Friday's game at Walpole National will be at Restaino Field, 600 West Street, Walpole, MA 02081. Map. First pitch will be 5:30. Please arrive by 5:00 to warm up.
Go Rockets!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Rockets Come Back to Tie Opener
The Memorial turf diamond was a sea of blue and gold as the Needham Blue Sox and the Needham Rockets, wearing identical uniforms, faced off in what was to be a thrilling Opening Day showdown. Early scouting reports on the crosstown rival Blue Sox warned of excellent pitching, solid defense, and a bruising lineup. As sharp as the Rockets have been in preseason practices, everyone in the dugout knew this was going to be a battle to the end.
The Blue Sox sent their hard-throwing ace to the mound in the first, and he promptly retired the Rockets in order. The Rockets countered with a flame thrower of their own, Patrick W. Patrick got the Sox leadoff man to come back to the mound where he made the grab and fired to first baseman Patrick B for the out. Score that one Patrick to Patrick. One down. He struck out the next batter on a full count and got the third to ground to first where Patrick scooped it and stepped on the bag to end the inning. No score after one.
With two outs in the top of the second Ryan worked the count full and then took ball four to put himself on. He got a good jump at first on the next pitch and broke for second. The throw was there, but Ryan slid under the tag for the first stolen base of the season and the first of his career. Runner on second with two outs for Matt G. Matt hit a screamer up the middle but the second baseman was able to get a glove on it and he was out at first. A lot of fireworks but nothing on the board for the Rockets after one and a half.
In the bottom of the second the Blue Sox loaded the bases and then were able to string together a couple of singles to put themselves on the board first, 3-0. The Rockets did well to limit the damage to three runs with some fine play at third by Calvin, who put leather on a rip up the third base line and then fired home to catcher Alex who applied the tag to save the run and end the inning.
The Blue Sox were in command early with a three run lead after two.
Patrick W led off the third with a single to left. He moved into scoring position on a passed ball and then advanced to third on another one that got away from the Sox catcher. Good, heads-up base running, and the Rockets had a man on third with nobody out. But the Sox pitcher got himself into a groove and struck out three in a row to end the inning. Still 3-0, Sox.
Jonah came out to pitch the third. After putting the first two batters on, he was absolutely lights-out, striking out the next three on a total of ten pitches. He was throwing hard and commanding, and the heart of the Blue Sox order couldn't touch him.
The Rockets were unable to get much going in their half of the fourth. In the bottom half, the Rockets sent Calvin to the hill. He came out pounding the zone, but the staunch Sox lineup was able to put two on with one out. The next batter hit a hard ground ball to short where Steven, ranging right, put leather on it and flipped to Tom at second to get the out. Tom turned and fired home. The throw was on target but a split second behind the runner and the Sox added one more, 4-0. Calvin stuck out one and got another to pop up to Roman at third to end the inning.
Alex led off the top of the fifth with a single. One on with nobody out for Roman. It was high time for the Rockets to get something started and Roman was just the guy to do it. He put down a bunt--a real beauty, right up the first base line--and then he turned on the jets. The pitcher fielded and fired. Roman nearly beat the throw. Serious wheels! But he had done his job and moved Alex into scoring position. A sacrifice bunt for Roman and a man on second with one out for the Rockets. Patrick B would walk next and then steal second. Runners on second and third with one out. Ryan worked a walk, too, and the table was set for Matt G, who sent a 2-2 fastball into center field for an RBI single. The Rockets dugout erupted. They were climbing back into this one! With the bases still loaded, Patrick W stepped in. He took two strikes, fought one off, and then launched the next pitch deep into the gap in left center, way back by the soccer goal at the 20-yard line--a bases-clearing triple to tie the game! With one swing of the bat, the Rockets had knotted it all up at 4 runs apiece. Next up was Matt M and he was swinging to win it. He fouled a couple off but went down swinging on a tough pitch about knee high over the outside corner. Harry took a look at strike one and then sent the next pitch hard up the middle, but the pitcher got a glove on it and fired to first to end the inning. Not before the Rockets were able to put together four runs, though, and tie the game up with an inning and a half to play.
Alex came out to pitch the bottom of the fifth and he was solid. He got the first batter to pop up to the mound and struck out two more to send the game into the final frame.
The Rockets went down in order in the sixth, and it was up to Patrick B to save the tie. He had good command of his fastball, striking out one, getting one to ground to third, where Alex made a nice play to field the ball after it had bounced off the mound, and getting another to ground to third where Alex stepped on the bag for the force to put this game in the books.
4-4 was the final. An excellent team effort for the Rockets in their first game together. Effective pitching, consistent fielding, and a late-inning rally got the job done.
Tonight's game ball went to Patrick W, who pitched a scoreless first inning and drove in three runs with a triple to tie the game in the fifth. The Hustle Award went to Alex, whose hustle at third was responsible for two of three outs in the sixth.
Next, the Rockets travel to Walpole to take on Walpole National this Friday evening. This promises to be another exciting match-up between two Western Division powerhouses.
The Blue Sox sent their hard-throwing ace to the mound in the first, and he promptly retired the Rockets in order. The Rockets countered with a flame thrower of their own, Patrick W. Patrick got the Sox leadoff man to come back to the mound where he made the grab and fired to first baseman Patrick B for the out. Score that one Patrick to Patrick. One down. He struck out the next batter on a full count and got the third to ground to first where Patrick scooped it and stepped on the bag to end the inning. No score after one.
With two outs in the top of the second Ryan worked the count full and then took ball four to put himself on. He got a good jump at first on the next pitch and broke for second. The throw was there, but Ryan slid under the tag for the first stolen base of the season and the first of his career. Runner on second with two outs for Matt G. Matt hit a screamer up the middle but the second baseman was able to get a glove on it and he was out at first. A lot of fireworks but nothing on the board for the Rockets after one and a half.
In the bottom of the second the Blue Sox loaded the bases and then were able to string together a couple of singles to put themselves on the board first, 3-0. The Rockets did well to limit the damage to three runs with some fine play at third by Calvin, who put leather on a rip up the third base line and then fired home to catcher Alex who applied the tag to save the run and end the inning.
The Blue Sox were in command early with a three run lead after two.
Patrick W led off the third with a single to left. He moved into scoring position on a passed ball and then advanced to third on another one that got away from the Sox catcher. Good, heads-up base running, and the Rockets had a man on third with nobody out. But the Sox pitcher got himself into a groove and struck out three in a row to end the inning. Still 3-0, Sox.
Jonah came out to pitch the third. After putting the first two batters on, he was absolutely lights-out, striking out the next three on a total of ten pitches. He was throwing hard and commanding, and the heart of the Blue Sox order couldn't touch him.
The Rockets were unable to get much going in their half of the fourth. In the bottom half, the Rockets sent Calvin to the hill. He came out pounding the zone, but the staunch Sox lineup was able to put two on with one out. The next batter hit a hard ground ball to short where Steven, ranging right, put leather on it and flipped to Tom at second to get the out. Tom turned and fired home. The throw was on target but a split second behind the runner and the Sox added one more, 4-0. Calvin stuck out one and got another to pop up to Roman at third to end the inning.
Alex led off the top of the fifth with a single. One on with nobody out for Roman. It was high time for the Rockets to get something started and Roman was just the guy to do it. He put down a bunt--a real beauty, right up the first base line--and then he turned on the jets. The pitcher fielded and fired. Roman nearly beat the throw. Serious wheels! But he had done his job and moved Alex into scoring position. A sacrifice bunt for Roman and a man on second with one out for the Rockets. Patrick B would walk next and then steal second. Runners on second and third with one out. Ryan worked a walk, too, and the table was set for Matt G, who sent a 2-2 fastball into center field for an RBI single. The Rockets dugout erupted. They were climbing back into this one! With the bases still loaded, Patrick W stepped in. He took two strikes, fought one off, and then launched the next pitch deep into the gap in left center, way back by the soccer goal at the 20-yard line--a bases-clearing triple to tie the game! With one swing of the bat, the Rockets had knotted it all up at 4 runs apiece. Next up was Matt M and he was swinging to win it. He fouled a couple off but went down swinging on a tough pitch about knee high over the outside corner. Harry took a look at strike one and then sent the next pitch hard up the middle, but the pitcher got a glove on it and fired to first to end the inning. Not before the Rockets were able to put together four runs, though, and tie the game up with an inning and a half to play.
Alex came out to pitch the bottom of the fifth and he was solid. He got the first batter to pop up to the mound and struck out two more to send the game into the final frame.
The Rockets went down in order in the sixth, and it was up to Patrick B to save the tie. He had good command of his fastball, striking out one, getting one to ground to third, where Alex made a nice play to field the ball after it had bounced off the mound, and getting another to ground to third where Alex stepped on the bag for the force to put this game in the books.
4-4 was the final. An excellent team effort for the Rockets in their first game together. Effective pitching, consistent fielding, and a late-inning rally got the job done.
Tonight's game ball went to Patrick W, who pitched a scoreless first inning and drove in three runs with a triple to tie the game in the fifth. The Hustle Award went to Alex, whose hustle at third was responsible for two of three outs in the sixth.
Next, the Rockets travel to Walpole to take on Walpole National this Friday evening. This promises to be another exciting match-up between two Western Division powerhouses.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tomorrow's Season Opener Moved to Memorial
Tomorrow's showdown with the Needham Blue Sox has moved from High Rock to Memorial. High Rock is still very wet and may not be playable tomorrow, so rather than risk it, Blue Sox head coach Paul Siegenthaler opted to move the game to higher ground. We will play on the turf diamond at the south end of the football field.
First pitch will remain at 6:00. We will warm up at 5:30. We will be using a portable mound, so pitchers may want to arrive even earlier to get a feel for the synthetic hill. I will be there by 5:00.
The Blue Sox are an excellent team featuring an arsenal of top-notch pitchers and a punishing lineup. We will have our hands full to be sure, but from what I've seen at our practices we are up to the challenge. It's going to be an exciting game.
First pitch will remain at 6:00. We will warm up at 5:30. We will be using a portable mound, so pitchers may want to arrive even earlier to get a feel for the synthetic hill. I will be there by 5:00.
The Blue Sox are an excellent team featuring an arsenal of top-notch pitchers and a punishing lineup. We will have our hands full to be sure, but from what I've seen at our practices we are up to the challenge. It's going to be an exciting game.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
OPTIONAL Pitcher/Catcher Session Added Monday 6:00-7:00 at Greene's
For anyone interested and available, we will hold an optional pitcher and catcher session tomorrow at Greene's from 6:00-7:00.
Pitchers will work on mechanics. Catchers will work on the throw to second on stolen base attempts.
Please let any of the coaches know if your son is interested and available. If he can't make it, that's no problem at all. It's short notice, and the session is completely optional.
Pitchers will work on mechanics. Catchers will work on the throw to second on stolen base attempts.
Please let any of the coaches know if your son is interested and available. If he can't make it, that's no problem at all. It's short notice, and the session is completely optional.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Practices for Remainder of Season Scheduled
We now have a full season of practices scheduled. Beginning Wednesday, June 29, we will practice every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:00 and every Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30. All practices will be at Greene's Field.
Tomorrow's practice will still go from 8:30 to 10:00. We will be at Memorial. Greene's will most likely be too wet.
Tomorrow's practice will still go from 8:30 to 10:00. We will be at Memorial. Greene's will most likely be too wet.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
All Fields Closed, Practice Is Canceled
The Town has closed all fields, even synthetic turf fields like Memorial. So, practice is off.
I'm fairly optimistic about Saturday morning's practice (8:30 to 10:00). It's supposed to be sunny. If Greene's is still too wet, we'll move to Memorial.
I'm fairly optimistic about Saturday morning's practice (8:30 to 10:00). It's supposed to be sunny. If Greene's is still too wet, we'll move to Memorial.
Today's Practice Moved to Memorial 6:00 to 8:00
Since Greene's Field is currently flooded and unlikely to be playable in time for our practice this evening, we will move practice to Memorial Field (the turf football field at Needham High School). There are batting cages there that we can use as well.
We still plan to go from 6:00 to 8:00 tonight--weather permitting.
There is a decent chance that it will rain this afternoon and into the evening. If it's pouring rain, and especially if there's lightning, we will cancel practice. If we cancel, I will post a message here on the blog and send out an email.
However, you should assume that practice is on unless you hear otherwise.
Let's keep our fingers crossed. Hopefully we can sneak this one in!
We still plan to go from 6:00 to 8:00 tonight--weather permitting.
There is a decent chance that it will rain this afternoon and into the evening. If it's pouring rain, and especially if there's lightning, we will cancel practice. If we cancel, I will post a message here on the blog and send out an email.
However, you should assume that practice is on unless you hear otherwise.
Let's keep our fingers crossed. Hopefully we can sneak this one in!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Regular Season Schedule Is In!
We are pleased to announce that the Needham Rockets' regular season game schedule has arrived. It is posted below and also easily accessible through the "Master Schedule" link on the upper left-hand side of this site. The Master Schedule will be the authoritative schedule. I will keep it updated minute-by-minute with cancellations, rain dates, and any other changes that occur during the season. So, if you ever find yourself unsure about a game or a practice, check the Master Schedule.
We ask that all players arrive at the field for games at least 30 minutes before first pitch to allow ample time to warm up.
Also, if you know that your son will have to miss a game, please notify a coach at least a day in advance. The coaches put together the lineup for each game ahead of time, and it's always a puzzle to figure out who is going to play where each inning. We want to make sure we keep playing time equitable for all players while we put together the most competitive lineup we can.
We do not have a playoff schedule yet, but we will post it on the Master Schedule as soon as we get it. It may arrive late in the regular season. Playoffs will begin the first week in August.
We have only scheduled the first three practices at this point. After Thursday, we will have a full schedule of regular season practices. They will be posted on the Master Schedule at that time.
As always, if you have any questions, please contact one of the coaches.
Regular Season Games and Practices
Tuesday, June 21 Practice 6:00-8:00 PM at Greene's
We ask that all players arrive at the field for games at least 30 minutes before first pitch to allow ample time to warm up.
Also, if you know that your son will have to miss a game, please notify a coach at least a day in advance. The coaches put together the lineup for each game ahead of time, and it's always a puzzle to figure out who is going to play where each inning. We want to make sure we keep playing time equitable for all players while we put together the most competitive lineup we can.
We do not have a playoff schedule yet, but we will post it on the Master Schedule as soon as we get it. It may arrive late in the regular season. Playoffs will begin the first week in August.
We have only scheduled the first three practices at this point. After Thursday, we will have a full schedule of regular season practices. They will be posted on the Master Schedule at that time.
As always, if you have any questions, please contact one of the coaches.
Regular Season Games and Practices
Tuesday, June 21 Practice 6:00-8:00 PM at Greene's
Thursday, June 23 Practice 6:00-8:00 PM at Greene's
Saturday, June 25 Practice 8:30-10:00 AM at Greene's
Tuesday, June 28 Game @ Needham West 6:00 at High Rock
Friday, July 1 Game @ Walpole National 5:30 at Restaino Field
Tuesday, July 5 Game v. Walpole Central 6:00 at Greene's
Friday, July 8 Game @ Medfield 5:30 at Metacomet Field
Sunday, July 10 Game v. Parkway 6:00 at Greene's
Tuesday, July 12 Game v.Walpole American 6:00 at Greene's
Thursday, July 14 Game v. Needham West 6:00 at Greene's
Sunday, July 17 Game v. Natick 3:30 at Greene's
Sunday, July 24 Game @ Wellesley 5:30 at Reidy Field
Wednesday, July 27 Game @ Westwood 5:30 at Morrison
Tuesday, June 28 Game @ Needham West 6:00 at High Rock
Friday, July 1 Game @ Walpole National 5:30 at Restaino Field
Tuesday, July 5 Game v. Walpole Central 6:00 at Greene's
Friday, July 8 Game @ Medfield 5:30 at Metacomet Field
Sunday, July 10 Game v. Parkway 6:00 at Greene's
Tuesday, July 12 Game v.Walpole American 6:00 at Greene's
Thursday, July 14 Game v. Needham West 6:00 at Greene's
Sunday, July 17 Game v. Natick 3:30 at Greene's
Sunday, July 24 Game @ Wellesley 5:30 at Reidy Field
Wednesday, July 27 Game @ Westwood 5:30 at Morrison
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Productive First Session for Rockets
The Needham Rockets began their summer season this afternoon with a two-hour session at Greene's Field. Coaches Kevin, Laura, and Dave led the boys through a baserunning drill that focused on some of the basics of stealing. For most of the players, this summer will be the first time they are allowed to steal bases. The coaches then worked them through batting, infield, and outfield stations. We finished with a scrimmage.
All three coaches were pleased with the skills on display. This is a good team. There is, of course, still a great deal of work to be done, but today was a good start to the season.
We will be back at it again on Thursday, 6:00-8:00 at Greene's.
All three coaches were pleased with the skills on display. This is a good team. There is, of course, still a great deal of work to be done, but today was a good start to the season.
We will be back at it again on Thursday, 6:00-8:00 at Greene's.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Welcome to the Needham Rockets Summer Baseball Blog!
Welcome to the 2011summer baseball season! We are very excited to get things started.
This blog will feature the most up-to-date Rockets news, all collected in one place. Check the schedule, read highlights from the last game, see if today's game is rained out, and if it is, when we will make it up. This site should make communication between coaches and parents much easier. But, if you still prefer email, you may also receive a daily update from this blog vial email with all the recent postings. Just go to "follow by email" on the right, enter your email address, and click "submit." You will then receive a daily email with any new postings.
We have three practices scheduled for this coming week:
- Tuesday, June 21 6:00-8:00 PM at Greene's
- Thursday, June 23 6:00-8:00 PM at Greene's
- Saturday, June 25 8:30-10:00 AM at Greene's
Upcoming games and practices are also listed on the upper right-hand side of this site under "COMING UP..." A full schedule of games and practices will be available shortly. A link to the master schedule, updated regularly with any changes, can be found on the upper left-hand side of this site. Take a look at some of the other features as well. We will add links and add new posts throughout the season.
Please let us know if you have any questions about summer baseball or about this blog.
Kevin Lavelle Kevin.Lavelle@FMR.COM
Laura Hasenfus rlmchas@aol.com
Dave Berkley dberkley@bostonprep.org
Rick Tacelli rtacelli@yahoo.com
Brad Baker bradbaker01@gmail.com
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