Camden Central School District -

On Saturday, May 10th, the Camden varsity baseball team added to its present successes, while also paying homage to an important figure from its past. The Blue Devils played host to the inaugural Camden Alumni Invitational tournament, held on the newly-renovated varsity baseball field at Camden Middle School. 

The tournament featured four teams: Camden, South Jefferson, Phoenix, and Clinton. The Blue Devils opened with a 14-4 win over Clinton. Adam Gonzalez and Mason Butler led the way with three runs scored apiece. On the mound, Alex Leszczyk picked up the win, allowing four runs on five hits. He struck out two. 

A South Jefferson win over Phoenix set up the championship. Joey Matt broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth to help the Blue Devils capitalize on a strong pitching performance by Evan Pitcher and Adam Gonzalez. Gonzalez got the win in relief, and Pitcher struck out five and allowed just a single run on four hits in a starting role. 

However, the most notable event of the day may have occurred between games for the Blue Devils. A large contingent of alumni was on hand for the tournament. They came not only to see the newly-updated field, but to recognize an influential person in their lives: longtime head coach Tom “Cat” Stevens.

Stevens coached the Blue Devils baseball program for 33 years and made an impact on generations of players over that time. He also was integral in building an enduring winning tradition for the program. He won 326 games, secured five Tri-Valley League championships, and piloted the Blue Devils to their first four Section III crowns in 1990, 1993, 1998, and 2000.

Beyond that, he drove many Blue Devils to pursue the game beyond their time at CHS, and played a role in the growth of many outstanding citizens.

With many of his former players, his wife Cheri, and daughter Jaycee by his side, Stevens was presented with a handmade plaque that will be put on display at the new varsity baseball field. Son Alex, who was one of Camden’s greatest all-time players in three different sports, was there in spirit as he was unable to make the trip home from Wyoming for the occasion.

A very special thank you is extended to our CHS Baseball Alumni, and the Camden Diamond Club for contributing to this very special occasion. The Blue Devils hope to host this tournament and showcase this sparkling new facility for years to come.