After posting a 7-5 record in 2001, good for fourth place in the Weehawken Babe Ruth Baseball League (for boys 13 through 15 years old), Stan’s Sports Marlins head coach Conrad Ferrer had a feeling that his team would be vastly improved in 2002.
"To be honest, I told the kids before the season that the only team who could beat them would be themselves," Ferrer said. "I really felt like they had a chance to do something special. We had a good group of kids coming back and we drafted some talented kids to join the team. I just felt that if our kids stepped up and performed, that we could be a very good team this year."
But there isn’t anyone who could have imagined what transpired. Not only were the Marlins much improved, but Ferrer was right. The Marlins were not only improved, but they were undefeated.
They rolled through the regular season with a 14-0 mark, and then added three wins in the league playoffs, to capture the league championship with a perfect record – generally unheard of in youth baseball leagues.
"It really was a great accomplishment, and I’m happy that they were able to pull it off," said Ferrer, who was assisted by Joe Murphy. "We had some injuries and illnesses and still managed to win every game. It made me very proud."
The reason that the Marlins were so successful was a deep and talented pitching staff led by 15-year-old Omar Romero, who won six games during the season. Miguel Cortez, the team’s regular catcher, won three games on the mound. Chris Gavrillan and Nick Baret, a 13-year-old, also provided solid pitching depth.
Andrew Petrie was the team’s first baseman.
"He surprised me this season, especially with his bat," Ferrer said. "He didn’t hit much for me in the past, but he came through this year. Andrew is also a fine defensive player."
Ferrer’s son, Cory, was the team’s second baseman.
"Cory is the leadoff hitter and has a good eye for the ball," the elder Ferrer said. "He also has a fine glove at second base."
Yessy Tejada, the team’s No. 2 hitter, was the shortstop.
"He has an outstanding glove and a great arm," Ferrer said of Tejada.
Gavrillan played third base most of the time, when he wasn’t pitching.
"He’s a seasoned player who was a member of the high school junior varsity," Ferrer said. "He was our cleanup hitter and had some big hits all season long."
Cortez was the team’s catcher.
"He’s a temperamental kid, but he’s such a good defensive catcher," Ferrer said. "He also has a good arm and hits the ball well."
Ferrer used a host of kids in the outfield, including Baret in left field. Luis Best played centerfield and Willie Phillips played right field, with Carlos Palacios adding depth.
The team suffered a big loss during the season when Luis Zhune suffered a broken ankle while riding a scooter on his way to practice.
Utility performer Alex Abreu and outfielder Tommy Petrella were key reserves for the Marlins throughout the course of the season.
"To come back from where we were last year and win every game this year is incredible," Ferrer said. "Joe and I are very proud of what they were able to do. You can only teach them to do what’s right so much. The rest is up to them."
Ferrer said that he was excited about the fact that many of the youngsters will return in 2003 for another attempt at a league championship. Tejada, Baret, Phillips, Zhune and the coach’s son all return next year.
"We might be able to do some damage again next year," Ferrer said.
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