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Magic Receive Championship Rings, Sweep Godfathers
LA PORTE- It was a special Opening Day in LaPorte for the 2 time reigning Champion, Maple City Magic who received their 2018 Championship rings.
The Magic finished 20-4 last season before storming through the playoffs going a perfect 9-0 en route to their 2nd consecutive ORWBL World Series Championship.
As seen in the picture below, the Magic's rings proudly say "2018 ORWBL Champions" in black and have both of their trophies from their Back 2 Back title run with "Back 2 Back" inscribed between them. Also inscribed is the word "Sweep" giving a nod to their sweep of not only the Panthers in the World Series, but the entire 2018 postseason.
After another fantastic ceremony at Magic Park, led by General Manager and team sponsor Shaw Friedman, US Senator of Indiana Joe Donnelly came out to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to get the season started. Donnelly joins former Mayor LaPorte, Blair Milo, and current mayor of LaPorte, Mark Krentz as guests to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Magic. Donnelly also received a Championship ring to conclude the ceremony.
(Pictured below: Former US Senator of Indiana Joe Donnelly throwing out the 1st pitch to Maple City Manager, Alex Friedman.)
After the ceremonial 1st pitch, it was go time for the Champs who were wearing their new "Champions Edition" jerseys honoring their Back 2 Back Championships. The uniform futures a Championship patch, and gold numbers.
With Zach Liberatore making a surprise return from Baylor Law School, the Magic ended up tossing Lib on the mound for all 3 games. Behind arguably the best defense in the league of Caleb Jonkman, Drew Luther, and Shane Anderson, Liberatore tossed a complete game shutout to open the season.
AL MVP Caleb Jonkman started right where he left off as he led the way, going 4-4 with 2 HR, 2 RBI, and 3 Runs as he led the Magic to a low scoring 4-0 season opener.
In Game 2, the Magic bats woke up a bit as they were able to plate across 7 runs behind 5 Home Runs. Caleb Jonkman and Zach Liberatore each had 2 while Drew Luther hit a towering shot to right field. The Godfathers were able to get 2 this time but it was not enough as the Magic prevailed, 7-2.
It was another low scoring affair in the series finale as it was 2-1 Maple City heading into the bottom of the 5th. After a Caleb Jonkman single, Zach Liberatore belted a 2 Run Home Run to Center to put the Magic up 3.
Lib shut the door down in the 6th to complete the sweep with a 4-1 win. All in all, it was a very special day to remember for Magic players and fans. To add even more icing on the cake, the Magic broke shattered their attendance record as their were 24 fans there on Opening Day.
