They won a softball state title as nine and 10-year-olds, but their play on the field exhibited talent well beyond their years.
For the first time ever, the Easthampton 10-and-under softball all-stars brought brought home a state title to Easthampton.
“It was exciting because we haven’t had a lot of close games. Woburn had the tying run on first base,” Easthampton coach Chris Mettey said.
Easthampton went on the road to beat Woburn 9-2 and 2-1 to win the title. The way they celebrated? Let’s just say that David Ortiz and the Duck Boats might be slightly envious.
Unbeknownst to the team, Mettey had set up a police and firetruck escort at the zenith of Mountain Road.
Half the team rode in police cruisers, while the other half piled into a firetruck. Descending into downtown Easthampton, the town greeted the championship squad with cheers of jubilation and support.
“It was surreal for them,” Mettey said. “Some were really proud, yelling out of the windows.”
Jocelyn Mettey, Chris’ daughter, waved but did not yell.
“I was excited,” Jocelyn Mettey said. “I was just happy the game was over and we won.”
But the celebration didn’t end after the return to Easthampton. The Valley Blue Sox recognized the team before a recent game in Holyoke.
Kayley Downie missed the police and fire escort but did attend the Blue Sox game.
“We got to take pictures with the players,” Downie said. “It was cool. We got to hold up the banner.”
Some of the Blue Sox players, including former Easthampton player Chris Starcum reminisced with the girls about their little league accomplishments.
“They told the girls they never won a state title,” Chris Mettey said.
After the championship game the girls received their ribbons and took a picture with the banner.
“After the awards they realized what happened,” Chris Mettey said. “This has never been achieved before.”
With the awards ceremony over the girls sang loudly to Taylor Swift blaring over the loud speakers before departing back to Easthampton.
Unfortunately, the story of the team had to end before it was completely over. Easthampton received an invitation to continue on to regional play in Pennsylvania but could not accept.
“We didn’t have enough girls, and the cost was too high,” Chris Mettey said. “Some girls were going on booked vacations. Some of the girls were disappointed. Especially the older ones. But that’s life.”
The 2016 Easthampton 10-and-under state title team consisted of Caity Therrien, Downie, Jessica Cloutier, Makenna Slate, Jocelyn Mettey, Ashley Cortis, Kaelin Damon, Rosie Follet, McKenzie McCarthy, Abby McClaflin, Summer Collins and Teagan Charles.
