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Delco’s band of baseball brothers pay tribute to Springfield’s A.J. Grande

Posted On: Wednesday, June 16, 2021
By: ldevlin

PHILADELPHIA – When the going gets tough, baseball players get going.

You could see it in the inspired play of Cody Grande and Jake Carlin Monday in the Carpenter Cup at FDR Park.

You could feel it in Team Delco’s dugout.

Playing for Delaware County, the contingent coached by the ageless Paul Bogosian, Grande and Carlin fed off of each other just as they did for Brian Francis, their coach at Springfield High this past season.

Grande went 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored. Carlin drove him in both times, rapping a single the second time around.

Delaware County lost the game, 8-4, to Delaware North. But collectively they honored their brother, and Cody’s brother A.J. Despite cancer treatments, A.J. insisted on stopping by the dugout, albeit briefly to say hello to Cody and his baseball band of brothers.

Team Delco never will know how much its “1, 2, 3 A.J. Grande” tribute at the end of the game meant to Cody.

“He battles hard every day,” Cody said. “He has good days and bad days. But in the end, they’re all good days. I know he would want to be here playing third base today. When he beats this, he’ll be back out there playing in college.”

A junior, Cody Grande is grateful to be part of a baseball program teaming with brothers. In addition to the Grandes, there are Matt and Reese Beans, Matt and Mike Grapin and John and Sean Williams. Almost every Cougars baller has a big brother or a little brother. Typically, Francis bats the brothers back-to-back. That bond has strengthened through the illness of A.J.

“They’re great kids, A.J. and Cody,” Francis said. “They’re great players but more importantly, great kids. Our school has been great as far as supporting family. A.J. comes and goes to little events, he has that right attitude and spirit and that’s what he needs. He’s getting out of bed and he’s coming to things he loves. And it’s really good for him and Cody.”

Carlin, who plays shortstop, is one of the few Cougars who doesn’t have a sibling on the baseball team. But in Cody Grande, he has a brother like no other. Best friends. Unconditional friendship. Maturity far beyond their teenage years.

“I tell Cody if he needs anything I’m definitely there for him,” Carlin said. “I try to talk to him or listen if I can. Whatever he needs, I’m there. We hang out. We’ll play bounce-pitch at softball fields or St. Matt’s. We have spots to go. We were at the (boys) district championship game. As a team at Springfield, we all came together this year. We all came together and helped (the Grandes) out. The community in Springfield, everyone is doing as much as we can.”

Click HERE to read the full article.

Teammates since T-ball, Zack Tropiano, Cody Grande and Jake Carlin, from left, all from Springfield High, get together

after Team Delco’s Carpenter Cup game with Delaware North at FDR Park Monday. Delaware North won 8-4.

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