Cranford bats explode yet again to seize North region title
AUGUSTA — High school sports. It’s a journey that leads young athletes to discover about themselves and the ineffable bond of brotherhood—forged through a series of highs and lows through coming of age times that are ingrained forever. It’s a journey that the Cranford baseball seniors stopped to smell the roses for after defeating Bergen Catholic 10-0 on Wednesday to win the north region championship.
The Cougars accomplished the unthinkable—mowing down two of the elite non-public programs with a combined score of 22-0 in just over 24 hours (Don Bosco previously). Once again, Cranford took advantage of first honors at the plate and pounded three runs in before the Crusaders could swing—and from there—it was already over.
Of the myriad of players that contribute in this now-becoming-routine batting clinic, it was Senior, Joe Meola, who knocked off two singles and a double to account for five RBI’s in the contest.
“I was seeing the ball well. It’s really nothing out of the ordinary. We know the stakes, we know how crazy this game is, and we know how many fans we have. I just knew that I had to step up in this situation and I am so blessed that I did,” said an emotional and euphoric Meola.
While the bruising bats continue to produce, so do the arms. The Cougars showcased more mound magnificence from Rob Salvatore, who delivered a three-hit shutout and kept fierce composure through three errors behind him. His full 21-out showing marks another consecutive full-game pitching performance for Cranford. The North region champions would allow only four collective hits against two perennial super programs.
“It started on the mound. Our pitchers [Salvatore and Will Gallagher in back-to-back games] threw strikes and they didn’t walk anybody, and when you do that and defend, you have a chance to win every game. We understand how good they are [Bosco and Bergen] and we respect their programs,” said Head Coach Dennis McCaffery.
The atmosphere at Skylands Stadium was erupting with persistent Cougar support from the first pitch to the final sensational catch-and-tag double play from first baseman, Aidan Plick. It was clear to any unbiased eye that despite batting first, Cranford was the home team in Augusta.
“You see it at football games, you see it at basketball games, but rarely do you see it at New Jersey baseball games. But, when we get the word out that we’re playing somewhere and we get all of the fans, it just makes it so much more rewarding when we have moments like this,” said Meola.
The Cranford magic has become undeniable. Aside from the one-through-nine talent on both sides of the ball, there is just something special out there that isn’t identifiable to the naked eye—a something special that no private school power house with prospects hand-picked for their lineups could even contend with.
“It’s just our bond. I wouldn’t even say that it’s that we’re better than everyone. We do have pitchers, we do have hitters, we do have fielders, but it’s just that everyone that comes together and plays on this team… it’s like a family,” said Meola.
The chemistry is planted from the gardening of McCaffery, who has instilled these values through his decades of coaching. And, every now and then—with the right talent, of course—those seeds grow to a beanstalk.
“It’s special for the kids. It’s a great group of kids that are hard working kids and give you everything they have—that’s what Cranford kids do. There’s no better place to coach than in Cranford, New Jersey. I’ve been saying it for 20 years,” said McCaffery.
The seven-game summertime dream run for Cranford will meet its curtain call in the state capitol where they’ll meet South region champions, Jackson Memorial, at Arm & Hammer Park for a 7 p.m. first pitch. And, for Joe Meola and the rest of the Cranford seniors, not only will they get a ‘last dance’ to play together, but also a chance to conquer a life-long dream that will last forever.
“It’s all about getting here. I mean it’s such a journey and I love this team so much. It’s been a dream of mine to be in a state championship,” said Meola. “There’s nothing like it.”