Photos: Zack Beavers
By John Knebels
PHILADELPHIA – Following their first-ever Carpenter Cup Classic baseball championship, the Inter-Academic/Independent squad added another lifetime memory to the mix.
Prior to a game at Citizens Bank Park on August 14, the Philadelphia Phillies honored the team with an on-field ceremony. Before each player and coach was recognized, they watched some of their on-field exploits on the giant outfield scoreboard. They then sat together in first-level seats near third base.
Everyone associated with the affair left the field quite appreciative. For those members who doubled as Phillies fans, they eventually watched the hometown heroes erase an early 3-0 deficit and, behind an epic grand slam by Kyle Schwarber, defeat the Miami Marlins, 9-5.
“They put on a great event.,” said Haverford School coach and tourney co-manager Bob Castell. “I appreciate all the Phillies did. It’s a good experience for everybody. The kids won’t forget something like that.”
A quick review of what led the Inter-Ac/Independents to the 38th-annual Carpenter Cup celebration seems in order.
After easily winning the first two rounds by a combined score of 29 to 9, the team reached the semifinal at CBP and faced Jersey Shore.
Carpenter Cup Champions Inter-Ac Independants take the field for tribute presentation.(video/ John Knebels for PSD)
They trailed 3-1 in the ninth but erupted for four runs en route to a 5-4 victory. A tie-breaking two-run single by Shipley freshman Jimmy Amplo – the only non-Inter-Ac player on the championship game 25-man roster – proved to be the game winner.
Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the eighth in the championship faceoff against Tri-Cape June 26 at CBP, Malvern Prep senior Cole Kirschner delivered a game-tying, two-run double. In the ninth, Amplo once again came up clutch, smacking a sacrifice fly that allowed Germantown Academy sophomore Lucas Albert to score the winning run – with a headfirst slide for emphasis.
“Winning the Carpenter Cup was an absolute thrill,” said Friends Central coach and tournament co-manager Jon Rubin. “We did in an incredibly resilient way, battling back seemingly time after time. The majority of the team was made up from the Inter-Ac, which is an incredible conference. Twice a week they battle top-level pitching throwing high 80s, low 90s. So when those kids get up in the Carpenter Cup, they are not necessarily seeing higher levels.
Haverford School coach Bob Castell led the Inter-Academic team to its first Carpenter Cup title. (Video/ John Knebels)
“They’re seeing a lot of what they’ve seen throughout the year, so it’s not overwhelming for them,” added Rubin. “That’s what led to the resilience of our pitching and our hitting. And the base-running piece went really, really well. Malvern’s Freddy Hilliard agreed to coach first base and he took control of the running game, and I think we were something like 31 for 32 in stolen bases.”
Malvern Prep’s DJ Peterson, who will pitch at Yale University next spring, was presented with the Carpenter Cup Most Valuable Player trophy after throwing eight innings in three games.
“It’s a phenomenal feeling to be here,” said Peterson, a lifetime Phillies fan. “It’s not something that I ever imagined. There’s nothing parallel to anything I’ve ever done before. I was super excited to be able to able to pitch (at CBP) and to see what it would be like if I ever made it to the show. I want to be able to cherish the memories I have with my teammates and make it last.”
Start to finish throughout the 15-game tournament, the Phillies once again demonstrated their passion for helping young athletes compete against some of the area’s best talent and, for some, ultimately realize an unlikely experience of playing baseball inside one of the country’s most beautiful venues.
“We would like to congratulate the players and coaches of the Inter-Ac/Independents team for winning this year’s Carpenter Cup Classic,” said Jon Joaquin, the Phillies Director of Youth Baseball and Softball Development. “We’re always proud to host the Phillies Carpenter Cup and thank Nike for all their support to make this high school showcase possible.
Malvern Prep 2024 grad DJ Peterson appreciates Carpenter Cup MVP award. (Video/ John Knebels)
Carpenter Cup Champion Inter-Ac/Independents Receive acknowlegements and MVP Award presentation at Citizen's Bank Park Before the Phillies Game on August 14 (video/ John Knebels)
“The Carpenter Cup Classic has always been recognized nationally as a prestigious baseball tournament for high school students in our tri-state area. We are lucky to work with a talented executive board to make this tournament a catalyst for many players to get exposed to professional scouts and college coaches. Many players have been able to receive scholarships and admission to colleges through this showcase.”
