Two 15s squads head to Millville for SNJ tourney
The Babe Ruth League Southern New Jersey 15-year old state tournament begins on Wednesday and two District One teams will be vying for the state championship in Millville.
Ewing/Hopewell will face Camden City at 6 p.m. on Thursday Millville’s Ewan Field and at 6 p.m. Lawrence will square off with Brick American on the Chiola Field in Millville.
There are seven teams playing for the state title and a berth in the Middle Atlantic Region tourney in Mifflin County, PA set to start on July 24th.
Besides the two district teams and their opening game opponents, Pennsville, Millville and Atlantic Shore round out the field of contenders.
Nottingham 14s Face Atlantic Shore
Nottingham manager Steve Wilfing understands the importance of coming out strong in the first game and when his troops face Atlantic Shore on Thursday at Moody Park at 6 p.m. in the Southern New Jersey 14-year old state tournament.
“I don’t know if the first game is the toughest, but I do know it has the most riding on it,” said Wilfing. “Lost your first game and you have to win six games in five days. You need a lot of pitching, a little luck and at least one rainout to make it happen.”
One of the things Wilfing will be relying on is the rich tradition Nottingham brings to the field each time out.
“We have a good bunch of kids playing at Nottingham Babe Ruth,” said Wilfing. “This group is no exception. The boys have been working hard each day, they have been good teammates to each other and seem to truly enjoy coming to the park each day.”
Depending on Wednesday’s results and should Nottingham win the potential for a Hamilton/Nottingham battle looms in the winner’s bracket semifinal.
But, the Hamilton Square Gang isn’t looking ahead.
“In any game you play it’s important to have a plan and take care of what is within your control,” said Wilfing. “If you can do that and are willing to compete then you give yourself and your team a chance to be successful. I think tournament play makes that much more important to live in the moment, play one pitch at a time.”