SUN-GAZETTEFILEPHOTOLoyalsock players pile on each other after winning the 2013 PIAAClassAA championship in State College against Beaver, 5-4.
Coach Jeremy Eck gathered his players in the Loyalsock gym this Friday morning not to talk last-minute strategy, but to provide a history lesson.
Loyalsock would compete against Beaver late that afternoon for the Class AA state championship at Penn States Medlar Field. Eck wanted his players looking around at all the championship banners surrounding them and pay close attention to the 2008 baseball state championship one. His Lancers now had a unique shot at gaining high school immortality.
As Bailey Young drove a pitch into right field and Caleb Robbins rounded third base that moment was at hand. Robbins sprinted home and Loyalsock entered the hallowed halls which few high school teams ever walk. For the second time in program history, Loyalsock was a state champion.
Youngs walk-off single scored Robbins from second and Loyalsock defeated Beaver, 5-4, in one of the most exciting state title games in PIAA history. Beaver had tied it with two outs in the top of the seventh, but Loyalsock immediately fought back and Young lived a dream so many have but never get to experience.
Ill be talking about this year for years, Young said as Loyalsock received their gold medals. Its a great feeling.
Im speechless. Im stuttering right now, shortstop Ethan Moore, the teams lone starting senior, said. Its been a long road. Just to be here looking at this field, I keep asking all the players if we just won states. Its unbelievable.
It really was.
Loyalsock returned a strong group from a 2012 district champion, but was hit hard by injuries throughout the season. The Lancers persevered, then survived one-run games against Towanda and Montoursville, but Hughesville defeated it, 7-5, in a nine-inning district final. It was a crushing loss, one that can be hard to recover from. The Lancers still qualified for states, but would have to go through four district champions which finished their seasons a combined, 81-9.
Against the odds, that is what they did. Loyalsock outscored Lakeland, Delone Catholic and 25-win Salisbury, 23-6 en route to reaching the state final. It erased a four-run fourth-inning deficit against Delone and hammered a Salisbury team with just one loss, 8-1. At the most crucial time, the Lancers rallied around each other and played their best baseball.
I dont think we caught a break all year. We had injuries everywhere. We had some losses from the team, but we pulled through and came together as one, third baseman Tommy Baggett said after going 1 for 2 with two RBIs against Beaver. Everyone steps up at the right time. Whoever is up there, they step up and get the job done.
It was a similar formula which would get Loyalsock past a 24-win Beaver team which had won 17 straight games. Beaver had not allowed a run in three state tournament victories and surrendered just two runs in its six previous games. Radford-bound pitcher Austin Ross had been untouchable, but Loyalsock showed early that it was not like Beavers victims. The Lancers scored a second-inning run to tie the game and then struck twice in the third, taking a 3-1 lead. After Luke Glavins two-out RBI single tied it in the second, Kyle Datres smashed a double and scored a batter later when Jimmy Webb belted an RBI double. Baggett hit a sacrifice fly to score Webb and Loyalsock seemed to be picking up where it had left off against Salisbury.
Datres pitched a complete game, striking out seven and allowing just two earned runs, but Beaver scored twice in the fourth and tied it, 3-3. Again Loyalsock answered. Moore reached on an error, Robbie Klein singled and Baggetts RBI single put it up, 4-3. It stayed that way until the seventh when Loyalsock moved within one out of its second state title. Instead, Nick Hineman hit an RBI single and tied the game. Datres ended the rally with a strikeout but Beaver had the momentum now.
This 2013 season had been about overcoming a series of obstacles and it was time for Loyalsock to clear its final one. Klein was hit by a pitch to open the seventh and Moore came up with only one goal. The team leader had delivered timely hits all year and came up huge again without producing a hit.
In the bottom of the seventh he (Eck) said if Robbie gets on you have one job and thats to get the bunt down, Moore said. I said Damn right. Im getting that bunt down, were moving him over and were winning this game.'
Moore did his part, dropping the bunt exactly where it had to go and moving Robbins, running for Klein, to second. Baggett was intentionally walked and now it was time for Young and Robbins to fulfill Moores promise.
Young had hit a go-ahead sixth-inning RBI single in the semifinals against Montoursville and drilled two doubles against Salisbury. He was heating up at the right time and never doubted himself, even after falling behind Ross 0-2. Young fouled off three straight pitches and then destiny came calling in the form of a fastball on the outside corner. Young went with the pitch, drove it the opposite way to right field, rounded first and watched Robbins complete the run of his life. Robbins was moving faster than ever and there was no play at the plate with the relay throw being cut off. The team surrounded by championship banners that morning now had one of the most unique, becoming state champions.
I told them this morning that if we win this one, we walk together forever, Eck said while holding his young son Elijah. I asked them how do you want to be remembered? Do you want to be a good team that got to the state final or do you want to hang on that wall for the rest of your life? They showed us what its all about. It really is a dream come true. Every one of these guys has so much heart and theyre all gamers.
Young epitomized Loyalsocks drive and selflessness that year. Eck had replaced him with Evan Moore at catcher during the Delone game, moving him to DH. Young never sulked and continued working and producing. After shining against Salisbury the next game, Young delivered the hit of his life and biggest in this illustrious programs history.
Once I saw the throw come in I looked back at home and saw him score. The first person I saw coming at me was Kyle Datres. He told me I was going to get a hit that at-bat and it gave me confidence, Young said. This is amazing. You cant explain the feeling after a state championship win.
What an unbelievable way to end the season, Robbins said. I was scoring no matter what. It was pure adrenaline. As soon as I touched third base I was running as fast as I could. I had to do it for our town and my for my family and my pop. I cant find the words to explain it. It was so awesome.
A year later, Loyalsock returned to Penn State and became just the third Class AA team in PIAA history to repeat as state champions, defeating Central, 5-1. That team also overcame injuries and adversity, rallying from an 8-5 start and winning its final 15 games.
Many of those Lancers played for the 2013 state champion. They knew anything was possible if they continued fighting. Just as important as that title banner those 2013 Lancers earned was the example they set, one that helps the program continue flourishing to this day.
It was a Cinderella story, Robbins said. Were never going to forget this moment and this experience.
Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
Read more here:
- Immortality Versus Mortality - BIBLE TRUTH KEYS [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- 536. Ode. Intimations of Immortality. William Wordsworth ... [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Immortality Devices by Alex Chiu [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- Immortality - The Atheist; scourge of religion and scammers [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Immortality (Celine Dion song) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- Immortality | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2016]
- Immortality Immorality - TV Tropes [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2016]
- Immortality - Superpower Wiki - Wikia [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2016]
- Immortality - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2016]
- immortality | philosophy and religion | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2016]
- IMMORTALITY. An outline study of what the Bible says about ... [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Immortality | Dragon Ball Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Immortality | Harry Potter Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Quotes About Immortality (482 quotes) [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- CELINE DION LYRICS - Immortality [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Who Wants to Live Forever? - TV Tropes [Last Updated On: December 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 4th, 2016]
- Xian (Taoism) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 4th, 2016]
- Real Vampires, Immortality, Gothic, Pagan, Eternal Life ... [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2016]
- Crown of Immortality - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2016]
- Amrita - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2017]
- Brian Dawkins: One day away from pro football immortality - Inside the Iggles [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- 'Rick And Morty' Theory: Rick Gifted Morty With Immortality, But Chose To Die Himself - moviepilot.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Jeff Jacobs: Near NFL Immortality, Tom Brady Shows Human Side - Hartford Courant [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Is Brain Augmentation Leading The Way To Immortality? - Wall Street Pit [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- 3 former Cowboys ready to fight for immortality in Super Bowl LI - Cowboys Wire [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Eating Toward Immortality - The Atlantic [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The best evah? Not everybody at parade rated this year's comeback number one - The Boston Globe [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Immortality of written words - University of Virginia The Cavalier Daily [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Sleepy Hollow: Ichabod Comes Home and Malcolm Achieves Immortality - TVOvermind [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Immortality | The Institute for Creation Research [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Quotes About Immortality (489 quotes) [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Reality Of Immortality: Oregon State Is Five Games Away From ... - Building the Dam [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- New Yorker seeks pinball immortality - Fox5NY [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- McGraw One Step From Hoop Immortality :: Notre Dame Women's ... - Notre Dame Official Athletic Site [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2017]
- Blind love and immortality haunt 'The Invention of Morel' | Chicago ... - Chicago Sun-Times [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Aussies should prep for immortality, as life expectancy rises - Techly [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Johnson chasing 8th title, racing immortality - La Crosse Tribune [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Fighting McGregor Just Another Easy Step to Immortality for Mayweather - The Sweet Science [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Faces of Russia: Mila Arutyunyan on Immortality - Argophilia Travel News [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Living Immortality, Russian Economy in 2017, How Big Is Russia's Inequality Gap, and the Kremlin's Risky Plans - Institute of Modern Russia [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- The mortal side of biological immortality - Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Georges St-Pierre Takes Aim at Immortality in Title Shot Against Michael BIsping - Bleacher Report [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Middletown's Bertoni is 4 wins away from 4 titles, state-wrestling immortality - Frederick News Post (subscription) [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Immortality | RuneScape Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia [Last Updated On: March 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2017]
- Immortality (Celine Dion song) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: March 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2017]
- Lecture 18 - The Badness of Death, Part III; Immortality ... [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- An Undervalued Notion of Life Beyond Death: Created World Immortality - The Jewish Press - JewishPress.com [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2017]
- CBS picks up Young Sheldon, ensuring The Big Bang Theory's immortality - A.V. Club [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2017]
- Eddie Jones and England one game from rugby immortality - The Week UK [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2017]
- Can Immortality be Achieved Through Science? - Anti Aging News [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2017]
- We will have cracked secret of ETERNAL LIFE by 2029 says GOOGLE chief - Express.co.uk [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2017]
- Cahill poised to achieve Socceroos immortality - SBS - The World Game (blog) [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- Crazy conspiracy theorists think that Nicolas Cage is an immortal vampire and here's why - The Sun [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert chasing 1000 / 1000 / 200, immortality in NBA History books - SLC Dunk [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2017]
- 'Your animal life is over. Machine life has begun.' The road to immortality - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2017]
- Peter Higgs on knowledge, immortality and the future of physics - New Scientist [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2017]
- Just a slip from mortal to immortality - The Nation [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2017]
- How two trades pushed Patrik Elias into Devils immortality - New York Post [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2017]
- NBA: Westbrook nears NBA immortality - Manila Bulletin [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2017]
- The baseball immortality of Beaver County's James Madison Toy - Tribune-Review [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2017]
- Atlassian aims for corporate immortality in the cloud - The Australian Financial Review [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2017]
- Black Mirror's San Junipero: Technological Immortality - The Georgetown Voice [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2017]
- Why the Grand National is the holy grail and sporting immortality the prize - Telegraph.co.uk [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2017]
- The quest for immortality ... an an exotic beast: reviews of Girl In The Machine and Dr Stirlingshire's Discovery - Herald Scotland [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2017]
- The Shining and the immortality of evil - Den of Geek UK [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2017]
- Saskatchewan gymnast Gagnon finds immortality in a name and a skill - Saskatoon StarPhoenix [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2017]
- The Shining and the Immortality of Evil | Den of Geek - Den of Geek US [Last Updated On: April 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2017]
- The Guardian view on immortality: not for the faint-hearted - The Guardian [Last Updated On: April 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2017]
- Three Forms of Immortality - Patheos (blog) [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2017]
- Soaring Into Immortality: Norwich Ski Jumper Enters Hall of Fame - Valley News [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2017]
- Henrietta Lacks' story gains greater immortality in HBO film - SFGate [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2017]
- Jimmer Fredette Has a Decision: Immortality in China or Role Player in America - Bleacher Report [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2017]
- Immortality found in cyberspace - Otago Daily Times [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- Psychic Stabs Himself To Prove His Immortality And Then Dies - Crave Online [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- Psychic trying to prove his immortality stabs himself to death | Metro ... - Metro [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- Nietes seeks immortality - Manila Bulletin [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2017]
- Startup Promises Immortality Through AI, Nanotechnology, and Cloning - Big Think [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Musical Immortality: What Does it Take to Become a Legend? - Noiseporn [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Ending Aging: Scientists Say Telomeres May Be the Key to Unlocking Near-Immortality - Futurism [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2017]
- A Beginner's Guide to Immortality: From Alchemy to Avatars - Boing Boing [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2017]