Red-Hot Flames Capture Perfect 65-0 Season

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By Dillon Stambaugh

MIDDLETOWN – If those skewed numbers have not yet grabbed your attention, let this resonate – The Flames won more than half of their 65 games by a ten-run mercy rule, eight championships and qualified for the eight-and-under United States Specialty Sports Association World Series in Florida.
“I just love my team,” said Hailey Mandala. “We worked very hard.”
“It’s great to see girls so dedicated at such a young age,” said Rob Plath, head coach of the Middletown-based team. “You don’t have to force them to come out. They want to play. I would tell my friends ‘You have to come see them.’ It’s crazy.”
Their success isn’t a product of sheer talent. The team, which is the youngest of an organization that offers levels as high as an 18-and-under college showcase team, practices twice during the week and competes in tournaments all over the state on weekends, with local league games scattered throughout the season. While the Flames are Two River area-based, the undefeated team also pulls players from Woodbridge, South Amboy, and even Staten Island.
“A lot of the girls take private lessons, aside from what they’re already doing with their parents at home,” said Plath.
“I like being in the action,” said Isabella Plath, daughter of the head coach. While on the field the Flames are strictly business, Isabella shed light on the benefits of playing with girls from all over. “I’ve made a lot of friends.”
Coach Plath also credited his team on their intelligence. According to the head coach, the group of eight-year-olds have great softball awareness and are constantly thinking of what to do with the ball before the play happens. Despite their young age, the girls are very committed players and are constantly looking to improve.
When asked what was her favorite thing about softball, Mandala heart-warmingly explained, “I get to have fun and be with my team and become a better baseball player.”
The Flames will now move up to the 10-and-under age division and hold try-outs at the end of August for the fall season. With another season comes more fundraising, Plath explained, as the girls spent weekends “canning” outside places like the Middletown ShopRite. This season’s fundraising efforts will be put towards a trip to Maryland for the USSSA Word Series, that the Flames hope to qualify for again. While another perfect season like theirs may not come again in the near future, one thing is for certain – these girls have a bright future.