Westport's U-13 Prep Team Wins Fairfield Junior Babe Ruth Title

In Westport, Babe Ruth teams have historically been at a disadvantage because the top players in town tend to play on travel teams. This also is true for the American Legion programs.

That did not, however, prevent Westport's U-13 Prep team from wining the Fairfield Junior Babe Ruth title against teams from Fairfield, Darien, New Canaan, Stratford, Wilton and Weston.

According to Bob Smoler, it marks the first time any town Babe Ruth team has a won a title in his 18 years of running Westport Advance Baseball (ages 13 and up).

Smoler estimated that more than 20 of Westport's top 13-year-old players don’t even play Prep Babe Ruth, which isn't the case in other towns.

"Our Babe Ruth teams are often playing against teams with more skilled players," said Smoler, also an assistant baseball coach at Staples. "Nonetheless, this group of kids really pulled together as a team, supported each other all the way, and played with a lot of heart. 

"Their victory is testament to what a committed group of players can accomplish when they stay focused on their goals and play as a team."

Team members include David Bibicoff, Trevor Penwell, Michael Tiefenthaler, CJ Stephan, Devon DeBalsi, Stuart Kaye, Matthew Kaye, Jacob Offir, Daniel Call, David Call, Ethan Kobak, Liam Borner, Michael Bottone, Max Bibicoff and Jules Becker.

After a 9-7 regular season, the team, sponsored by Five Guys, won four playoff games, including a 13-6 victory over Darien in the final, to finish 13-7 and take the title. There is no state tournament at this level.

Coach Dave Call admitted that at the start of the season he probably didn't think his charges would win the championship.

"The second half of the season, the team really came together," Call said. "They really played together as a team. They stood behind each other and didn't blame anyone for mistakes. They did a phenomenal job."

The atttraction for Westport's Sandy Koufax program is that it does offer more games, about twice as many as Babe Ruth provides.

According to Call, some of his players had the ability to play Sandy Koufax ball but they didn't want to make the extra time commitment, which includes doubleheaders on Sunday. They also play other sports.

So, they went the Babe Ruth route instead and it seems they made the right decision with no regrets.

"I’m extremely charged up about this championship if for no other reason than how improbable it was," Smoler said.