Riker leads Grizzlies to Pony League championship; individual players receive recognition awards

2024 Pony League Champions, from left to right, Michael Beaucar, Bradyn Surreira, Coach Vinny Guarda, Harry Riker, Alex Thompson, Hayden Melingonis, Dean Stark, Jayden Alicea, Orlady Alicea, Nico Guarda, Drew Martineau, Greysen Melingonis, Anderson Christian, Brody Lebron, Ethan Bargainer, Coach Andrew Beaucar | BPRYCS

Posted By: David Fortier September 5, 2024

The Grizzlies defeated the Bees in front of a packed house to take home the 2024 Scott/McCooey Pony League championship on Saturday, Aug. 17 at Muzzy Field under the bright lights.

The Grizzlies (1-seed) battled in the single elimination tournament, taking down the 3-seed and ultimately the 2-seed to win this year’s title, it was announced in a release from Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services.

The Grizzlies were led by pitcher Harry Riker who pitched 5 dominant innings, surrendering just three hits and striking out eight, before giving the ball to Hayden Melingonis who closed out the game to secure the league championship for the Grizzlies.

2024 Pony League Individual Award Recipients include, from left to right, Don Titus Rookie of the Year: Jayden Rivera Martinez; Thomas Monahan Silver Slugger Award: Harry Riker; Bill Glines MVP Award: Nico Guarda; Jim Kilduff Gold Glove Award: Hayden Melingonis; Jim Kilduff Gold Glove Award: Elijah Emmert; Jim Kilduff Gold Glove Award: Danny Rivera Jr.; William McCooey Sportsmanship Award: Joshua Jacques; William McCooey Sportsmanship Award: James Lauretti; George Scott Cy Young Award: Eric Ludden. | BPRYCS

Offensively, the Grizzlies were led by their 2-3-4 hitters — Jayden Alicea (3-3, 2 RBI), Helingonis (2-3, 4 RBI), and Bradyn Surreira (2-3, 2 RBI).

“There really is no other league around like it,” league director Shawn Mirmina said. “The season was a blast and we are already looking forward to next spring.”

Mirmina thanked the athletics and ballfield supervisor Doug Trillo and his crew for maintaining the fields as well as Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services for the opportunity to play at Muzzy Field–and keeping the fees affordable.

The following Scott/McCooey Pony League players were recognized by their coaches and league directors for their accomplishments on the field this season.

  • Don Titus Rookie of the Year: Jayden Rivera Martinez
  • Thomas Monahan Silver Slugger Award: Harry Riker
  • Bill Glines MVP Award: Nico Guarda
  • Jim Kilduff Gold Glove Award: Hayden Melingonis
  • Jim Kilduff Gold Glove Award: Elijah Emmert
  • Jim Kilduff Gold Glove Award: Danny Rivera Jr.
  • William McCooey Sportsmanship Award: Joshua Jacques
  • William McCooey Sportsmanship Award: James Lauretti
  • George Scott Cy Young Award: Eric Ludden

For more information, or to get involved, please contact league director Shawn Mirmina at shawnmirmina@bristolk12.org or visit www.BristolRec.com.

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