Raucous cheering could be heard outside PS 246 from a block away in every direction last Friday when a boisterous crowd gathered behind the school to celebrate the Grand Concourse school’s undefeated co-ed softball team.

It was PS 246’s first season in the softball league.

One by one, as coach Pedro Cruz called Thunder players up front to receive their trophies, each player was showered with cheers.

As the event progressed, the student crowd’s enthusiasm escalated. Finally, when Yohan Leonardo, the team’s most valuable player, was called, the crowd reached a crescendo that could have broken glass.

Trophies raised to the sky, the Thunder then embarked on the hallowed tradition of champions: the victory lap.

The 9-0 Thunder breezed through much of thee season, but their quest for perfection almost ended before it even began. Fifth grader Solin Pillier acknowledged that the team had their backs against the wall in their very first game of the season. According to Solin, the Thunder “had to make a big comeback” against Accion Academy.

PS 246 found themselves facing a 12-run deficit early in their game against Accion, but showed steely nerves in responding to an early deficit. The Thunder ended up winning, 13-12.

While Yohan was the team’s MVP, everyone agreed on who dominated on offense. Student after student spoke of the slugger who seemed worthy of Ichiro-like, one-name status, “Jose.”

According to Cruz, Jose Abreu, who led the team in home runs, struck such fear into opponents that “a couple of times they intentionally walked Jose on his first at-bat of the game.”

Erica Daniels, the team’s shortstop, agreed that there was no questioning Jose’s offensive prowess. “Jose was definitely the best hitter,” she said. “He hit a lot of home runs.”