The Bristol Junior American Legion baseball team is 16-3 in Zone 1-7 (17-3 overall) and in first place in the standings.
Pitching wins championships, and it has led to a very successful season to date for Post 2, which will play RCP today at 5:45 p.m. at Cromwell Middle School. It also helps to have strong defense, which Bristol possesses.
“A couple things have made us successful this season,” head coach Bill Mason said. “First would be our pitching. We have a starting rotation and have pretty much been able to stick to it. Our pitchers have pitched deep into games and have been the pitcher of record in all of our wins. Having 18 players is not always easy to manage but these kids have gelled and get along great. We have had steady defense all season as well.”
Bristol, winners of five straight games, has outscored its opponents 84-40. Post 2 is 8-2 in their last 10 games. Sticking together as a team helps on the road as well, and Post 2 has gone 9-1 in 10 road contests.
“Our wins and losses have been team efforts,” Mason said. “Even our perfect game was a combined effort with both Trevor Mays and Nick Ruffino pitching.”
Some standout players have been Mays, Evan Bouchard, Matt D’Amato, Kyle Lauretti and Anthony Marrotti.
Bristol has had a successful Junior Legion season, even while area towns weren’t able to field even a Senior Legion team. Where does the success come from?
“The Bristol Post 2 is very committed to the program,” Mason said. “Paul LaFleur, Dave Greenleaf and Jerry LaPenta and the baseball committee run a great program and are very committed to teaching the game and providing what we need to be successful.”
Having the numbers that other towns don’t have also helps.
“We had 35 players try out for Junior Legion this year,” Mason said. “Bristol is a big baseball town with many options to play. I believe that many of these kids see the benefit of playing Legion ball and know the reputation of Bristol’s program. I have also coached just about all 35 that tried out previously.”
Bristol has six games left, including today’s at RCP. Post 2 is two games ahead of second place West Hartford (13-4, 14-4 overall). Bristol has the potential to have a great state tournament, and Mason talked about the keys to postseason success.
“We need to stick together as a team. “Keep up our great pitching and play solid defense,” Mason said. “Our hitting is starting to come alive and we will need it to finish up strong.”
