St. James-Smithtown Aims for Little League World Series Spot
The St. James-Smithtown Little League team stands on the brink of a monumental achievement. Just one victory separates them from the coveted Little League World Series.
“When I was younger, I watched a Little League World Series game on TV,” said designated hitter Gary Rocco. “Then, I said to myself, ‘I want to play in it.’ I’ve just kept on thinking about it — and now we’re almost there.”
Tonight at 7 p.m. in Bristol, Connecticut, the Bulls will face Fairfield National in the Metro regional championship game. This highly anticipated rematch follows their earlier victory over Fairfield, where they secured a 6-1 win in the winner’s bracket semifinal.
“This is going to be the biggest game of my life,” declared St. James-Smithtown starter Jeremy Katz, who is also New York’s home run derby champion. He draws inspiration from local legend Craig Biggio.
“If I could pitch a full game, that would be just surreal. A shutout in the championship would be storybook,” Katz added, reflecting on the significance of the moment.
The Bulls have transformed their season from last year’s early playoff exit to a formidable contender. After a tough loss to West Sayville in double elimination this summer, they rallied back, defeating their rivals twice to regain momentum.
Their confidence was evident in an impressive 18-0 opening victory against Burrillville of Rhode Island, which was preceded by a new pregame tradition of lights-out meditation that left fielder Kevin Moran found inspiring.
“We really calm down; it helps us out,” said Hunter Falcone, another designated hitter. The entire team has been contributing, with all 12 players getting involved rather than just the starting nine.
Now, after days filled with Wiffle Ball and practice, third baseman Lucas Kostas expressed their belief: “We believe that we could go with it all. We have great pitching, great hitting — and we’re just all around very good. Much better than last year.”
Former Met Frank Catalanotto, a Smithtown resident and Little League alumnus, has taken notice of their strong performances. “I think they’re going to be fine because they seem to score runs,” he remarked. “I’m looking for them to continue to play the same brand of baseball that they’ve been playing.”
The players have ignited excitement in their hometowns, with parents and residents gathering for watch parties to support the team as they shine on television.
Manager Scott Santelli, who has two sons on the team, feels as though he’s managing a group of big leaguers this summer. “After all of the interviews and attention we’ve had, I do look at these professional athletes in a different light,” he said.
Santelli couldn’t contain his excitement after the last out against Fairfield earlier this week, jumping up and down with the team. “To be able to do this with all my sons, you know, 20, 30, 40 years from now, it’s something we’ll be able to talk about for the rest of our lives,” he reflected.
“Not many fathers have this opportunity. So I’m just taking it all in and enjoying it, not only with my sons but also with my other family, which is this baseball team.”
