By ALYLYSON MORIN
Correspondent
COOPERSTOWN, NY — “It’s like Disneyland for baseball players,” said Westfield Terminator David Tirrell as he and his team arrived at the Cooperstown Dreams Park.
It was the place where the Terminators would spend the following days facing off against 104 teams from around the country and their nights bonding as a team in a one room barrack. Long-time coach Scott Labombard said his goal entering the tournament was first and foremost to give his boys a lifelong memory while remaining a competitive force to be reckoned with.
The Terminators enjoyed two wins against North Brunswick Maine and the Vienna Vipers. The team also celebrated home runs from Jake Labombard, Christopher Barber, Chris Gage, Trent Adam, and David Tirrell.
The opportunities for team and personal growth were bountiful, as were the opportunities to bond with other players passionate about baseball. As part of a trading program, most teams designed a unique pin to exchange with other players around the nation as a way to foster connections and form friendships.
The Terminators’ success in Cooperstown was a product of their collaborative efforts. Trent Adam, Christopher Barber, Tobey Barlow, CJ Czarnecki, Chris Gage, Brennan Jarvis, Jake Labombard, Connor Medeiros, Jason Rokosz, David Tirrell, Adam Tremblay, and Brody Zabielski each had high moments on the field which led to ultimate success.
“Every one of those boys added something special to the field,” said coach Erinn Tirrell.
The journey to Cooperstown was made easier by the families’ engagement with fundraising and their full commitment to the sport. Labombard noted the boys’ families played a large role in the Terminators success, sacrificing much over the past three years to create a special experience.
Although returning home early on in the playoffs, the Terminators will use their experience to grow as a team and learn from their disappointment.
“In times of loss and disappointment it’s more important how you react to your failures,” said Labombard in response to what he hoped the boys would gain from the sport.
Tirrell also hopes the Terminators can take their losses and recognize where they can grow. She added, “While perhaps none of the boys will go to the Major Leagues, they will never forget the experience this week gave them.”
For a young athlete crazy about the sport, forget Disneyland, the Cooperstown Dreams Park and its unforgettable week of everything baseball may just be the happiest place on earth.
