Picnic celebrates season's success
MILFORD - On Saturday, June 10, the DV Cal Ripken Baseball League held their first Championship Day picnic. Throughout the day, the entire league of over 300 kids and their families assembled at Milford Ball Field for awards and a complimentary picnic lunch. Every player in the league was awarded a participation medal/trophy for playing in the league during the 2006 season. “This was the first year that every player received an award for participation. We felt it was very important to not only honor the older players for their success, but also let the younger players know how important they are to the league,” said league President Joe Decker. Hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, cookies, and sodas were there for the players and families to enjoy. Volunteer parents jumped in helped flip burgers all day long. During the picnic, the minor and major divisions held their championship games. Decker said it was wonderful to see the league come together as a whole and enjoy a great day of baseball, food, and families. The minor division championship game was held first. The two teams competing for the title were the Bobcats, coached by John Roche, and the Lions, coached by Joe Decker. The game was exciting and both teams played well. The winning Lions clinched the minor league title. The second game played was the majors championship division. The two teams competing were the Cardinals, coached by Joe Decker, Jeff Angradi, and Kevin Decker and the Mets, coached by Ed Sebring, Ernie Sandonato, and Mike Padgett. It was a grueling game with the Mets coming out on top to take the title. Decker said, “There are many people and businesses to thank for making our season and picnic a success.” They include: Andrew Jorgenson, owner of Jorgenson’s Deli, contributed throughout the entire season. Kenny Peereboom, of Prime Time Meats, was a tremendous supporter of the league. The Montemarano Family and their store Cranberry’s, for donating many different food items to the league on picnic day. Most of all, to the parents throughout the season that pitched in and helped. “Without their help, time, and hard work, we would not be able to provide a safe, fun, and successful atmosphere for the children of our league,” Decker concluded.