St. James-Smithtown Little League Team Aims for Little League World Series

St. James and Smithtown have become the epicenter of excitement as their joint Little League team, crowned New York State champions, gears up for a regional showdown against top teams from Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

“I feel like we’re getting a lot of recognition. I feel like a celebrity walking around,” said Jeremy Katz, the Bulls’ pitcher and New York State home run derby champion, reflecting on the buzz surrounding the team.

As they prepare for their first game in Bristol, Connecticut, against Rhode Island, Katz expressed his desire for this moment to last. The regional tournament kicks off Saturday night, and the stakes are high.

Former major leaguer Frank Catalanotto, who played for the Bulls in the late 1970s and early '80s, noted that the attention can be overwhelming yet invigorating. “Even though you were still a young kid, people took you seriously,” he recalled, emphasizing the significance of such experiences.

The St. James-Smithtown team is riding high after clinching their first state title, a feat that has drawn considerable media attention. Each player now sports state champion rings, proudly displayed on chains around their necks.

“They’re getting a sense of their accomplishments and all their hard work,” said assistant coach Eric Hanson, whose son plays outfield for the Bulls. “It goes beyond the game, and hopefully they can use this for the rest of their lives.”

On game day, the atmosphere is electric. Parents have rallied behind the team with enthusiasm that rivals any major league crowd. The younger Hanson described the state title victory against South Shore as feeling like a home game, despite being on Staten Island.

“The boys can hear it in the dugout, and we can feel the momentum switching,” said Hanson’s father, recalling how their support helped propel the team from a 2-0 deficit to a 7-2 victory.

Shortstop Andrew Barbato acknowledged the impact of family support. “Just being in it and having all of them watch it — shout out to the parents for taking off work,” he said, highlighting the dedication of those cheering from the stands.

The bond among players and families has been nurtured since many of them were just five years old. Jodi Katz, Jeremy’s mother, noted that this camaraderie translates into better performance on the field. “It really is like a family,” she said.

However, she remains cautious about keeping their spirits grounded amidst the celebrations. “It’s wonderful that they’re being celebrated in this way,” she remarked, “but behind the scenes, they’re still the group of scrappy 12-year-old boys who swim and play stickball together.”

Barbato echoed this sentiment, emphasizing focus on the game ahead. “I’m just going to block it out and just play baseball and have fun with my friends,” he stated confidently.

The Bulls will face Burrillville, Rhode Island, at 7 p.m. Saturday to kick off the Little League Metro regional tournament. Earlier that day, Fairfield (Connecticut) National will take on New Jersey’s Jackson-Holbrook at 4 p.m.

The losers of these opening games will meet for an elimination match at 7 p.m. Sunday, while the winners will clash at 1 p.m. Monday for a chance to advance to the finals.

The final showdown is set for 7 p.m. on August 8, where one team will secure a coveted spot in the Little League World Series.