The girls’ softball players who warmed up for the final day of competition in the three-day, 29th annual McKeever Tournament on May 31 had more on their minds than just big games.
On May 26, Maple Shade Little League player Xavier Taylor was struck in the back of the neck by a baseball in a freak accident and had to be airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where he remains in critical condition.
Showing their support and concern for the 12-year-old, players on the four Cinnaminson Girls Softball (CGS) tournament teams painted the number six on their shoulders and wore blue ribbons in their hair.
“Please keep Xavier, his family, teammates, and friends in your thoughts and prayers. We are proud to stand with the Maple Shade community and show our support for one of our own South Jersey athletes,” tournament director Rich Onorato said.
Sponsored by CGS, the annual McKeever tourney draws 60-plus travel teams from surrounding towns in four categories, 8U, 10U, 12U and 15U. It was started by Lee McKeever, who was “instrumental in bringing girls’ softball to Cinnaminson and was a coach and mentor in the early years,” Onorato said.
Since its inception, CGS’ mission statement remains the same.
“We are a volunteer organization that tries to ensure that each and every young lady that wants to play softball can continue to play at a level where they are comfortable,” CGS noted. “The organization has been in operation for many years and continues to grow.
“We preach that sport of the season prevails and are more than willing to take on multi-sport athletes. We believe that a well-rounded, versatile athlete is the best kind to have.”
As for the games on May 31, “It’s a beautiful day for softball,” said CGS treasurer Mary Rosengarten.
She and volunteer Stephanie Segrest – along with CGS president Randy MacNair – helped Onorato make sure the teams got to the correct fields at the spacious Wood Park.
“We draw teams from Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties,” he explained. “The games are very competitive.”
Onorato, a CGS board member for 20 years, has run the tournament for the past 16.
As the games progressed, two of the Cinnaminson teams kept winning and advanced to the title game.
“What a wonderful weekend at our annual McKeever Tournament,” the organizers noted. “Please put your hands together for our 10U Pirates Champs and our 12UA Pirates, who were runners up. We are so proud of all the teams and especially our Pirates.
“A huge thank you to everyone that enjoyed this great weekend.”
Members of the Cinnaminson 12U girls’ softball team sported blue hair ribbons to honor young Little League baseball player Xavier Taylor of Maple Shade – who was critically injured by a baseball on May 26 – during the annual McKeever Tournament at Wood Park on May 31.
Smashing a line drive up the middle is a member of the 12U team.
