As odd as it may be to say, the Butte Central baseball team went into their inaugural season in a bit of a rebuilding mode.  Although this is the first season for every Montana high school program, the Maroons knew that due to sheer numbers that they would have to use many underclassmen and even 8th grades in order to field a team.  However, four seniors went out for the team.  Four seniors who Head Coach Richie O'Brien said "knew (they) would have to lead a very young team, but they took that challenge head-on."  Those four seniors were honored following their Thursday afternoon game against Lone Peak at 3 Legends Stadium.

A rainbow appears over the BC seniors and their parents. Photo courtesy of Chad Petersen.
A rainbow appears over the BC seniors and their parents. Photo courtesy of Chad Petersen.
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Right fielder Garrett Button was escorted by his parents, Paul and Kara Button.  Button is returning to competitive baseball after a few years away from the game, which drew praise from Coach O'Brien, who said, "Garrett has made leaps and bounds in his game this season and has been an instrumental part of this team."

Third baseman Konnor Pochervina, son of Dave and MaryAnn was joined on field by his sister, Keeley, and his grandmother Maria McHugh.  Coach O'Brien hailed him as "a natural leader (who) will do great things in life."

Senior outfielder/pitcher Eric Loos was joined by his parents DonRoy and Carolynn.  Coach O'Brien called Loos "one of the best I've had the pleasure of coaching in any sport."

The team's lone captain, Rye Doherty was escorted by his parents Brian and Stacey Doherty.  O'Brien called Doherty "irreplaceable" and added that "this young team has benefitted greatly from his skill and knowledge and those benefits will continue to be seen over the next several years."

Coach O'Brien also praised the parents, saying, "it is because of you that Maroon Baseball is a reality.  It is because of you that the future is bright for this program, and it is because of you that we are all here tonight."

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