After the 2020 spring sports season was canceled due to COVID-19, the Knights were eager to hold practices and games this year. One of the most anticipated games in the 2021 spring season was the first game of the CC baseball team against rival Lafayette Jeff. The game took place at the newly renovated Loeb Stadium in Lafayette, with the Knights coming out victorious.
Loeb Stadium was originally built in 1940 and has seen many teams and games throughout the years, including IHSAA state tournaments, American Legion Post 11 teams, and the Colt World Series. Loeb Stadium is currently home field to both Lafayette Jefferson High School and the Aviators, a Lafayette collegiate level summer baseball team. However, many of the CC players, as well as Coach Tim Bordenet, have memories and experiences playing baseball at Loeb stadium when they were younger.
“Our players were definitely excited to be able to play the first game in the new Loeb Stadium. Knowing that many future generations of players will have the opportunity to play in Loeb Stadium made playing the very first game special,” said Tim. “For me personally, I had so many fond memories of playing and coaching in the old Loeb Stadium. Playing and winning the first game in the new Loeb Stadium brought those memories to light.”
Over $21 million was spent to renovate Loeb Stadium, and the players were excited to be able to play in such a state of the art stadium. The fans also had great anticipation for the opening of the stadium and the rival game. Despite temperatures in the 40s and a wind chill in the 30s, a crowd of 1,350 people attended the first game.
The evening saw a good game with the Knights jumping out to a 7-1 lead before the Bronchos scored three times in the bottom of the seventh. CC player Evan Dienhart induced a groundout with the bases loaded to preserve the victory. Ben Mazur pitched the first four innings to earn the victory.
Brinn Robbins’ two run triple in the second got CC on the board and the Knights never looked back. T.J. Bell also added two hits including a double. The game ended with the Knights winning against the Bronchos 7-4.
“Winning the first game in Loeb Stadium against Lafayette Jeff gave our team a lot of confidence to start the season,” said Tim. “It definitely helped springboard a great season for our team. Lafayette Central Catholic will forever be the answer to the trivia question of who won the first game in Loeb Stadium and that is something that we are very proud of.”