After three consecutive nights of hard-fought baseball, the Norfolk Tides won the International League Championship Series on Sept. 28, beating both the Durham Bulls and the harsh Norfolk weather, which featured heavy rain and wind that could turn an outfield pop-up into a long home run.
The series decided who would advance to the Triple-A National Championship Game, Minor League Baseball’s equivalent of the Major League World Series. It was held as a best-of-three series, with all three games taking place at Harbor Park in Norfolk. On Sept. 26, the division-winning Tides lost the first game 10-5 to the second-place Bulls, in front of a packed crowd despite a forecast of poor conditions. PA junior Ben Murphy, one of multiple Cavalier attendees at Harbor Park, said he was surprised by the turnout and game environment, all things considered. “I had low expectations, because the weather wasn’t too good,” Murphy explained. “But I think the atmosphere was great, it was very lively. I thought the Tides really brought the community together in a positive way. “
The Tides saw a more positive result from Game Two, 7-2 over the Bulls. Top prospect in Minor League baseball, shortstop Jackson Holiday, delivered two key hits, while Cole Irvin and Austin Voth worked together to pitch seven scoreless innings.
Game Three was a similar story, as the Tides hit multiple home runs on their way to the 7-0 win. First Baseman Coby Mayo had the finishing blow with a home run in the 8th inning, his fourth hit of the game to cap off an excellent playoff performance.
It was a historic night for baseball fans in Hampton Roads, as the Tides clinched their first International League title since 1985 and their first title as a member of the Baltimore Orioles organization. Murphy elaborated on the possible impact of the Tides’ win: “I think it’s amazing, and I think it definitely means good things are to come for the Tides. I also think it’s really exciting to see that the Orioles are also doing well in the postseason and that could mean exciting things for the franchise.”
Sept. 30 was also a winning night for the Tides, as they defeated the Oklahoma City Dodgers to win the Triple A National championship game, held in Las Vegas. Across a game full of ups and downs, a 7th inning grand slam by outfielder Colton Cowser secured the win.
Throughout the end of September, and across the year, the Tides have thanked the local community for its outstanding support. A historic comeback on Aug. 28 in which the Tides came back from 1-11 down to win 13-12, is referred to as the “Saturday Night Miracle” by the Tides, and was recognized for a vibrant crowd atmosphere that stayed loyal at the game, motivating the Tides to make a comeback.
For an area like Hampton Roads, which features very few sports teams at a professional level, and none from the 5 American major leagues, victories like these are taken as well-regarded memories and sources of pride. According to Wavy 10, team store sales are still at a recent high, with attention still coming to the team in the days after the end of the season. Many shirts and hats, as well as posters around Norfolk, display the message “Protect the Harbor,” representing a community that is willing to support their team, no matter the professional level, weather conditions, or opponents.
