June 13 - An overflow crowd watched as Queen Anne Little League AAA teams Eileen Burke and Caffè Ladro played the championship game of the season-ending, six-team tournament. In the end it was a game like many others, closer than the score indicated and memorable for reasons other than the result.
In the top of the first, Eileen Burke, living up to their reputation for speed, pushed across a run on a base hit followed by two stolen bases and a passed ball. In their half, Caffè Ladro took advantage of some bad hops, seeing-eye singles and Jack Lund's three-run home run to plate 6. After the teams traded single runs in the third, Eileen Burke kept the pressure on by scoring a run in the fifth when Henry Freed's booming double drove in Max Makin, who had singled leading off the inning.
Both teams played hard until the final out and treated the fans to a well- played game. The players displayed the kind of sportsmanship and team play that makes each participant a winner. After the final out, both teams were recognized as champions by AAA Commissioner Paul Lepley and QALL President Pete Livengood during the trophy presentation following the game.
An impromptu parade was the culmination of this championship day as the Caffè Ladro crowd, looking for a place to celebrate their victory, wound their way down Queen Anne Avenue holding their trophy high to the delight of onlookers. As they neared their sponsor's location, the excitement grew. Patrons and employees quickly grasped the importance of the moment and offered their congratulations. After exchanging pleasantries, Caffè Ladro players and fans went out for pizza.
By the way, the final score was 11 to 3, not that it mattered.
[[In-content Ad]]
