By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

The mood was jovial in the Price City Peace Garden on Monday, Aug. 25, as the Castle Country gathered to celebrate the homecoming of the Eastern Utah Battle Baseball team. 

Following a flag ceremony by the American Legion Post 3 and a performance of the national anthem by Angela Murray, Southern Utah Commissioner for Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken baseball, Jill Emerson addressed the crowd. “A month ago, I stood before these same young men and said how they were the best in the west at the Pacific Southwest Tournament,” said Emerson. “Today, I stand corrected. Because in my opinion, they are the best 13U in the U.S.”

“Utah hasn’t had a team at the World Series since 1993. Battle definitely showed up and represented Utah well,” she said. “It’s my hope to see community ball continue, and that Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth programs grow. To do that, we need more of us to step up; we can’t keep doing it on our own. We need your help and support, so please volunteer.”

Emerson then invited Battle’s coaches to the stage: Head Coach Darek Martinez and assistant coaches Jason Powell, Rob Smith and Timmy Urbanik. 

Taking the mic, Martinez stated,” I just want to thank everybody for coming out and supporting us through regionals … We can’t do this stuff without you guys. It was just amazing to have the support from everybody.”

Following these remarks, the players were introduced by Castle Country Radio’s Jordan Buscarini, who played each player’s walk-up song while listing their individual accolades from the tournament. As they made their way across the stage, each player was given a key to the city by Price City Mayor Mike Kourianos. In return, Kourianos was presented with a medal by the team for his and the city’s support for the program.

The incredible accomplishments of the team drew support not just from local leaders, but state and federal officials as well. The team first heard words of encouragement from U.S. Sen. John Curtis: “Your grit, teamwork and sportsmanship have brought pride and excitement to Price, to Carbon County, to Emery County and to really the entire state,” said Curtis. “The recognition you received shows the caliber of young athletes and coaches we have here at home.”

Next was Gov. Spencer Cox,” On behalf of the people who call Utah home, congratulations, you have inspired us all.”

The team also received congratulations from Congressman Mike Kennedy. “You’ve made history for our community and the state of Utah, competing on the national stage at the Babe Ruth World Series … That combination of skill, hard work and character is something our entire state can cheer for.”

Rounding out the state officials was Treasurer Marlo Oaks: “You made history as the first team from Price to win the Pacific Southwest regional, the third Utah team in 75 years to reach the world series, and the very first to bring home third place along with the prestigious Babe Sportsmanship Award … Your talent, determination and character have represented your community and the entire state of Utah with pride.”

Local leaders also shared support for the team, with Carbon County Commissioner Jared Haddock stating,” I just want to state one really important thing is them getting that sportsmanship award … I am so proud of that. That really says something about your parents and about the coaches.”

Following Haddock’s remarks, Emery County Commissioner Jordan Leonard took the stage. “These boys not only played excellent, top-level baseball, they brought communities together. They had shout-outs from across the country and the local community … I just wanted to recognize them and let them know that this is bigger than baseball, we’re bringing communities together.”

Closing out the ceremony, Mayor Kourianos gathered the group together for one last cheer of one … Two. Three … BATTLE!

The Battle 13U baseball team is coached by Darek Martinez, Rob Smith, Justin Powell, and Timmy Urbanik. The team consists of Callen Donaldson, Jack Madrid, Austin Leonard, Jacen Urbanik, Rigden Rhoten, Jaxton Smith, Alex Martinez, Mason Powell, Jace Bosone, Jacen Cowley, and Nate Tatton.