The Tigers gave Western Mass. a rare state Division II title.
South Hadley High School pitcher Jordan Page, shown in action last year, was among the Tigers' players honored Friday night at Fenway Park as state Division II champions. Page now attends AIC.BOSTON - The Red Sox honored several championship high school teams Friday night, and South Hadley High School was one of them.
"It was kind of a surprise,'' pitcher Jordan Page said before the Boston-Baltimore game at Fenway Park.
"They wouldn't have missed it for anything, though,'' said Tigers coach Matt Foley, whose team won the state Division II title in June.
Several players graduated last spring, and returned from college for their special night as part of the pregame ceremonies.
Catcher Mike Croke made it back from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Schenectady, N.Y.
Page, who pitched a shutout win over Plymouth North in the state final, attends American International. Shortstop Connor Sheridan has gone on to Westfield State.
Second baseman Tom Spring has gone on to Western New England. Outfielder Nate Flachs is part of a good returning nucleus.
The Red Sox game gave the Tigers a chance to appreciate their achievement. State baseball titles at the Division II level have been rare for Western Massachusetts teams in at least the past 25 years.
"When you're coaching, you're (concentrating on) coaching. This has given me the chance to see the title in perspective,'' Foley said.
"I'm a Yankees fan, but tonight I'm rooting for the Red Sox,'' Sheridan said.
Of course, the Red Sox were playing Baltimore, a team that is fighting the Yankees for first place in the AL East.
South Hadley finished 12-13, but went 8-1 against Division II opposition and finished a Cinderella-type year with an eight-game winning streak.
They beat a powerhouse in the final. Plymouth North was the defending D-II champion.
A ring ceremony will be held for South Hadley team on Oct. 5, at halftime of the school's football game against Ludlow.