Hamilton Little Lads heading to 10-year-old World Series
HAMILTON >> Asher DeLue wasn’t sure which was more exciting: going to play in the World Series or getting to travel on a plane for baseball.
Ah, the life of a 10-yearold baseball player.
No doubt it all will be exciting for DeLue, his teammates, coaches and family as they travel to the Cal Ripken 10-year-old World Series in Phenix City, Alabama representing Hamilton Little Lads.
“It all has been amazing,’’ said DeLue, who is one of Hamilton’s many versatile players. “We finally got what we wanted and now we are going to Alabama.’’
Whether it was in the District One, Southern New Jersey or Middle Atlantic Regional tournament, these kids left little doubt just who was the best team.
Through all three tourneys they are 14-0.
They won the regional tournament by a score of 15-0 over Bridgewater-Raritan and in six regional games they outscored their opponents, 79-13. Impressive.
“I think we have a good shot to win the whole thing,’’ said Dan Tozzi, the Lads manager. “I don’t know the other teams but having watched these kids play they have been playing at a very high level.’’
Some of those giving a great effort on the mound for Tozzi’s Ten’s has been DeLue, Janniel Hernandez, Daniel Tozzi, Chase Whitman and A.J Liberto.
Tozzi, DeLue and Liberto sealed the Southern New Jersey title with a 10-3 win over Cherry Hill, and then it was on to the regionals in North Tonawanda, New York.
“I’ve been playing for a few years and I’ve never been this far,’’ said Stephen Wright, who patrols any of the three outfield positions for Lads. “This is as far as I’ve ever been and it’s really exciting. We are a team that just goes and we play our game.’’
Their game was tested in the regional semifinals when they held a slim lead of Southeast New York entry, East Fishkill.
The Dutchess County team had the bases loaded and no outs and were threatening the Little Lads’ lead.
But, a 1-2-5 pitcher-to catcher-to third double play ended the threat and Hamilton tacked on a few runs for security.
“They were one of the better teams we faced and we didn’t know what to expect,’’ said Wright. “It got a little nervous there, but we came out and added a few more runs.’’
The 10’s have gotten clutch hits from Wright, DeLue, Whitman, Jose Antonio Calzadilla, Janniel Hernández, Rocco Valentino and Kaiden Hurley.
Noah Kerlin, Elijah Kerlin and Jomar Olivero have also played a key role with the glove, the bat or on the mound.
“Once this team gets on the field, they act like it’s a business trip,’’ said Tozzi, the manager. “They focus once they get across the lines. They have really absorbed all the things we have taught them in practice.’’
The Little Lads are in Group A once play starts along with the Ohio Valley, North Carolina and Pacific Southwest winners.
Cherry Hill is also in the World Series as they were the 9-year-old winners and get a berth in the 10’s World Series.
“I’m excited for these kids,’’ said Tozzi. “Through it all they all have contributed and have made some phenomenal plays. They are fun to watch.’’
It’s going to be fun plane ride and a great experience for a great group of 10-yearold’s in Alabama.