Canton Little Leaguers win
state championship
By Connor Erickson
Citizen Staff
It’s been
quite a ride — and it’s not over yet. Comprised of 13- and
14-year-old players, Canton’s Junior Little League team has won
the state championship and was headed to the regional tournament
in New Jersey last weekend. Pending the outcome of that
tournament, Canton’s hometown heroes could be heading to the
Little League World Series.
Their
journey began at the district level, in which eight teams
competed in a double elimination tournament. Canton got off to a
rough start, losing its second game to Whitman, which meant the
Canton boys needed to go clean the rest of the way — which is
exactly what they did. Canton answered under pressure and won
five straight on the way to winning the districts. Their last
two games — both against undefeated Whitman — were particularly
satisfying, as the Canton boys stopped Whitman’s run with two
decisive victories. The last game was a major confidence boost
for Canton, as the hometown boys took down Whitman at its home
field.
After Canton
won the district, the champs advanced to the state tournament
with the 11 other district winners from across the state. The
state tournament is broken down into two sections, with each
section made up of six teams. Canton breezed through its section
— winning three straight — and advanced to the state finals
against Gloucester.
The state
final is decided in a best- of-three series. Canton dropped the
first game 5-3 but bounced back in the second, sending a strong
message to Gloucester with a resounding, 13-0 win. Game three
was a battle that was ultimately decided in extra innings. The
games are typically seven innings, but Canton pulled through in
the clutch and won 5-4 in the bottom of the ninth to win the
state championship.
The new
state champions’ next challenge was to compete in the junior
east regional tournament. The east region is one of only nine
regions in the world. There are ten teams in the east region,
and the winner of each region advances to the Little League
World Series, which can be seen on ESPN. Canton traveled to
Freehold, New Jersey to play in the double elimination
tournament this past weekend. (See results in next week’s
Citizen.)
But
regardless of how they did over the weekend, the Canton champs
have had a spectacular season.
The team has
been led by coaches Mike Tamasi, Colin Clapton and Lee
Oldenburg; each has a son on the team.
“It has been
a fun ride for the players, coaches and parents,” said Tamasi.
“It has been a great team to coach. All 12 kids have contributed
to the success of the team this summer.”
The players
have also had a great experience during their run to the state
tournament.
“We started
off this season setting a goal to win the state tournament, and
that’s what we did,” said shortstop and pitcher Tommy Jenkins.
“We have a
great group of kids this year,” said centerfielder Chris Tamasi.
“We have a very versatile team and players can play almost any
position which makes this year different than any other year.”
August 7, 2008
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