From BleckleyProgress.com

High School Sports
Final inning for special baseball season Monday.
By Dave Whitaker
Jun 15, 2009, 22:04

The varsity made it to the elite eight this year.


The BCHS baseball team finished 17-13, and made it to the elite eight for the second time in five years. Bleckley's JV finished 12-3. Both successful seasons were celebrated Monday.

JV coach Gary Arnold presents Cody Jones with his best JV player trophy.


Players, coaches, and family members enjoyed grilled steak, rolls, pork & beans, salad, and desert at the baseball awards banquet held at the County Extension building.

Dusty Jones, seen here getting his JV certificate, also played with the varsity.


Reverend Lane Collins blessed the meal. Attendees got to enjoy two slideshows of the season. JV awards were presented by JV coach Gary Arnold. In his remarks, he spoke about the strong baseball tradition, and noted how the varstiy had made it one step farther each year.

Will Wade receives his certificate.


He said maybe next year's team could make it to the final four or title game. JV players were introduced, each received a certificate. Cody Jones was the receipient of the JV best player award. Arnold was presented with a plaque on behalf of the JV for his work this season.

Walker Meadows receives his certificate.


Head coach Rhett Grant echoed Arnold's comments about going even farther next year. Grant took time to say thank you, amongst those thanked were the parents for their support, the dugout club for their fundraising efforts, the players for their efforts, and those who helped sponsor the team this year.

Tucker Darsey is presented with his best defensive player trophy by assistant coach Brad Davis.


Grant said this was one of the most fun years he'd experienced as a coach. Like with JV, varsity players were introduced as well as manager Michael Palaypion. All were given certificates.

Greg Woodard presented sign bats on behalf of the seniors to the coaches.


There were three awards presented. Best defensive player went to Tucker Darsey. Chase Raffield was best offensive player. Grant read the stats of each player before presenting the respective award. In the only award voted on by the players, Chase Young was named MVP.

L-R: Cody Jones, Chase Raffield, Tucker Darsey, Chase Young.


Signed bats were presented to all the coaches. Outgoing club president Steve Darsey wished the 2009-10 team the best of luck. Reverend Collins dismissed the event. Congratulations to all the award winners.

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