Above: Smooth swinging Joe Borud takes aim at a pitch. Borud, a slick fielding shortstop and stalwart pitcher, hit over .700 during the summer American Legion season. Left: The team was young; going 4-10 in a three-week season marred by cold, wet, windy weather. But judging by the smiles on their faces—win or lose— playing baseball fun way to spend the summer.
Colin Everson finished his 2013 American Legion season, and his baseball career at Cook County, going two for three at the plate with two RBIs and a stolen base, in a 2-14 playoff loss to Carlton, on July 26 in Cohasset. And then, when Joe Borud tired, Colin finished his career on the mound.
It is fitting that Colin joined teammates Joe Borud and Owen Anderson to represent Cook County in District Eight’s All-Star Game on Thursday, August 8, in Chisholm. Even though Cook County bowed out of the playoffs early, there was much to be celebrated about the 2013 season. The selection of three of our players as All-Stars says a lot.
Colin was a mainstay for us at shortstop this summer, although he played several games behind the plate and threw many innings from the mound.
Joe Borud moved over from first base to share the shortstop duties readying himself for the 2014 high school season, that is, when he was not pitching himself. Joe led us at the plate with a batting average of a little over .700.
Owen Anderson, heading into just his sophomore year, distinguished himself as a premier district eight centerfielder, and was recognized, unusually so for an underclassman, as an All-Star selection.
Cook County’s season ended after two playoff losses, to Chisholm 10-0, on Tuesday July 23 in Virginia, and on Friday, July 26 in Cohasset to Carlton 14-2.
Playoff battle versus Chisholm Bluestreaks
Cook County could manage only two hits against Chisholm by Frankie Miller and Colin Everson. Frankie led off the first inning with a single, Jaret Baker walked, Joe Borud struckout, and Colin singled to load the bases. Jack Wieben then struck out and Owen Anderson grounded out to the first baseman.
Aside from two walks in the sixth to Jaret Baker and Colin Everson, the Vikings were shut down the rest of the way. Chisholm’s pitcher was not overpowering, but changed speeds and hit his spots all night, keeping our hitters off balance.
Frankie Miller held Chisholm off through the first 2 2/3 innings from the mound. But, with two out, and following an outstanding play by Bradley Wilson at third base, Frankie walked the number two hitter. Bradley could not come up with the next hot shot that came at him as it went under his glove. Two singles followed and the Bluestreaks led 2-0. Miller came back to shut them down 1-2-3 in the fourth, but could not hold them in the fifth.
Carlton ends Cook County season
Against Carlton, and with their backs to the wall in this double elimination tournament, Cook County came out a little tight in Cohasset, and gave up four runs in the first inning. Joe Borud walked the lead-off hitter, and gave up a single to the second. A run scored on a fielder’s choice and an error on Colin Everson at shortstop. A double from the number seven hitter ended Carlton’s scoring in the first.
Borud came back in the second and shut them down with two strikeouts and a ground ball to Colin. Carlton scored one run in the third and another in the fourth before Borud had to give way to Colin Everson who finished the game and his career on the mound. Catcher Frankie Miller went 2 for 4 at the plate and scored one run. Joe Borud was 3 for 3 and scored the second run. Both runs were driven in by Colin Everson who was 2 for 3 at the plate. Owen Anderson was also 2 for 3 offensively.
Loving the game
The Vikings finished the season at 4-10. It is not the record the team was hoping for, of course, but was an incredibly important building block for the future. The spring season was marked by cold weather, extensive gymnasium practices, and 12 games jammed into three weeks. So, when summer did finally arrive, these boys of summer took advantage and played baseball.
Our roster was talented, but young. Colton Furlong and Bradley Wilson, heading into the eighth grade, were regulars on this team, as was Beckley Rumph heading into the ninth grade. Frankie Miller, Jaret Baker, Jack Wieben, Owen Anderson, and Sean MacDonell are moving into their sophomore year. Joe Borud was the lone senior to finish the season, as Thomas Anderson was injured late in the year. Sophomores Rory Bakke and Leo Johnson were also sidelined due to injury. What we have at the end of the summer is a team of players who love the game, and who have embraced the process.
As Colin answered after he was asked why he wanted to play this summer, “I love to play the game!”
Colin, we are going to miss you, you are the consummate teammate. Thank you, congratulations, and good luck!
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