Simsbury Junior Legion Team Wraps Up Successful Season

The Simsbury Junior Legion baseball team wrapped up an extremely successful season by winning the Zone 17 regular season championship with a 17-4 regular season record. Zone 17 was formed this year as a combination of the best teams in Zone 1 and Zone 7 and featured tough competition from the perennial baseball powers in Central Connecticut. 

The team was comprised of players from Simsbury, Granby, East Granby and Canton. While it took an entire team effort in winning the zone, special mention goes to four players for being voted on to the Zone 17 All-Star team, which played the Zone 8 All-Stars on August 4 in Windsor Locks. They are Jack Patrina, Jordan Whaley, Marty Cayne-Yackel, and Michael Amato.

Patrina (SHS Junior) was the team’s leadoff hitter and led the team in hits, runs scored and stolen bases. Jack also played superb defense at SS and pitched effectively throughout the season.

Whaley (SHS Junior) was the team’s ace of the pitching staff leading the team in wins, ERA and strikeouts. Jordan was very productive offensively with many extra base hits and RBIs and he played great defense on the mound and at first base.

Cayne-Yackel (SHS Junior) pitched quality innings for both the Simsbury Senior and Junior teams. Marty had many clutch hits and played solid defense in centerfield and first base.

Amato (SHS Junior) was an anchor behind the plate and was one of the best defensive catchers in the Zone. Mike was also very productive batting in the two hole as he ended the season second in both runs scored and stolen bases and had three game winning hits.

Submitted by Dan Lee, Manager Simsbury Junior Legion.