They are what a team is supposed to be...a family. Of course I would have loved the team to keep winning (anyone who knows me, knows I hate losing), but more than winning the championship, I really just want to keep watching this group of boys play together. Just one more game please! The emotion the boys showed tonight after the loss was not sadness for losing the game or the chance of winning a CIF championship (okay, it was partly that), but it was the realization that this is the last time they would suit up together as a team. That was the hard part for them and me. The fun they had together, the little inside jokes, the superstitious rituals, the boys being boys, and yes, the FREE CHEESE, are the memories they will take with them for the rest of their lives and are the things I remember most about this group of players. Thank you to the players, and coaches for allowing me to have a front row seat/VIP access to all the action.
Being part of youth baseball in this community has taken up a great deal of my time over the past 14 years, but it has been one of the most personally rewarding things I have done in my adult life. I don't think I am quite ready to give it up (assuming no one complains) and have been inspired by a truly special person who never did give it up once his kids stopped playing.
Congratulations to the 2017 Falcons for winning the Pacific League Championship and in particular the 2017 Graduating Class. You all have a special place in my heart. I will miss watching you play the game you love, and will especially miss watching that #9 that I love so much!
Enjoy the pics.
See you at the next game!
Falcons vs. Capistrano Valley
5/19/2017
Stengel Field
CIF Quarterfinalist: 2001, 2007, 2014
CIF Semifinalist: 2015
