Hamilton/NB 14s set to host state tourney
It’s all about taking the next step for the Hamilton/ Northern Burlington 14-yearold All-Stars as they head to the state tournament.
A year ago, as 13’s they forced the “if” game in the state finals, and now with Northern Burlington joining with the Hamilton Babe Ruth League this past winter they are not only ready, but anxious, to take the next step.
H/NB not only will represent District One as the district champions, it will also be the host of the Southern New Jersey state tourney that begins on Thursday at Switlik Park.
They are joined by Trenton and Brick American as the other District One teams in the SNJ state tournament.
Many of the players on the Hamilton/Northern Burlington team have been in some tough — and at times controversial — games and they have learned from those tough losses.
“All the stories of the past have been shared with the team,’’ said manager Jim Petersohn. “This team wants to take things to the next level. We set some goals when the team first got together. We have successfully achieved one of them. But, we have three lofty ones ahead of us.’’
Switlik Park will also be the site of the Middle Atlantic Regional with Hamilton/ Northern Burlington as the host, but the state title is goal No. 2 and next in line.
The goal of winning the district came fairly easy for H/NB.
No game went the full seven innings as they downed Brick, 10-0, Trenton, 16-2, and Brick, 13-3, in the championship game.
“As a coaching staff, you always like to see more, but overall we identified some things to work on and we will tighten up,’’ said Petersohn. “Pitching was a huge strength during the districts and we hit the ball well. We will continue to get better every day and move forward in practice and be ready for the states.’’
The pitching was led by Jake Babuschak, Anthony Wilk, Nick Nemes and Tommy Niedermaier. The group combined for 25 strikeouts while only issuing three walks. They only gave up seven hits in 15 innings on the mound.
As a team, H/NB hit .438 in the districts and Babuschak, Wilk, Danilo Perdomo, Tyler Solymosi, Connor Luckie and Gavin Martin all hit over .500 for the three games.
The first opponent in the state tournament will be Washington Twp. on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. The opening game on Thursday at 6 p.m. has Trenton facing Mount Laurel. Friday has Cherry Hill against Mount Holly at 6 p.m. and the Hamilton/ Northern Burlington and Washington Twp. winner facing Atlantic Shore.
Brick American and Medford don’t get on the field until Saturday.
The future is mapped out for this H/NB group as it has the states and then the regionals. They are ready to take care of some unfinished business.
“They continue to amaze me with their development as baseball players and young men,’’ said Petersohn. “The thing we like most is how they have been hanging out together outside of baseball. It’s going to be a special summer if we continue to keep coming together as a team.’’
The steps are in front of them and they seem ready to continue climbing.