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The Fort Garry Giants are celebrating as Manitoba's AA U13 baseball champions after an emphatic 18-8 victory over the hometown Portage Phillies last night at Rotary Republic of Manitobah Park. The Giants' potent offence and strong defence sealed the provincial title in a hard-fought final under the Portage lights.
Giants' MVP second baseman Ted Regan beamed with pride, reflecting on the win and his accolades. "It feels really good. I worked really hard for it, so I'm really happy it paid off," says Regan, heading into Grade 8.
The victory marks the culmination of a season's dedication, with Regan adding, "It feels so amazing. We worked so hard for this, so it's good to finally get a break after this victory."
Giants' MVPs shine bright
Catcher Gaby Anderson, another Giants MVP, struggled to contain her joy.
"There's no words, really. It's just amazing. It's... yeah, it's great," Anderson states, and goes on to praise her team, saying they were, "Awesome. They're true teammates, and they're amazing."
Pitcher Pierce Toews, the third Giants MVP, delivered crucial performances on the mound throughout the tournament, with fast, powerful pitches.
"It's great, and everyone worked hard, it just turns out it happened," Toews remarks on being named MVP.
He acknowledges the Phillies' effort but credits the Giants' intensity for the win. "I mean, Portage played a great game, but I guess we just played even harder and that's it."
Head Coach Melvin Toews radiated with pride in his team's accomplishment and their season-long commitment.
"Feel so good. I'm so proud of the players; they played so hard, and they worked so hard," Coach Toews emphasizes.
He recognized the challenge posed by Portage but lauded his team's resilience, especially at the plate.
"Yeah, Portage have played a great game, but our players deserved it. Today I felt the way they battled all weekend, and especially in this game, their bats came alive, so it was nice to see."
He sees the victory extending beyond the diamond. "It's more than just the win, like, it's how you come together and you work together and you achieve something."
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Phillies look ahead after tough loss
For the Portage Phillies, the sting of an 18-8 loss in the championship game on home turf is palpable, though their MVP third baseman, Rhett, focuses on the future.
"It feels great. I hope we win next year with the next AA team, so. Yeah," says Rhett, who's looking ahead to entering Grade 7.
He expresses gratitude to his teammates despite the outcome. "Thanks for being great teammates. That was a really fun year."
Phillies Head Coach Tyler Butler acknowledges the disappointment but highlights his team's impressive run to the final and the pressure of the big stage.
"Yeah, it's obviously tough whenever you lose games like this," Butler admits.
"But you know, we're super proud of these kids because this is a tough tournament, for sure. And to make it all the way to the finals - amazing. These kids are 12 and 13 years old, so there are lots of fans and family here. The nerves are probably ramped right up, so they played the best they could, and that's all we asked them to do."
He expects the experience to fuel future efforts. "I think after you lose one, you always kind of hold it in. Hopefully next year, you get a chance to do it again, and maybe it goes a different way."
Tournament praised by all
Coach Butler also offered significant praise for the organizers and volunteers who ensured the tournament's success, especially navigating weather challenges.
"Portage Minor Baseball did one heck of a job of this tournament," he says, adding that, "The maintenance guys, especially today with the rain, to be able to have these diamonds ready for tonight was amazing. Thanks to all the volunteers who put on a top-notch provincial tournament this weekend. It was a lot of fun."
Giants Coach Toews echoed the sentiment, appreciating the host city and facility. "Portage, they do a great job hosting, and we love this park."
While the weekend may not have ended exactly how the Phillies would have hoped, they'll be looking forward to a restful end to their summer, and from there, getting back into action for another shot at the title next season.
As for the Giants, they sang "Sweet Caroline" as they held up their Gold medals and their title banner, and for them, the good times never seemed so good.
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