The Doylestown Tigers put on quite a show at the 38th Annual Gubby Underwood tournament this weekend.

Warning,Tigers are on the loose in New Hampshire.  The Doylestown Tigers, American Legion 2012 State Baseball Champions put on quite a show at the 38th Annual Gubby Underwood tournament this weekend in Keene, New Hampshire.

The team traveled north to participate in the eight-team, long-standing tourney.  Teams from New England and Canada were scheduled to play from Friday to Sunday, but there was a slight hitch; the deluge of rainwater that invaded the New Hampshire landscape.  On Friday, the team woke to a very soggy and saturated Keene Alumni field, only to be told that all games for that day were cancelled.  So, the Doylestown Tigers took their gear, headed back to the hotel for video game marathons and an occasional nap.  The day was a wash out.

On Saturday, the team met at o-dark-thirty to make it the field to prepare for a day of baseball.  Three games were now scheduled and the Tigers were raring to go.  Game one was against Upperdeck, a team from Rhode Island.  Ryan Clow, the usual closer for the team, was handed the ball to start and from the first pitch had the Upperdeckmen, swinging and missing, and missing again.  Clow allowed no hits through five innings, striking out 10 batters.  John Vavala came in to relieve Clow and continued to dazzle. At the end, a big zero was in the hit column.  Doylestown 9, Upperdeck 0.

Game two was a little more dramatic as were the opponent; the french-speaking Montreal Titans.  The Titans took control early, bringing three runs across and looking like they were on the road to a win.  But, non-non!  Doylestown quickly put together inning after inning with hits from everyone on the team.  Along with great pitching efforts by Jake Warren and James Moran they captured the "W" and a big "OUI" from the Doylestown parents cheering on their team. 

Next was the home team, Keene Legion Post 4, a formidable opponent late Saturday night.  With the cool, refreshing night air and stadium lights flooding the field, Doylestown was eager to play again. And from the first inning, it was an official drubbing.  Zach Marinelli performed beautifully on the mound allowing only 3 hits.  The back-to-back-to-back hits streaked along the field and the Tigers won in five innings, 11-0.  A well-played game all around, every one of the team's 15 players contributed in one way or another. 

The win ushers them into the Championship Game on Sunday at 1:00 against the Mariners from upstate New York. 

Sunday was a beautiful day with blue skies, low humidity and a glint in the eye of the players to win!  There was something special about this team and there was a feeling that today would be their day!

Andrew Check was pitching for Doylestown and his change-up was putting down players right and left.  And, then came the impossible at a wood-bat game.  Liam Kolar steps up the plate, runners on the bases and with one monster swing, the ball soared through the air and over the left-center fence. The bench erupted, parents danced and hugged each other and in one collective breath shouted -- go Liam!

From that first long ball, to every infield hit, timely stolen base and perfect pitching, the game soon was firmly in Doylestown's hands.  Until, Liam approached the plate again in the fourth inning.  He just smiled at the helpless pitcher and boom; another ball over the fence.  Unheard of, but so welcomed by this championship team.

Soon, the scoreboard read 12-1, end of five innings and the new Gubby Underwood Tournament Champions were crowned.  The Doylestown Tigers not only outscored all opponents this weekend 40-4, but only allowed a few total hits all weekend long. 

The trophy was gleaming, as were the smiles on the teammates and they celebrated their win.  The coaches cheered and this baseball team from our Bucks County backyard was duly praised.

I would be remiss if I did not name the members of the Tigers by name.  They all contributed in one way or another and will always remember this weekend in New Hampshire as they continue with their baseball careers.  So, kudos to: Andrew Check, Ryan Clow, Ryan Gilbert, Aidan Greer, Liam Kolar, Zach Marinelli, Nick Martino, Brian McDonnell, James Moran, Jon Mullin, Clay Sebesky, Colt Smith, Carter Usowski, John Vavala, Jake Warren and coaches, Steve Ruane, Brad Tracy, Jim Moran, Scott Gilbert and Jim Burge.

And a special shout out to Anthony Barrila who was sidelined with a knee injury, who made the trek to New Hampshire to cheer on his teammates.  Crutches and all, he was there for every huddle and Go D'Town cheer!

And this baseball mom is so proud of the team and how they represented Doylestown Legion Post #210 so well.  Congrats Tigers, and here's hoping the remainder of the Legion baseball season will bring even more hardware and great memories along the way.

If you want to know more about the Doylestown Tigers American Legion baseball team, check out their website at http://doylestownlegionbaseball.com.