Letter: Thrill for Taconic to Play State Championship at Wahconah

Letter to the EditorPrint Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

As a high school coach, I cannot begin to describe the emotion and excitement that my players and coaches experienced on Monday during the MIAA D-III state championship at Wahconah Park. The thrill of being able to play the final game in our hometown, on the city-owned historic park, was amazing. To look up at the stands as they began to fill, and to see the faces of people of all ages painted along the fence and deep into the field, resonated with me throughout the day.

It is no small task to get to the state game, but it was an even greater task to perform the way that we did in front of our family, friends, teachers, neighbors, and residents. Truth be told, it was your cheers and clapping, chanting, and demonstration of love and support that rallied our players in the dugout and on the field. Given the many obstacles and challenges that everyone has faced for the past year and a half, it was a great day of baseball and a great day for Pittsfield.


There are many thoughts racing through my mind the day after a state championship, but for now, I will say "thank you." Thank you to the school department for protecting our season, the city for allowing us to play on “their” field, the parents for supporting your sons each and every day, the players for their endless dedication to the sport, the coaches for their tireless work, and finally, the fans, for your love of baseball.

"In baseball as in life, all the important things happen at HOME." In closing, and on behalf of the Taconic High School baseball team, my players, and my full coaching staff, thank you! Go Braves!

Sincerely,

Kevin Stannard
Taconic High School
varsity baseball coach 

Pittsfield, Mass.

 

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Firefighters Knock Down Morningside Blaze

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Fire Department knocked down a two-alarm blaze in the Morningside neighborhood in less than an hour on Friday. 

Just before 3 p.m., the department received a report of a fire at 25 Pine St. Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner said he arrived at the scene first and saw heavy fire showing from the rear of the more than 100-year-old home. 

"We just went to work, pretty much," he explained. 

"Because of the heavy volume of fire and the potential for a high number of occupants, I called a double alarm, which called all available Pittsfield firefighters directly to the scene. And I would say the fire was knocked down and under control within an hour." 

Eight occupants were evacuating the home when firefighters arrived, and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. People, including the occupants, stood on the sidewalk and watched the scene unfold. 

When iBerkshires arrived, firefighters were on the ladder, extinguishing the top level of the home from the side and rear.  

There were five fire engines and one ladder truck. Hinsdale also came to assist, and Lenox and Dalton were called for standby. 

Garner believes the building is salvageable and repairable, but recognized that the family won't be able to stay there tonight. An extended family appears to live in the home. 

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined; the Fire Investigation Division was on site. The Red Cross will provide assistance to the residents of the home. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories