Westport Babe Ruth Baseball Team Defeats New Bedford and Makes History

It's been a long time coming for the Westport Babe Ruth Baseball League, but the boys brought home for the league's very first time the Cal Ripken championship.

On Friday night, the stands at the Westport High School upper field were packed with parents and fans who showed up to support the hometown team. Comprised of nine-and-10-year-old players, the 10U team matched up against New Bedford's South End Youth Athletic Association, with Westport earning a 6-2 victory.

Heading into the tournament, Westport was undefeated, but eventually lost the first matchup with New Bedford. Luckily for them, it was a double-elimination, leaving them as the only team to not lose twice. Other teams in the tournament included Somerset, Raynham, Freetown-Lakeville and Fairhaven-Acushnet.

Coming up this weekend, Westport will be moving to the 10U Cal Ripken States at the Little Fenway Baseball Park in Freetown beginning on Friday, July 2 at 11 a.m. Participating teams who have made it to States will be choosing individuals for the Skills Competition that involves events such as a Home Run Derby and Golden Arm, Around the Horn, and Roadrunner competitions. The first game will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. and then a double-header on Monday.

After Friday's big win, the team was treated to a pizza and ice cream party donated by Village Pizza on Main Road as a token of congratulations.

Coaches Jay Pacheco, John Droukas, Jeff DuFusco and Caitlin Cowell say they could not be any prouder of the boys and their hard work that landed them a spot in the state championship tournament.

For now, the parents and the team are hoping to get a ride from a local coach bus or limo service to the game so they can show up in style celebrating the town's first district win. As for the fans and support, Westport is inviting everyone and anyone to come cheer them on as they take the field for the very first time in town history as district champions.