St. James-Smithtown Aims for Little League World Series Glory
The summer of triumph continues for the St. James-Smithtown Little League team, a group of determined 12-year-olds who have made history by clinching their first state title.
With only the champions from New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island left to conquer, the team is poised to make their mark at the Little League World Series. Pitcher Gary Rocco expressed his excitement, stating, “Just being able to be with all these guys, they’re so fun — and making it this far, it’s just been a crazy experience for me,” as they prepare for the regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut.
Their journey has been filled with challenges. After suffering a defeat to their rivals, West Sayville, the Bulls rebounded to defeat them twice, showcasing their resilience. The road to the state championship was rocky; they faced a tough loss against South Shore Little League of Staten Island, who defeated them 8-2 in pool play. However, St. James-Smithtown turned the tables in the finals, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to win 7-2.
“I feel like we’re more prepared now; we have tougher teams now,” said Chase Saxon, who plays left field and first base. The thrill of survival through elimination rounds has ignited a fire within the team, propelling them toward Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Outfielder James Santelli noted, “It just tells me if we’re down a lot, then we still have confidence in our team.” This sentiment resonates throughout the squad, as Eric Hanson emphasized their unwavering spirit: “Once you get a big comeback, your confidence is up for every single game.”
Jeremy Katz, a standout pitcher and designated hitter with an impressive .870 average, highlighted the importance of confidence in their performance. “Confidence is the difference between me going 0-for-10 and 8-for-10,” he remarked. Shortstop Andrew Barbato added, “I think we have a good chance of winning it all.”
The extended season has not dampened their spirits; instead, it has fostered camaraderie among teammates who have grown close over the years. In a show of unity, they decided to dye their hair blond to celebrate reaching the state tournament. Despite some initial regrets about the decision, Katz quipped, “I think I’ll keep it for a little before I get tired of it,” hinting that older brothers might join in on the fun.
As die-hard Yankees fans, the team enjoyed a memorable summer that included walking the warning track at Yankee Stadium. Their bonding experiences extend beyond baseball; they’ve shared pool parties, hotel tag games, and Wiffle Ball matches that have boosted players’ confidence when donning their Bulls jerseys.
Interestingly, frequent travel has led to an unexpected pastime: poker. Third baseman Ryan Delgado has quickly honed his skills in the game. The team plans to indulge in poker during their stay at on-campus dorms for the regional tournament alongside 11 other East Coast teams.
Regardless of how they spend their time off the field, one thing remains clear: The Bulls are determined to extend this exhilarating journey and cherish every moment spent together. “It’s just basically like hanging out with your family,” Hanson concluded.
