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Camden Reds Open With a Win on the Waterfront — And the Season Is Just Getting Started
There’s something special about baseball on the Camden waterfront. On a warm, breezy evening with the Philadelphia skyline glowing in the background and the PATCO Speedline humming past, the Camden Reds kicked off their Tri-County Baseball League season in style — rolling past the Cinnaminson Crew 8-3 in front of a crowd of 60 to 80 fans who came out to soak it all in.
The setting was perfect. The Benjamin Franklin Bridge towered overhead as pedestrians paused mid-walk to catch a glimpse of the action below. Mr. Softee made sure no one left empty-handed. And before the first pitch was thrown, a familiar face stepped onto the mound — Arnold Byrd, former Executive Director of Camden County OEO, delivering the ceremonial first pitch to officially open the season.
Then the Reds got to work.
Camden’s offense came alive early and never let up. Ocasio led the way, going 3-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Vargas added a 2-for-3 performance with a run and two RBI. It was the kind of balanced, confident performance that had the crowd buzzing from the first inning to the last out.
The win carries extra weight when you consider what’s at stake this season. Last year, Camden broke a six-year drought by advancing past the play-in round — a milestone that lit a fire under this program. With a young core led by players like Kelwin Batista and veteran leadership guiding the way, the Reds have serious championship ambitions this summer.
“With how well the team played last year, I’m really looking forward to a better year now,” said James Wynn, Executive Director of Camden County OEO. “The team looks great, and there are some new recruits, so we’ll see!”
The energy around this team is real. Camden has the pieces — the young talent, the veteran presence, the ability to score in bunches, and the pitching to back it up. If opening night was any indication, Tri-County Championship conversations are not far off.
The Reds don’t have long to celebrate. They’re back in action tonight — Tuesday, June 2nd — heading to Vineland High School for a 7 p.m. matchup against Garton’s of Vineland. If you missed opening night, this is your chance to catch a team that looks ready to make some noise this season.
