The 1997 Continental Amateur Baseball Association World Series for teen ballplayers is in the books but not before some last-minute changes.
Thanks to the newly opened Mickey Sund Baseball Complex at Lippold Field and some fast work by Crystal Lake park officials, the CABA World Series, held by the Greater Crystal Lake World Series Association, was able to relocate from Veterans Acres to Lippold Field in mid-game.
The umpires had to suspend the game due to darkness with the score locked after nine innings. “Having the new lighted baseball fields at the Mickey Sund Baseball Complex at Lippold Field was crucial to us being able to wrap up the series,” Lutz said. “We’ve never had to move the final game before.”
After relocating to the new complex late Sunday night, which was christened with CABA’s opening series last week, the Maryland Orioles of Baltimore captured the CABA World Series title by defeating the Florida Yankees of Pensacola 13-12 in the bottom of the 11th inning.
“These were the greatest two teams we have ever seen in the CABA finals here in Crystal Lake,” said Patti Lutz, co-director of the tournament which is in its 15 years.
With bases loaded and two outs, Ryan Childs smashed a single just out of reach of the second baseman, scoring the winning run. “It was the most emotional game I’ve ever seen,” said Maryland coach Dean Albany.
In the first game Maryland defeated Florida 8-2, handing the Yankees their first loss in a double-elimination championship bracket Sunday afternoon. Earlier, Florida dealt Maryland a 3-1 loss in their first game of the double-elimination championship bracket.
