I just knew it was going to be an amazing finish to our Cooperstown story, and the CBU Jacksonville crew did not disappoint.

This whole series began with me getting all sentimental and mushy about the 12U season coming to an end. Then, we took part 2 of this journey to the end of pool play, where the boys went 4-1-1 and landed the 18 seed out of 68 teams. Not great, not bad.

We were supposed to begin the elimination round on Sunday at 9:30pm, but lightning delays moved the game to 11:30pm. The boys were warming up and getting hyped when more lightning delays moved the game to 7:30am the next morning.

Womp, womp.

When news of the postponement came in, hero mom Megan Maurer made a midnight run to McDonalds, as the boys were “literally starving” and feedback on the bunkhouse food has been overwhelmingly negative. I believe the word my son used was “trash.”

Elimination Game 1: CBU Jacksonville vs Morgan Hill Toros (Morgan Hill, CA)

Fresh off of maybe three hours of sleep, the boys faced a team from California and this team’s coaches were not big fans of (a) cowbells, (b) walk-up music, and (c) everything we said. The Toros evidently desired golf course conditions as we played this game, which only gave us motivation to cheer that much louder.

Our go-to chant was just Yandi’s dad yelling “SEE THE BALL!” and the rest of the parents screaming “HIT THE BALL” in response. The chant doesn’t make much sense now that I think about it, but I’m telling you: it was cool.

We beat this team 9-2 thanks to some stellar pitching by Branton Pickett, who threw a complete game; collecting four strikeouts along the way. Maddux Donohoe broke the game open with a pinch hit grand slam. Clutch!

After the game ended we grabbed our cowbells and got the heck out of there.

Elimination Game 2: CBU Jacksonville vs. Irvine Colts (Irvine, CA).

The next game began at 9:30am, which meant there would be no rest for the weary. The good news is they didnt need it.

The game got off to a quick start with a first pitch home run by Yandi Torres. The ensuing bat flip was not appreciated by the old school umpire from Missouri, so a few innings later when Yandi hit another home run he was sure to gently place hit bat on the ground and proceed around the bases with zero celebratory gestures.

Jimmy Howland came into the game in relief and threw three scoreless innings. His mom and dad sure were proud of him.

In addition to Yandi, Austin Way went nuts offensively, collecting one of multiple home runs on the day, and garnering two hits in two at bats. They got the game balls as CBU defeated the Colts 13-0, and CBU headed into the round of 16.

Elimination Game 3: CBU Jacksonville vs. WGPA (Orlando, FL).

The whole day is kind of a blur, and I cant remember if we ate lunch before this game or after. But the next matchup was against the tournament’s undefeated #2 seed, and this team was from Florida. Their fan base was wearing obnoxious USA-themed attire (which obviously I respect). Our parents were rocking mustaches.

It was about to get serious.

CBU Jacksonville quickly went ahead with 5 runs in the first and 7 in the second. MJ Kennedy started the second game in a row, and pitched a gem. When MJ finally reached his pitch limit, Mason McQuaide came in… and DOMINATED. I’ve never seen anything like it. He collected five strikeouts in two brilliant innings, including one to end the game. We all went insane. It was like that scene at the end of Rudy.

Mason’s the wild man now.

CBU took this one 12-1, and looked ahead to the elite 8.

Elimination Game 4: CBU Jacksonville vs. Salt Lake Lumberkings (Salt Lake, UT).

Coming into the fourth game of the day, we knew the boys were running on fumes. We were hoping that with the help of some magic they might be able to overcome the odds. And Mountain Dew. Look, folks: this was no time for good parenting.

Despite taking an early lead, we hit a brick wall. We stalled out offensively, and nothing was working defensively. The boys were cooked.*

*I think I’m using this phrase correctly…

CBU took the loss 2-12, finishing the tournament in the top 8 (out of 68), and going 7-2-1 for the tourney. Tears flowed as the reality sank in: the season was over.

And what an epic season it was. Through never-ending practices, fundraising, team parties, crushing losses, and incredible victories, it’s clear the boys had fun as they learned about baseball – and life – together.

This team had the trifecta: great boys, parents (minimal playing time drama!), and coaches. Somehow the stars aligned for one glorious 12U season – the final chapter of every child’s youth baseball experience.

Credit goes to the coaches (John Antonio, CJ Oliva, and Drew Gentry) who gave up so much to make this possible – and particularly to Head Coach Mike Way, who has been coaching our son since his 9U season. I’m pretty sure Jimmy believed in Santa Claus back then, and Mike has always believed in Jimmy. He’s earned the respect and admiration of our entire family.

So yea, that’s a wrap on this epic season.

What’s next? Our tired, weary baseball family looks forward to some much needed rest and relaxation off the field for the next few months. I might even pick up a few hobbies…

Sike!

Tryouts for the fall begin next week, suckers. See you there.