The Syosset Braves completed an exciting summer by defeating the Oakland Garden A's of Bayside in the NJBL(National Junior Baseball League), 12-year old Summer Travel Baseball League.

On Saturday, August 9, the Braves began playing for the Championship, in a best 2 out of 3 games against the A's. The Braves opened the scoring in the second inning, when Stephen Hutchingson scored on a base hit from Brandon Gordon. The score remained 1-0 until the 5th inning, when the A's scored two runs in the top of the inning to take a 2-1 lead. That didn't last long, however, as the Braves came back to score two runs of their own. With one out, Alex Perry lashed a triple, being driven home on a hit by Michael Bueti. Clean up hitter, Corey Stein, then drove in Bueti with a triple of his own. It was a balanced attack by the Braves led by Howie Bick, Douglas Enga, Brandon Haffer-Vivas and Alex Ritter. After an exciting 3-2 victory, the Braves looked to clinch the Championship by sweeping the double-header in game 2. The Oakland Garden A's were determined not to let that happen.

After a 3 1/2 hour game in ten innings, the Braves, unfortunately lost Game 2 to the A's 5 - 4. With both teams having won one game, the Championship would be decided the next day, Sunday August 10th.

Each team got off to a good start by scoring their first run of the game in the 1st inning. The A's quickly regained the lead by scoring again in the 2nd inning to take a 2-1 lead. The Braves answered in the bottom of the second, with Grant Hynes leading off the inning with a triple. He scored to tie the game as it was becoming clear to all the players, coaches and spectators that this would be another nail biter. At this point, the Braves pitcher, Robert Speranza, decided to take control of the game. He led off the bottom of the 3rd with a base hit, and scored the go ahead run. After holding the A's scoreless in the top of the 5th, due to good defense from Paul Schrader and the rest of the Braves' infield. The Braves added an insurance run as Alex Perry reached base on a single and was then driven home on a hit by Howie Bick.

In the top of the 6th, Robert Speranza continued his masterful way on the mound by retiring the first 3 batters to clinch the win. The Syosset Braves were finally able to celebrate their Championship after a hard fought weekend. Coaches Bill Hutchingson,Steve Perry,Todd Hynes and Jack Bick's hard work finally paid off.

For a team that began practicing indoors in January, their season ended on a high note. In addition to being Champions, the boys learned much about being good team players and the knowledge that "it ain't over 'till it's over" as a famous Yankee Hall of Fame catcher once said.