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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE HAMMOND SKYHAWKS VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON CAPTURING THE 2013 SCISA CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
Whereas, fully prepared for the challenge, the Hammond Skyhawks varsity baseball team crowned a spectacular season by capturing the 2013 Class 3A State Championship title, defeating Wilson Hall 7-4 on Thursday, May 16, at Carolina stadium; and
Whereas, with seven seniors, Hammond was well-positioned to take the title given the experience and leadership these veteran players provided; and
Whereas, Hammond demonstrated grit and determination in winning the state title after losing the first game of the three-game series at Wilson Hall and battling back from a seven-run deficit to win 12-11 at home one day later; and
Whereas, in the final game, the Skyhawks took a 2-0 lead in the second inning with a triple from Harrison Long and a pop up into left center from Grant Hensley. With a bunt single from Hensley and a Wilson Hall error on a line drive by Brooks Borders, the Skyhawks led 4-1 after four; and
Whereas, Wilson Hall was also in it to win, responding with four hits and three runs in the top of the fifth to tie the score. Pitching in relief, senior Jake Nidiffer retired the next batter to avoid a go-ahead run; and
Whereas, in the top of the seventh, a double play by the Skyhawks kept the Barons from taking the lead; and
Whereas, in the final inning, Long was hit by a pitch for a leadoff walk, and Borders was also walked. Batting fifth, senior right fielder Jae Roberts walked to the plate with two outs after a short conversation with Coach Derrick who told him "you do what you do."; and
Whereas, the Skyhawks could not have asked for a more picturesque ending to their 2013 baseball season when Roberts hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth 325 feet through a clear and starless sky into the stands beyond left field to cement the victory; and
Whereas, the title is Hammond's first since 1999 and the first in Derrick's tenure. It also makes the Skyhawks the only team in SCISA history to survive three three-game series to win the league title; and
Whereas, the journey to winning the state title required discipline, dedication, and team work, qualities that will serve these young men well off the ball field and provide a foundation for success in all of life's challenges. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Hammond Skyhawks varsity baseball team, coaches, and school officials for an outstanding season and congratulate them on capturing the 2013 Class 3A SCISA State Championship title.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Headmaster Christopher B. Angel and Coach Ray Derrick of Hammond School.
This web page was last updated on May 22, 2013 at 11:01 AM