West Jersey Rebels Prepare for Continued Success in 2022

WEST JERSEY REBELS

WEST JERSEY REBELS PREPARES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS INTO 2022

The West Jersey Rebels Baseball Program continues to represent the values of the Opportunity League, while being successful in some of the most competitive tournaments and leagues in the Mid-Atlantic Region.  The Rebels enter into the 13 year-old and under division this upcoming Spring. 

Formerly the New Jersey Diamond Academy Patriots prior to changing over to the West Jersey Rebels, all of the players are from Burlington County.  The majority of the players represent the riverfront towns to include Burlington City, Burlington Township, Riverside, and Cinnaminson.  To round out the team, a trio of players are from Shamong and one player is from Moorestown. All coaches are volunteer and over half of the team have been together since they have been 8 or 9 years old. 

In May 2021, the West Jersey Rebels and O-League hosted the First Annual “West Jersey Showdown” Baseball Tournament.  With over 25 teams representing Central New Jersey, Southern New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, the tournament was a tremendous success and fundraiser for the team and O-League.  Our 12u West Jersey Rebels defended their home turf and took home the 12u Championship Crown. 

With an overall 26-13-2 record for the 2021 Spring Season, the 12u Rebels won the All-Out Tournament and placed 7th overall out of 29 teams in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at the Ripken Experience. 

In the Fall 2021 Season, this was the first time the team played on the “regular” baseball field, also known as a 60/90 field.   The Rebels finished with a 14-2 record and captured the Ripken Experience Championship in Aberdeen, Maryland, after playing against several teams out of the Mid-Atlantic States.   

While wins and losses are fun to discuss, the opportunities to engage with professional baseball players and high school coaches were also a priority to the coaching staff.   Professional Baseball Players to include Heath Fillmyer (Cleveland Indians) and Garrett Whitlock (Boston Red Sox), volunteered their time to work out with the team and explain the commitment to become successful in the game of baseball.   Furthermore, our players engaged with High School Varsity Coaches to hear about how important character, teamwork, good grades, and work ethic are to the success of a baseball player. 

As the players evolve into young men while they enter the 7th and 8th grade, engagement with other programs within the Opportunity League will continue to develop our players to become successful in the sport of baseball and most importantly in the “Big Game” we call Life.