St. James-Smithtown Little League Team Gears Up for Regional Showdown
St. James and Smithtown are becoming the new hot spots for all the right reasons. Their joint Little League team, the St. James-Smithtown Bulls, recently clinched the New York State championship and now sets its sights on a shot at glory at the regional tournament.
Rising Stars in Little League
The Bulls are not just any team; they recently secured their first-ever state title and are now ready to compete against the best from Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut for a coveted spot in the Little League World Series. The excitement surrounding the team has reached celebrity status, according to Jeremy Katz, the team’s pitcher and home run derby champion.
“I feel like we’re getting a lot of recognition. I feel like a celebrity walking around,” Katz shared ahead of their upcoming match.
Meeting Legends
Former Major League player Frank Catalanotto, who played for the Bulls in his youth, emphasized the significance of this experience.
“Even as a kid, you felt taken seriously. It felt like Major League Baseball,” he remarked.
Championship Celebration
Alongside the intense competition, the Bulls are enjoying substantial media attention, with games set to air on ESPN. Each player flaunts a state champion ring, symbolizing their hard work and accomplishments. Assistant coach Eric Hanson noted:
“They’re realizing their hard work has paid off, and hopefully, they can carry this pride throughout their lives.”
The Power of Support
The energy from the crowd has been phenomenal. Parents are vocally supporting their children, making the atmosphere comparable to a major league game. After trailing 2-0 in their state title match, the family cheers propelled the team to a 7-2 victory.
“The boys can hear it in the dugout, and we can feel the momentum switching,” said one parent, underscoring the powerful vibe created by their support.
A Family Affair
The camaraderie among the boys is palpable, many having played together since they were 5 years old. This bond translates into strong team dynamics, as highlighted by Katz’s mother, Jodi, who said:
“It creates a family environment that leads to better on-field performance.”
Keeping Focused
While the spotlight shines brightly, the players remain grounded. Shortstop Andrew Barbato emphasized the importance of staying focused:
“I’m just going to block it out and play baseball, having fun with my friends.”
Upcoming Game Schedule
The St. James-Smithtown Bulls’ journey continues as they kick off the Metro regional tournament against Burrillville, R.I., at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Here’s a breakdown of the game schedule:
- Saturday, 7 PM: St. James-Smithtown vs. Burrillville, RI
- Saturday, 4 PM: Fairfield National (CT) vs. Jackson-Holbrook (NJ)
- Sunday, 7 PM: Elimination game for the losers of the two early matches
- Monday, 1 PM: Winners from Saturday compete for a spot in the finals
- Monday, 7 PM: Finals matchup
Join the Journey
Keep an eye on this exceptional team as they strive for greatness in the upcoming matches. For updates, follow the Little League’s official website and various sports news outlets covering this thrilling tournament.
Connect with the excitement as the St. James-Smithtown Bulls bring their strong spirit and skills to the diamond, aiming to make their mark in Little League history!
For more news about youth sports, check out Little League’s official site and explore local sports coverage.
