Nottingham wants to get back on top

When the boys on the Nottingham Little League team show up for practice they are reminded of just how successful this program is.

This summer’s group has redemption on its mind after Nottingham had a stretch of five straight District 12 titles snapped.

Still, Nottingham is the most successful program in the district, having amassed 27 D-12 championships. That also includes a trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport 25 years ago.

“Every time we have practice in the cage, they can see,” manager Bill James said. “They’re aware. They know. Some of these kids have brothers who have played. They know what it takes and because of our tradition and because we do well, people always want to beat us.”

Nottingham once again is the favorite, especially after defending champion Bordentown chose not to field a team. The Sayen Gang opens against Lawrence on Friday night at the HTRBA Little League Complex.

“I think we have a good team,” James said. “We’re looking forward to a competitive All-Star season. District 12 is always competitive and we expect to be right there at the top.”

Nottingham always has some big sluggers, and James said that’s the case once again, but the skipper also thinks there are arms to match.

Michael Stromberg, Jack Hughes, Matt Dziubek and Colin James can all take the ball and eat up innings.

If Nottingham gets into the later rounds, which it almost assuredly will, the games will be contested on its home field.

“We expect to do well,” James said. “We know we have a hard road ahead or us because the competition is good, but we expect to do well.”

JOHN BLAINE — FOR THE TRENTONIAN The Nottingham Little League All-Stars (front row l-r): Kyan Filipponi, Ryan Tash, Michael Stromberg, Cameron Cote, Braedon Nitti, Matthew James. (Back row l-r): Coach Chris Nitti, Michael Jolly, Jack Lambert, Matt Dziubek, manager Bill James, Michael Smith, Jack Hughes, Colin James, Danny Maher, coach Chris Tash.