On the night of August 22, 2024, at Palmer Field in Middletown, CT, the Vernon Orioles were victorious 6-2 over M&T Bank in the second leg of the Championship Round. The last O’s Playoff Championship was in 2019. Congratulations to all the Vernon players, coaches and fans for ending the summer on top.
The game was definitely highlighted by a grand slam by left-fielder Nick Roy in the bottom of the first inning. Shortstop Jimmy Titus followed it up with a two-run homer of his own. Willy Yahn and Joey Rios each recorded a sacrifice fly RBI for M&T Bank. Matt Curtis went five innings deep with only one earned run allowed. Jack Steed struck out four batters in last two frames for Vernon.
On the field after the game, the players celebrated along with fans, family, Steve “Crash” Krajewski, O’s General Manager, Jack Ceppetelli, Manager, Kevin Powell, Assistant Manager, Dave Hutchins, PA Announcer, Andy Baylock, GHTBL Vice President and Bill Holowaty, GHTBL President.
Everyone present at the trophy presentation was particularly glad to see Steve Krajewski. Crash (#7) has been an inspiration for the Orioles this year, especially for the veteran players who have known him for decades. He has been heroically fighting illness but still attended games regularly, including the last two games of playoffs.
The O’s graciously pledged their championship win to Crash. News Channel 8 WTNH covered these special moments and the game in this clip:
The Vernon Orioles win their 7th Greater Hartford Twilight League Baseball Championship and this one might have meant the most to the O's @GHTBL1929 pic.twitter.com/ITZhjdtsLe
— John Pierson (@JPPierson) August 23, 2024