The Becker boys 11U baseball team traveled to Brainerd last weekend and came home with a second place trophy in the Brainerd Lakes Classic 11U State Qualifier.

 

Sixteen teams from all over the state and one from Wisconsin, battled for the championship June 23-25.

 

The Bulldogs went 5-1 in the tournament with their only loss coming in the finale against Princeton Sunday afternoon.

 

In Becker’s first game Friday at 4 p.m., the Bulldogs took on Little Falls and dispatched of them easily in an 11-1 win.

 

They followed that with a 5-1 win over Chanhassen, then an 11-2 win over Blaine White.

 

On a roll, the Bulldogs scored nine runs to Blaine Blue’s six to win their fourth game of the weekend, then beat New Ulm, 3-2 in a nail-biter in the semifinals.

 

The wheels came off in the championship game with Princeton, but Coach Eric Graning didn’t see defeat in the faces of his group of ballplayers.

 

“Losing in the championship game stings for sure, “ he said, “but to still make it a point to congratulate and compliment the other team for some great plays they made shows the true character of these young men!”

Graning beamed with pride when he looked back over the great weekend of quality baseball.

 

“I couldn't be more proud of this group of boys,” Graning said. “All of the wins and on-field accomplishments are fantastic but the thing I am most proud of is the sportsmanship and playing the game the ‘right way’.  When winning, they still make it a point to win the right way (not rub it in to the other team and tell them great play, etc) and when the game isn't going our way they still recognize great playing by their opponent.”

 

Graning is sure the future of Bulldog baseball is brighter than ever and in great hands for years as this group grows up. 

 

“Great job boys, let’s go take care of business in the playoffs and the Tourney of Champions!!”

 

The team holds an 18-7 record and consists of Reid M., Sawyer A., Grayson K., Josh G., Kellan G., Brayden G., Jase T., Mason N., Aiden H., Ethan G., Dylan W., Peyton C. and they are coached by Eric Graning, Tony Graning and Jon Holm.