Four New York state champion high school baseball and softball teams were honored Thursday at Saratoga Race Course as the New York Racing Association recognized their championship seasons with races named in each team’s honor.
The student-athletes, coaches and staff from Saratoga Catholic baseball, Averill Park baseball, Averill Park softball and Chatham softball spent the day at the track. Each championship team was celebrated with a race named for it and the chance for players and coaches to present a trophy in the winner’s circle.
Saratoga Catholic baseball successfully defended its NYSPHSAA Class C state championship by defeating Kendall 5-1. The win made Saratoga Catholic just the fourth Section II baseball program to win consecutive state titles. The team was recognized in the third race of the day, named the “Saratoga Catholic Saints 2X NYS Champs.”
Averill Park baseball won its second Class A championship in five seasons with a victory over undefeated Plainedge. The title also marked the sixth consecutive year a Suburban Council baseball program has won a state championship. Averill Park softball captured the Class A championship by defeating Pearl River, securing the program’s first state title since 2015.
Both Averill Park teams were recognized during the fourth race of the day, named the “Averill Park Sweep.”
Chatham softball earned its second consecutive Class B state championship with a win over Dobbs Ferry in the title game. The Panthers were honored during the fifth race of the day, named the “Chatham Champions Cup.”