Something special is brewing down in Berkeley.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Berkeley Eagles president Mick Shipp believes the club's first grade side could be in the middle of a dynasty after it secured a third straight title on Saturday.
The Eagles secured a 5-0 win over Dapto Chiefs in the 2019 Illawarra Baseball League grand final at Hector Harvey Park.
Shipp, who is also the team's catcher, said the Eagles were a tight-knit group of mates.
"I'm over the moon," he said. "Six out of our nine starters grew up playing juniors together, we all get along and know each other so well.
"There is a good camaraderie."
The Eagles entered Saturday's decider as overwhelming favourites following a dominant year.
Berkeley won 17 games during the regular season before recording an 18-0 win over Wollongong Cardinals in their semi-final.
Conversely, Dapto won just one game.
The side finished last on the ladder but reached the finals due to the competition's format.
The Chiefs peaked at the right time, securing 7-1 wins over the Northern Pirates and Cardinals in the finals to reach the decider.
Berkeley started strongly on Saturday scoring three runs from the first two innings.
From there, it was the Steven Kent show.
The Australian representative pitcher was in red-hot form on grand final day, striking out 22 opponents.
Shipp said the performance rounded out a strong year for Kent, who dominated the competition alongside fellow Eagles pitcher Tim Atherton.
"They are close to the two best pitchers in Australia and they boost our personnel," he said.
After a fiery contested, Berkeley coach Chad Blanch congratulated his players on their success and said it showed a strong club culture.
"Everyone wants to win for each other," he said.
"There was a bit of white line fever but we had a drink with five or six of the Chiefs after the game."
Dapto coach Jye Pitt agreed that it was a tough but fair contest.
"There was nothing untoward, it was just passion," Pitt said.
"It was a bit more of a spectacle for the crowd and we put on a good show.
"Berkeley was the best team all year and showed that on Saturday."
Pitt said he was proud of the Chiefs for reaching the grand final.
"We were fourth all year and didn't win many games," he said.
"But it was a good learning curve and we will build on that next year."
While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3 a week. Terms and conditions apply.