By Tori Wittenbrock
Sports Reporter
ASHWAUBENON – After one of the greatest seasons that the Green Bay Rockers have seen in a while, the team’s season has finally come to an end, with the Northwoods League Championship trophy in hand.
Biggest season yet
The Rockers fought their way to the top all season, being named Northwoods League Great Lakes West First Half Champs after a record of 21-15.
The Rockers finished the season with an overall record of 41-31.
The Rockers played their championship game against the St. Cloud Rox in St. Cloud, MN. on Friday, Aug. 18 at Joe Farber Field.
The final score of the game was 4-3, with the Rockers putting it away with a score in the ninth inning to win it all. The Rockers’ victory was their first title in the team’s history. The St. Cloud Rox was the Great Plains Champion.
This win comes for the Rockers after having a 2022 regular season record of 30-42, placing fifth overall in the Great Lakes West conference last year.
The Rockers had an impressive postseason record of 4-0 beating Madison, Traverse City and St. Cloud to reach the championship game.
Game night
Brett Sanchez started the night off right for the Rockers, taking his place on the mound and not allowing any runs in the first six innings.
“Winning the championship was such a surreal feeling that I’ve never felt before. Everyone’s goal at the beginning of the season is to win the last game and to actually be the team to do so is awesome. And then being able to throw in the championship and putting the team in a position to win was such a good feeling, especially that I wasn’t sure if I was throwing the day before and had no idea how long I would be able to go,” said Brett Sanchez.
After the best season in the team’s history, Sanchez said that his favorite part about the season was always the ride back with his team after winning an away game.
“The bus ride with the team after a win and especially the championship and the ride back after we clinched the first half in Madison,” said Sanchez.
The Rockers performed well from home plate as well, earning multiple runs and taking a 4-0 lead going into the eighth inning.
“It was a feeling like no other. Winning in the Northwoods is hard already and winning the championship game in the Northwoods is something you can never forget,” said Mateo Matthews.
“My favorite part of the season was being able to come to a locker room with some great guys and play the game I love every day at a high level of competition. You can’t beat that.”
Going into the ninth inning, the score of the game was 4-2. Jacob Faulkner took the mound securing the team’s final three outs of the night with help from the final catch of the season by Kendal Ewell which won the Rockers the championship.
“Winning the championship was such an incredible experience. All the games and long bus rides seemed to be really worthwhile in the end. This is my first time winning a championship ring and it is such a blessing,” said Carlos Hernandez.
“Despite all the great games and individual good performances that me and my teammates had, I would say that my favorite part of the entire season was all the moments and friendships that I got the chance to make throughout the entire summer. Also, having the opportunity to know and play in front of so many different people was amazing.”