Hartford Heat Caps Championship Run with Two Wins at Regionals

The Hartford Heat 10U All-Star baseball team entered the summer expecting to learn and improve. It finished as a Vermont Cal Ripken State Champion and proved it belonged among New England’s best.

Hartford won six consecutive games during District and State tournament play, including a 4-3 comeback victory over Twin Rivers in the State Championship game. The Heat then traveled to New Milford, Conn., for the New England Cal Ripken Regional Tournament, where it added two more victories to complete an eight-game winning streak.

The postseason success was difficult to envision during the team’s first tournament in Swanzey, N.H. “At Swanzey, we were getting eaten alive,” Heat player and Quechee resident Henry Ogden said. “But by the start of Districts, I think we had a good rhythm as a team, so we had a shot.”

Coach Sam Ogden had a similar reaction to Hartford’s early games. “At our first tournament as a team, my initial thought was, ‘Oh, I see. This is going to be a learning year,’” he said.

With a roster that included experienced players as well as several children playing their first season of summer baseball, the coaches concentrated on improvement rather than results. They encouraged the players to work hard, support one another and continue enjoying the game, even as the stakes grew higher.

Four Quechee Residents received Player of the Game designations for outstanding play and sportsmanship. The designation was given at the end of each game played at the Cal Ripken Regional Tournament and voted on by the opposing team’s coaches. From left to right: Tyler Lieberman, Mason Vahey, Henry Ogden, Teddy Anthoine.

“We really emphasized that having fun is what baseball is about,” Sam said. “The most fun you can have in baseball, as in life, involves working hard, working together, doing your best, helping others through tough times, and being prepared to lose with your heads held high.”

That approach began producing results sooner than the coaches expected. “The more they had fun, the more they won,” Sam said. “And the more they won, the more they got to play.”

Rather than relying on overpowering pitching or home-run hitters, Hartford advanced by playing consistently and limiting mistakes.

Hartford’s hitters remained patient, its pitchers threw strikes, and its defense avoided giving opponents extra opportunities. “We continued to make enough plays, throw strikes when we needed them, and get some timely hits,” Coach Joel Klein said. “Our fielders were solid. We just didn’t give many outs away.”

The team’s steady play carried it undefeated through both the Vermont District and State tournaments. Hartford then arrived at Regionals facing state champions and other top teams from throughout New England. “The teams at Regionals were really good,” said First Baseman and Quechee resident Teddy Anthoine. “But I think we surprised a lot of them. We were ready to play our best, and I think we did.”

The Heat’s confidence increased once regional play began. “We went from, ‘We’re happy to be here,’ to, ‘Hey, we’re pretty good,’” Joel said.

Tyler Lieberman and Henry Ogden delivered dominant performances on the mound in Hartford’s two regional victories, Joel said, but the wins were a full-team effort. “There were consistent contributions from all 11 players,” he said. “Everyone did their part.”

For catcher Mason Vahey, another Quechee resident, who was competing in his third season with the Hartford Heat, reaching regionals was a new experience. “It was really exciting to win States and then actually win two games at the Regional tournament,” Mason said. “It was a great experience, and I hope to go back next year.”

The players’ progress extended beyond their performance on the field. Coaches said the team developed close relationships and learned to respond constructively to both success and adversity. “This summer’s team far surpassed expectations at the beginning of the season,” Coach Shane Vahey said. “Their success is a testament to them working hard on the things the coaches asked them to work on and simply wanting to improve as ballplayers.”

Shane said the players also became close friends away from the field and consistently supported each other during games. “They were great teammates to one another,” he said.

Although Hartford’s Regional run eventually came to an end, the team returned home with a State Championship, two Regional victories, and a summer its players and coaches are unlikely to forget. “It was a magical run with a special group of kids,” Joel said.