Nottingham looking to reassert itself as class of District 12
There hasn’t been a youth baseball program more successful in Mercer County than the Nottingham Little League All-Stars.
Nottingham has won a record 27 District-12 titles, but the trophy case has remained empty since a championship season in 2015 was the last of five in a row.
This group, managed by John Cimino, believes it can get back to the top.
“They know about (the success),” Cimino said. “It’s sort of like an expectation. When you come into our indoor facility, it’s lined with banners everywhere. It’s a pretty remarkable tradition, and we just hope to carry out the tradition this year.”
The eight-team double elimination tournament, which was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled to get underway on Friday with two games at Sunnybrae LL and two at Nottingham LL. All games after Friday’s opening round will be held at Sunnybrae, with the championship round set to begin on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Nottingham begins its quest for a 28th title at home against township rival HTRBA at 8:15 p.m. on Friday.
“This was supposed to be there big year as 12year olds and we didn’t know if we were going to get a season in,” Cimino said. “We just completed our rec season and it went off pretty successful. There was a lot of fun, a lot of excitement and they’re looking forward to all-star baseball.”
Cimino really likes the group that has been assembled.
“It’s a good team,” he said. “Everyone understands what their roles are. In any good team, you’re going to have your stud pitchers and those who hit the ball pretty well, but as long as they blend together as a team, I think they can do some damage.”
Ultimately, it may come down to playing error-free baseball..
“Make the least amount of mistakes,” Cimino said when asked what the one thing his team has to do well in order to compete for a title. “Go out with heart, hustle, dedication and leave it all on the field. If they leave it all on the field, I’m willing to put those 14 boys up against anybody.”