The Cecil Skipjacks Babe Ruth state championship team is comprised of talented baseball players from all over the county. Yet, when discussing the success the team has enjoyed in recent years, players say what happens off the baseball field is as important as what occurs on it. "The number one thing," says infielder/catcher Jake Keane, "is if we didn't have this chemistry we would not have won the tournaments we've won. We're good friends and we've made a lot of memories on and off the field." The most recent championship came July 12 when Cecil captured the state 16-18 Babe Ruth title for the second straight year.
The Skipjacks are scheduled to begin Eastern Regional tournament play Wednesday night, July 22, against host Pine Forge, Pa. If Cecil wins that game it would take on New York the following day. Keane is one of three players to play on all three of the state titles won by the Skipjacks organization since it was founded in 2011 by current manager Jim Martz along with Scott Adams, Kevin McCullough, and Steve Webb. Jim Martz's son, Brennan, is the only one to be on the team every year since its inception. Like Keane and Brennan Martz, Justin Frey has also been on the three championship squads. In addition to having talented, versatile baseball players, Jim Martz credits the organization's success on its Code of Conduct – a list of rules players are required to follow which includes no profanity or arguing with an umpire. "We want the boys to be good and productive citizens on and off the field," Martz said. "Through the years, there has been some challenges but for the most part we've been able to uphold that. The coaching staff is proud of the way the boys present themselves." Brennan Martz says the Code of Conduct is important. "That definitely brings the team closer," he said. ""We're not out of control. We're just a solid team that goes out and plays ball." The manager also cites the contributions of his coaches. Babe Ruth rules allow only two coaches in the dugout and those roles are filled by Tom Jackson and Mike Frey. Two other men help out. Roger Keane is the statistician and Jim Martz's eldest son, Jimmy, throws batting practice. To a man, Cecil players agree team chemistry sets the Skipjacks apart. "This team is really close and everyone likes one another," said Null, who was also on the state title team in 2012. "We hang out together outside of baseball." Frey enjoys being part of the group so much he regularly makes the 80-minute round trip drive from his home in Earleville to the Skipjacks' home field on Bard Cameron Road. "Practices are fun and it's good seeing everyone a few times a week," said Frey. "We're all friends outside of the game and we have good chemistry. We're comfortable with each other and have fun on and off the field." He's confident Cecil will perform well at the regional tournament where a bid to the World Series in Oregon will be on the line. "I'm excited about this week," said Frey. "We have the potential to keep going. we know we can do it with the team we have." The Skipjacks roster: Brennan Martz (Rising Sun), Justin Frey (Bohemia Manor), Jake Keane (Rising Sun), Noah Juergens (Rising Sun), Chris Roosevelt (Elkton), Aaron Richardson (Rising Sun), Jared Brustman (Perryville), David Jackson (Bohemia Manor), Dustin Krahn (Perryville), Tyler Ferguson (Bohemia Manor), Owen Null (Elkton), Zach Van Dyke (Rising Sun), and Mike Moran (Elkton). Comments are closed.
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