Sports 06-21-2018

WHS sports roundup

Baseball Vikings gave it their all in state tourney contest

When the Winthrop High baseball team trekked to Lowell Catholic for a first-round contest in the Division 4 North Sectional of the MIAA state baseball tournament, the Vikings rated as a decided underdog.

Winthrop entered the tourney as the 16th and final seed of the 16 teams in the D-4 North with a 4-15 record, while Lowell Catholic was the top seed with a 16-4 mark.

However, coach Frank DeMarco’s Vikings were undaunted by the teams’ opposite seedings and records as they took the field — and almost pulled off what would have been the upset of the state tournament, before falling by a score of 3-2 in nine innings.

Dan Gillis pitched all nine frames for Winthrop, giving up three runs on nine hits. Although Dan turned in a superb effort, the defensive performance of his teammates behind him was equally tremendous, especially considering that none of the Lowell Catholic batters struck out.

Many Vikings stepped up defensively, including first baseman Colby Dassau, who made a terrific, over-the-shoulder catch on a popup on the run with his back to the plate.

Other defensive heroes included shortstop Angelo Robertson, who made a leaping grab of a line drive to save two runs, and Andrew Love, who accounted for seven  putouts in center field.

Gillis helped his own cause, fielding six bunts coming off the mound and throwing out all of his opponents. Miles Albert was a rock behind the plate and demonstrated why he was one of the top defensive catchers in the Northeastern Conference this season.

Winthrop notched its two runs in the third inning on consecutive base hits by Dan O’Neil and Bobby Hubert (who led the Vikings in hitting this season), with RBI’s by Gillis and Sid Albert.

Winthrop came tantalizingly close to coming home with the upset victory. The Vikings led 2-1 with two outs in the seventh, but a costly error, followed by a double, brought the score back to level and sent the teams into extra innings.

Lowell Catholic won the contest in walk-off fashion in the ninth, opening the inning with a base hit. A sacrifice moved the runner to second and a base hit ended what had been an intense game from start to finish.

“I can’t say enough about the effort put forth by this team and the way they battled all day and really, all season,” said DeMarco. “Every player improved and showed they can compete at a high level.

“Dan Gillis was outstanding offensively, defensively, and on the mound against Lowell Catholic,” the veteran mentor added. “Dan and fellow tri-captain Miles Albert will return next season, along with the entire team on the field. Hopefully, we can make a great run next year.”

From the Press Box

On Second Thought

By Jim Lederman

I passed Della Russo Stadium in Revere last week, I watched 10 residents walking around the track. Will Miller Field be available to Winthrop residents?

In 2015, Della Russo Stadium opened on Thanksgiving Day. The facilities were complete on Thanksgiving Day 2017, the construction was complete. Winthrop vs. Revere, what happened to the field house?

I was told by a member of the Miller Field Committee, “We have to wait until the 2019 football season for the ‘new’ Field House.” Twenty-four months to build a field house!

David Price had numbness in his hands from playing video games. He gave us his video games and is pitching great. He said signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. I had the operation three years ago.

The ‘Mendoza Line’ (.200) will Jackie Bradley get his average above (.200)? Will Danny Ainge make a trade for Kwahi Leonard? Who will the Celtics draft his week?

While it’s well known Kyrie Irving has a player option for 2019-20, so does Al Horford, who would earn $30 million in the final season of his contract.

Will the Celtics reach the NBA finals in 2019? The Warriors claim they have a dynasty! It would be sweet if the Boston Celtics end the so-called ‘New Dynasty.’

Will the Red Sox make a bid for Manny Machado of the Baltimore Orioles?

The Red Sox are paying Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez.

The Red Sox have the most wins in the major leagues as of Monday. (49-24) is impressive. A series with the Yankees will be a good indication of the ‘Pennant Race.’

The nomination for the 2018 Winthrop High Athletic Hall of Fame, close on July 5. Nomination forms are available at the office of Attorney Chris Tsiotos, 193 Winthrop Street. The induction ceremony is Saturday, Oct. 20.

Where are they now? This summer I will bring back pictures of Winthrop sports teams from the past. If

You have any old photos, please give me a call.

I drove by the ‘new’ Blocksidge Field in Swampscott last week. The renovations are complete. The field lacks only one side of bleachers. The visiting bleachers at Miller Field are impressive. The stadium in the conference only Winthrop has visiting bleachers. How long before the Vikings first home game in September?

The New England Patriots open practice on Thursday, July 26th. Will Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady have new contracts?

The NBA draft is this week. Thirty-two years ago the Celtics drafted Len Bias. He died form an overdose the next day. He could of played with Larry Bird!

The All-American football showcase is Sunday, July 22nd at Manning Field in Lynn. The one-day camp with players from the Patriots is run by6 Sean Stellato. Players from 6 to 18 will learn fundamental skills. Contact Sean Stellato at 978-210-3195.

Congrats to the Beverly Panthers, they captured their first Division 2 North baseball championship. The Panthers defeated Masconomet (3-1) at Lalacheur in Lowell. The Panthers were the only team in the Northeastern Conference to win a title in the MIAA Playoffs.

Let the Games Begin!

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