PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The final score mattered to the players, but the true victory came well before the first pitch.

 

The annual John Codey Jimmy Fund Classic brought together players from Adams-Cheshire and Pittsfield on the same field with a shared purpose: raising money to support cancer research and patient care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The evening combined competitive baseball with community spirit, reminding everyone in attendance that the game was about something much bigger than wins and losses.

 

On the field, Adams-Cheshire used a fast start and held off a late Pittsfield rally to earn a 12-8 victory in the week-long tournament's finale.

 

Adams-Cheshire struck first with six runs in the opening inning before adding five more in the second to build an 11-0 lead. Pittsfield responded in the bottom of the first when Charley Bianchi singled to start the rally. Oscar Fabino followed with an RBI double, and Easton Tatro added another double as Pittsfield got on the scoreboard.

 

The visitors answered with another productive inning in the second. Joey Milesi opened the frame with a double before Ashton Ackerman reached with a single. Roman Rochelo delivered one of the biggest swings of the game, lining a two-run double to the outfield. Hudson Ziter and Abel Lysko each added RBI singles during the inning as Adams-Cheshire extended its advantage.

 

Max Bialis started on the mound for Adams-Cheshire before Ziter came on in relief later in the contest. Offensively, Ziter collected two singles and drove in a run, while Milesi reached base three times with a double, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch. Rochelo’s two-run double highlighted a balanced offensive attack that saw contributions throughout the lineup. Ackerman, Avery Joiner, and Lysko also recorded hits in the win.

 

Despite the early deficit, Pittsfield continued to compete. Grayson Garner drove in a run with an RBI single in the third inning, and Preston Woodard finished with multiple hits, including an RBI single in the sixth. The hosts scored four runs in the final two innings to cut the deficit to 12-8 and brought the tying run closer to the plate before Adams-Cheshire escaped a bases-loaded situation to secure the win.

 

While the baseball provided plenty of excitement, the fundraising efforts remained the centerpiece of the event. The Jimmy Fund has supported cancer care and research at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for decades, helping fund groundbreaking treatments, clinical trials, and patient support services. Events like the 10U All-Star fundraiser allow local communities to contribute directly to that mission while teaching young athletes the importance of giving back.

 

Several individuals and organizations were recognized for their fundraising efforts following the game. John Kelly received the Jack Brennan Award, presented to the individual who raised the most money for the Jimmy Fund. Lanesborough Little League earned recognition as the team that raised the most money, highlighting the community-wide commitment to the cause. Wyatt Gladu was honored as the top individual fundraiser after raising more than $1,200.

 

For one evening in Pittsfield, the scoreboard told only part of the story. The game showcased strong baseball from both teams, but its greatest accomplishment was bringing families, players, coaches, and fans together in support of children and families impacted by cancer. By the final out, everyone involved had contributed to a cause that extends far beyond the baseball diamond.