Madison Blue Jets 6U take state runner-up trophy

MADISON – Following a lukewarm performance in the regional tournament, the 6U Madison Blue Jets of the Madison Baseball Association went to the state tournament with renewed goals and came home with some hardware.

The Blue Jets, just 1-2 in region play, went 4-2 overall and 3-1 in bracket play of the 4A bracket at the USSSA State Tournament in Oxford and Jacksonville en route to finishing runners-up after falling to Corner 15-7 in the championship game.

“This is a very talented team that put in a lot of hard work to achieve what they were able to during the all-star season,’’ Blue Jets head coach Danny Bobrowski said. “While watching these kids, it is easy to forget they are 6 years old. I was very impressed with their skill, determination, willingness to receive coaching, and overall joy they displayed day in and day out.’’

At the state tournament, the Blue Jets defeated Gordo 17-1 and lost to Pell City 14-5 in pool play to land in the 4A division.

“We told the kids from here on out, if we win, we get to keep playing,’’ Blue Jets head coach Danny Bobrowski said. “They wanted to keep playing.’’

In a 21-12 win over Trussville White, the Blue Jets won behind the standout play of Eli Pruitt. The win was capped by a game-ending double play turned by Russell Jones.

After a day of rain, the team played three games on Father’s Day.

Things started with a 17-12 victory over Millbrook behind the play of Dax Bobrowski and Grant Van Wagenen.

The Blue Jets then defeated Taylorville 21-13 in the semifinals. Jamison Passero had a clutch hit, and Aarish Bhaskar turned a double play when it looked like Taylorville would rally. Elliott Creel drove in what proved to be the winning run.

Madison fell to Corner 15-7 in the final, but according to Bobrowski “we were able to give them a fight thanks to the play of Caleb Melton, Randin Braman and Foster King.’’

“Our coaching staff kept challenging the players to push themselves, and they answered the bell every time,’’ Bobrowski said. “I was very proud watching these kids go out there, having fun playing a sport they love, and compete giving everything they have.’’