OK. If you weren’t aware of it yet. The Hollandale Rockies defeated the Oregon Orioles 5-3 on Sunday in the Western Section Finals, to send us on to the Final Four. It was an amazing game to be a part of, and by the level of play by both teams, you would never know it was the #7 vs #8 seeds involved.
You could feel the excitement by the players and fans hours before the game. The Hollandale players had a look in their eyes even during batting practice that I hadn’t seen all year. The confidence level was very high and it stayed that way til the very last pitch of the game. There were a few tense moments, but when the Umpire rung up the Oregon batter to end the game, it was pure jubilation. A moment that I’m sure all the players will remember for the rest of their lives.
Especially for Cory Kelly and I (Scott Garthwaite). This is our 29th year in the league and have been in the Finals 3 other times against Verona only to come out on the wrong side. And to share hugs and handshakes with some of the former players in the bleachers and dugout after the game that were a part of those teams, it definitely made it all worth while..
We would also like to thank many people for helping us before, during and after the game. Kevin Parman and the Hollandale Fire Department on getting the field in excellent playing condition. To all the one’s who worked in the concession stand, and helped take tickets. My father Zeke, for donating his PA system. Jerry Doescher for announcing the lineups before the game. Savannah Schaller for her beautiful rendition of the National Anthem (that gave us all chills I think). Kelpy for the many Soco’s. And to every fan, for both teams who came out and supported us, to make the day even more special. I apologize for anyone who wasn’t mentioned, but we really do appreciate everyone’s support
I would also like to give our condolences to two Hollandale family’s that lost loved ones over the weekend. Stan Chrostowski & Louis Gort both passed away this past week, who both have children that were classmates of mine and Cory’s. Also, Louis’s son Kevin was a former Rockie player. They will both be missed by many….
So here is the rundown for the upcoming Final Four. All games at 1 pm
Sunday August 24 Hollandale at Utica
Sunday August 31 Ashton at Hollandale
Sunday Sept 7 Hollandale at Deforest
I will do my best to keep everyone updated to any changes. Thanks again to everyone, and
GO ROCKIES!!!