The British came, but this time they were invited.
In a replay with a twist of the New England battles that took place almost 236 years ago, the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks took on the British National baseball team on Saturday evening.
The Brits brought their game, but the Sharks upheld the tradition of great American baseball, winning 5-2. The game was tied until some late-game energy put the Sharks on top. “We rallied for those three runs in the bottom of the eighth,” said Coach Ernie May. That’s when the Brits brought in a lefty relief pitcher; though he threw harder than the starting pitcher, the Sharks “were able to string together some hits” and win the game, Mr. May said.
On the mound for the Sharks, Matt Hegarty started and Kenny Treadwell closed to preserve the game.
Another quintessential American practice took place on the sidelines. Jake Wilson, 10, was crowned victor in his first-ever hot dog eating contest, finishing four dogs in 8 minutes, 30 seconds.
Americans usually flock to baseball games, but representing British fandom at this game was just one lone pair. Charles and Juju Rapaport followed their son, Josh, (center fielder on the British National team) to the team’s “Revolution Tour” through New England. The family is from the Philippines, but Josh “attends University” in London, they said.
“When I learned there was a national baseball program in Britain I was quite surprised, actually,” said Mr. Rapaport. “It’s all soccer, rugby and cricket over there.”
This is not the couple’s first trip to America, but this was a first visit to Martha’s Vineyard. Since they don’t have time to explore the Island before the British National team plays in New Hampshire and elsewhere in Massachusetts, Mrs. Rapaport said, “We’ll have to come back.”
The Sharks played seven innings of their Sunday game against the North Shore Navigators before weather suspended further play. The Sharks are currently up 6-3, and the game will continue either this Friday at home or next Monday.
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