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closeBonney Lake Bandits dominate the baseball diamond this summer
The pride of Bonney Lake compiles a horde of accolades this season
Shaun Scott
The Bonney Lake Bandits 14U baseball squad ended its 2008 season the best way possible —with a win in a tournament championship game.
The Bandits recorded a 4-0 record in their end of the year tourney in Federal Way from July 25 to 27 scoring 40 runs and connecting with 65 hits combined in those four contests.
“We have 14 boys on this team that get along, play very loose, aggressive and have fun together,” Bandits head coach Larry Hancock said. “In the close games, they stayed loose and always believed they could win.”
The Bandits compiled a 36-11 overall record in 2008.
“We started the year 2-4 in our first six games and had an unbelievable tendency to leave runners on base inning after inning,” Hancock said. “We pitched well all year and played solid defense. Once we started hitting the ball the wins came in bunches.”
One of those players coming up with a troupe of clutch base hits was Tyler Carlson.
“He hits for power like you would not believe,” Hancock said. “Several shots over 350 feet and a few estimated to be every bit of 400 feet. He led the team in homeruns and doubles.”
Not only is he potent at the plate, he was the best outfielder on the team to boot.
“I believe he is the best center-fielder in the state for his age,” Hancock said. “He will play varsity baseball as a freshman next year.”
Another vital cog to the Bandits’ offensive arsenal was third baseman Marty Patricelli.
“This kid struck out just three times all year and he had over 150 at bats,” Hancock said. “He’s the most clutch and consistent hitter I’ve seen at any age. I call him a line drive hitting machine because that’s exactly what he is. He has had so many big hits in big situations for us.”
On the hill, pitchers Joey Gamache and Sam Hancock mowed down opposing hitters all season long.
“Joey is probably our MVP or at least co-MVP,” Hancock said. “The kid never gets rattled. He can have the game winning hit or strike out and you would not be able to tell the difference from his attitude. Sam was our ace on the mound all year long. At one point he had thrown 20 consecutive scoreless innings against some of the best teams in the Puget Sound area.”
While the Bandits were well known around Washington for their baseball exploits, Hancock believes their teams’ unique approach to the game was one of the major reasons for their continued success.
“We practice about one fourth of the time an average competitive team in our age group does,” Hancock said. “We preach teamwork and the importance of having fun playing the greatest game in the world. We want them to respect the game, their opponents, the umpires and each other. Win or lose give it your best shot and enjoy being 14. We decided we would not be a win at all costs type of team but more about the experience for the boys. Lifelong friendships and memories are what we are all about.”