Warriors just shy of trip to state
Staff writer
Peabody-Burns Warrior 13- to 15-year-old baseball players finished the season at District 4 15-year-old Babe Ruth tournament in Newton. The team, playing from Thursday through Sunday, came up just short of a trip to the state play-offs, finishing as first runner-up at 3-2 for the tournament.
The Warriors lost early in the going to Mid-Kansas 5-3. The Warriors then went to work, winning the next three games, beating Newton 14-13, McPherson 15-9, and thrashing Council Grove 20-9.
In the championship game they were defeated again by Mid-Kansas, 16-4.
Honors for the team include the first runner-up finish and the Sportsmanship Award.
Highlights for the tournament include a complete game on the mound for Cody Weerts with the help of some great defense from his teammates. Home runs were scored by Brian Swenson and Tyson Heidebrecht. Jesse Riggs was perfect, batting for the team during the tournament.
Most Valuable Player awards were given to Ryan Gaines, Jesse Barnhardt, and to Brian Swenson, who won the MVP award an unprecedented three times.
The "Work it Out in the Wash" (WOW) award was given to Ryan Gaines three times and once to both Jesse Barnhardt and bat boy Kenny Johnson.
Three out-of-town'ers joined the team to play in the tournament, Tyson Heidebrecht and Dale Vogel from Marion and Tyler Goldsby from Hillsboro.
"The kids did all we expected them to do throughout the regular season and the tournament," said manager Jon Richstatter. "They always played through the rough spots and finished the year at 17-2. We're all very proud of our players, parents, and fans."
