Berry Academy’s winning page in Westside Story tourney

KNOTHOLE FOUNDATION

Berry Academy's Cardinals celebrate after their 13-9 win against West Mecklenburg April 15 in the inaugural Westside Story baseball tournament. Berry Academy improved to 13-9.

Berry Academy learned a valuable lesson in winning the Westside Story tournament. 

The Cardinals, who beat West Mecklenburg 13-9 on Tuesday to improve to 8-11 on the season, weren’t the favorite going into the baseball showcase. Winning was confirmation they can achieve what they put their minds to.

“As an alumnus of Phillip O. Berry, this is a pride thing,” coach Jermaine Sutton said. “When I see my team and all the work they put in and that they were able to showcase that in front of a great crowd tonight is special.

Sutton expressed gratitude to the Knothole Foundation the tournament’s host. If it weren’t for their outreach, teams in the west Charlotte area likely wouldn’t be invited to spring break tournaments.

“I remember when this field was called Optimist Field back in my day growing up playing,” Sutton said. “To see the renovations they have made and to allow schools like Phillip O. Berry and West Meck to compete in tournaments like this, it’s great. That was a great championship game.”

The showcase was strategically held on Jackie Robinson Day to honor the Brooklyn Dodgers great who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947. As a part of the event, the Knothole Foundation retired the number 42 – which Robinson wore on his Dodgers jersey – to the right field wall. 

“To be able to do this on Jackie Robinson Day is extremely special,” Sutton said. “He was the one that allowed me to be able to play baseball and my boys to play baseball. What better way to win a championship than on a day like this.” 

The Cardinals, who have only two seniors, appear to have a bright future. One of the underclassmen came up big in the last inning to close out the win. Tyler Davis, a freshman position player, came in to pitch the seventh inning. He recorded two strikeouts and didn’t give up a run. 

“There was definitely a little anxiety going into the inning,” Davis said. “But I also stayed confident as well. I knew I just had to go up there and do well to help my team get the win.”

Even as a high school freshman, Davis understands the gravity of what Robinson did for baseball.

“Jackie Robinson has inspired so many young people to play the game,” Davis said. “He inspired me to play and also helped allow it to be possible for me to play.”

While the Cardinals might not compete for a state title this year, they have confidence moving forward that anything is possible. 

“This is momentum for the kids,” Sutton said. “This right here lets them know that they can achieve great things. If they are willing to put in the work, then they can achieve what they put their mind to.”

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