St. James-Smithtown Little League Celebrates Historic New York Championship
In a thrilling display of teamwork and determination, the St. James-Smithtown Little League team has captured the New York State title for 12-year-olds and is now just a few steps away from the prestigious Little League World Series in Williamsport.
“It feels amazing to make history together,” outfielder Eric Hanson expressed after the team’s remarkable victory. This championship marks a significant milestone as it is the program’s first title for boys in New York state. The team clinched the title with an impressive 7-2 win against Staten Island’s South Shore Little League, a team they had previously lost to during pool play.
The road to victory was not easy. The St. James-Smithtown squad found themselves trailing 2-0 in the early innings and facing tough off-speed pitches. Manager Scott Santelli emphasized the need for a change in strategy. “We basically told the kids, ‘Let’s focus on the curveball instead of waiting for the fastball,’” he explained, a shift from conventional coaching advice that proved effective.
Left fielder James Santelli, the manager’s son, recalled how their previous experience in high-pressure situations gave them the confidence to come back. “We’ve rallied before, so I knew we could do it again,” he said. His words resonated with the team, fanning the flames of determination.
Pitcher Jeremy Katz played a crucial role in turning the game around. A talented player recognized for his skills, Katz ignited the team’s spirit by hitting a solo home run in the second inning, closing the gap to 2-1. This powerful hit marked a turning point in the game and energized both the players and the fans.
As the game progressed, St. James-Smithtown unleashed a six-run rally in the fourth inning that transformed the game. Katz struck again, launching another two-run homer that left the crowd in a frenzy. “The whole crowd went wild,” Hanson recalled. “It felt like we were at home.”
With this victory, St. James-Smithtown is set to move on to the Little League Metro regional tournament. They will be competing against some of the best teams from New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, starting with a match against Rhode Island on August 2. The anticipation is high, as the tournament winner will earn a coveted spot in the Little League World Series later this month.
For many young athletes, being part of the World Series is a dream come true. “When I was a kid, I always watched it on ESPN, and now I’ll have the chance to be there,” Santelli said. He is filled with hope and believes that their team has what it takes to go far in this competition.
This victory is more than just a trophy; it represents hard work, community support, and the spirit of youth sports. Every triumph and setback has led to this moment, and the bonds formed on and off the field are treasured by each player and coach.
As St. James-Smithtown prepares for the next stage of their journey, they carry with them not only the pride of their recent achievement but also the hope and expectations of their fans and families. This team embodies the heart and tenacity that Little League baseball represents, teaching valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of sportsmanship.
The future looks bright for these young athletes, and their story continues to inspire those around them as they aim for greatness in the upcoming games. As each player takes to the field, they will remember that they are not just competing for themselves, but for their community, their families, and the values that resonate with all of us.
