Latest news with #LittleLeagueWorldSeries
New York Post
9 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Hofstra baseball coach reveling in St. James-Smithtown's run for LLWS
It's a four-pitch walk down memory lane for Frank Catalanotto. The Long Island native and former Met is reveling in his former team's chase toward the Little League World Series as he is keeping tabs on how the boys of St. James-Smithtown are doing. 'I try to follow them as closely as I can,' Catalanotto, who still lives in Smithtown and played in the league during the late 1970s and early '80s, told The Post. 'It definitely brings up some memories … what they're doing now and how much fun they're having, I miss those times, like you can't believe.' Catalanotto, who manages the Hofstra Pride baseball team in Nassau County, called it an honor to have his number 27 retired by the St. James-Smithtown Bulls last year at their home of Gaynor Park. 'I pass by Gaynor Park every single day,' the former pro added, saying how glad he was that the love for baseball had endured for decades in the area. 'It's where I got my passion for the game,' said the former outfielder. The lifetime .291 batter also passed along some advice for the New York state champs to keep their heads cool. Frank Catalanotto, who is the manager of the Hofstra Pride, called it an honor to have his No. 27 retired by the St. James-Smithtown Bulls last year at their home of Gaynor Park. Photo courtesy Hofstra Athletics After all, the pressure will heat up come Saturday as they face the best teams of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey, with only one spot in the Little League World Series available. 'I remember sometimes the moment would get too big for me and some kids. I think what you have to do is relax and have fun,' Catalanotto said. 'My best times and the best memories were when I was having fun playing baseball. So I would just say soak it all in, enjoy it, and have as much fun as you can.' Frank Catalanotto poses for a picture during his Little League playing days. Photo courtesy of Frank Catalanotto Though the team is ever grateful for Catalanotto's involvement, star hitter Jeremy Katz, who lives in nearby Kings Park, also draws inspiration from Hall of Famer Craig Biggio — his town's only MLB alum. 'I was really inspired by him coming from my tiny little hometown — nobody knows about Kings Park,' Katz said of his favorite player. 'Now, I want to show the world that there is talent here. … I want to be the second guy to make it to the majors.'
New York Post
13 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
St. James-Smithtown hoping to ride wave of comeback confidence to Little League World Series
It's a summer to remember for the boys of St. James-Smithtown. The bold group of 12-year-olds captured their Little League's first state title and are knocking on the doorstep of the Little League World Series — with only the champs of New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island standing in their way. 'Just being able to be with all these guys, they're so fun — and making it this far, it's just been a crazy experience for me,' pitcher Gary Rocco told The Post ahead of the upcoming regional tournament in Bristol, Conn., whose winner goes to the big show. The team's journey to their next set of big games, which starts Saturday against Rhode Island's Burrillville Little League at 7 p.m., has been nothing short of drama. The Bulls of St. James-Smithtown only reached the New York State Championship after losing to archrival West Sayville — a team they came back to beat twice. 6 The St. James-Smithtown Little League team poses for a photo after recently winning the New York State title and is now playing for a chance to go to Williamsport. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post It was only an uphill battle from there, as the formidable South Shore Little League of Staten Island crushed the Bulls 8-2 in pool play for the state title. St. James-Smithtown rose from the canvas and gave the NYC team a 7-2 shellacking — coming back from being down 2-0 — in the finals. 'I feel like we're more prepared now, we have tougher teams now,' left fielder and first baseman Chase Saxon said. Bull market Escaping the perils of elimination thus far has put these boys on top of the world with a fever pitch of energy and excitement they want to ride into Williamsport, Penn. 'It just tells me if we're down a lot, then we still have confidence in our team,' said outfielder James Santelli. Fellow outfielder Eric Hanson echoed the sentiment that's become the Bulls' never-say-die mantra. 'Once you get a big comeback, your confidence is up for every single game,' he said. 6 Lucas Kostas pitches during a St. James-Smithtown Little League practice in St. James, N.Y. on July 28, 2025. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post 'So I feel like moving forward, we're going to be very confident.' Ask fellow pitcher and DH Jeremy Katz — New York's home run derby champion with an .870 average — and he'll say that the entire squad is radiating with self-belief. 'Confidence is the difference between me going 0-for-10 and 8-for-10,' he said as shortstop Andrew Barbato added, 'I think we have a good chance of winning it all.' 6 Members of the St. James-Smithtown Little League team sit in the dugout during a practice in St. James, N.Y. on Monday, July 28, 2025. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post Boys will be boys The sudden fame and extended season have done little to deter the kids — many of whom have been close for years — from having the best summer vacation of their lives with each other, especially when it comes to team building. At the suggestion of Katz, the group decided to all dye their hair blond as a celebration of making it to the state tournament. Though there were rumblings of buyer's remorse among some players, Katz said, 'I think I'll keep it for a little before I get tired of it,' adding that players' older brothers may join in this week. 6 Manager Scott Santelli during a St. James-Smithtown Little League practice in St. James, N.Y. on July 28, 2025. The team recently won the New York State title and is now playing for a chance to go to Williamsport. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post 6 J.T. Borowski at bat during a St. James-Smithtown Little League practice in St. James, N.Y. on July 28, 2025. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post The inseparable bunch — nearly all on the team are die-hard Yankees fans — also had a chance to walk the warning track at the Stadium in The Bronx this summer as just one of their many memory-making experiences. They have also been known to enjoy pool parties, hotel tag and Wiffle Ball games — the latter has even given outfielder Lucas Kostas more confidence when he tugs on a Bulls jersey, the boy said. One rather unorthodox habit the team has picked up, by being on the road so much, is playing poker — a game at which third baseman Ryan Delgado has rapidly ascended in his skills. They plan to go all in with the card game while staying at on-campus dorms at the regional tournament, with 11 other East Coast teams. 6 Gary Rocco pitches during a St. James-Smithtown Little League practice in St. James, N.Y. on July 28, 2025. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post No matter what the Bulls are doing to keep busy, one thing is clear: They don't want this run to end, nor stop spending every day with their best buddies. 'It's just basically like hanging out with your family,' added Hanson.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Undefeated Braintree Little League team advances to New England Regionals
The Little League World Series is within reach for an undefeated Braintree team. The Braintree American 12A team has advanced to the New England Regionals in Bristol, Connecticut, and these kids are pumped up. "It's great. Our goal was just to win districts, now we're in the regionals," said Braintree Little Leaguer Frankie Fasoli. After a shutout win Sunday against Walpole, the boys from Braintree are already back in the batting cage prepping for their next stop. "I think we really do have a chance to make it in," player Sam Trotta said. "We're a great team; we have good chemistry." Head coach Frank Fasoli says he's proud of his group of young men, but their job isn't done yet. "I feel like every time we get the win that we're looking for, it's the next one now," said coach Frank Fasoli. "Yesterday everyone was celebrating, and I'm like now we're onto regionals. That's the focus, the next step now." They'll leave it all out on the field in Bristol, fighting for a spot in Williamsport and a chance to play in front of a national audience. "It's great I always wanted to play baseball on TV," Frankie Fasoli said. The New England Regional tournament starts Saturday August 2, and the community is ready to rally behind this team. "Back when we were in districts, people would say we're 12 wins away, you know and then it was six, now it's three," Coach Fasoli said.
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Prep Rally: These offensive linemen will be throwing their weight around this season
Hi, and welcome to another edition of Prep Rally. This week, with official football practice beginning on Monday, let's look at the players who never pass up doughnuts, steaks or pancakes — the offensive linemen. Those with ambitions of winning football championships know it starts with the offensive line. In the City Section, Birmingham has weaknesses to fix, but a big, experienced offensive line that will create openings for two promising running back transfers will be key to the Patriots' City title hopes. Leading the way is junior Pablo Granados, an improving 6-foot-4, 280-pound left tackle who started as a sophomore. San Pedro returns two All-City linemen in David Medina and Quincy Couch. Banning has Erick Hernandez, a 6-5, 260-pound senior. Kai Wheeler is a 6-2, 320-pound senior offensive tackle from Crenshaw becoming more agile and stronger. Mater Dei went unbeaten in the Southern Section last season aided by a strong offensive line, and two of the Monarchs' top blockers return in Kodi Greene and Lex Mailangi. Servite might have the best sophomore lineman in Elisha Mueller. Alabama commit Sam Utu leads an experienced Orange Lutheran line that includes junior Lucas Rhoa. Josh Haney at JSerra, Niniva Nicholson at Santa Margarita and Kaden Franco at St. John Bosco round out an impressive group of blockers in the Trinity League. Cooper Javorsky, a UCLA commit at San Juan Hills, had a great off season to surge as a player and prospect. Andre White at Rancho Cucamonga and Elisha Faamatuainu of Murrieta Valley are big men to watch in the Inland Empire. Dylan Felli of Mission Viejo is the key blocker for quarterback Luke Fahey. Blake Graham of Leuzinger is a 280-pound battering ram. As high school football practices begin Monday, three downtown Los Angeles high schools, Contreras, Roybal and Belmont, are trying to deal with the effects of ICE raids in the community. Summer practices have been disrupted. Coaches have been trying to keep players safe and calm fears of parents. Here's a look at the fears and obstacles ahead. Drone operators, managers and athletic trainers. As football practices begin Monday, coaches are relying on unsung contributors to help them manage programs. Here's a look. There's lots of challenges among City Section coaches, but the only way forward is to focus on players you have, teach them, allow them to have fun and prepare them for life ahead. Here's a look at why City coaches have stopped fighting and started sharing stories and ideas to move forward. The Westchester Del Rey softball team will be competing in the Little League World Series in North Carolina this week. Here's the report. . . . Quarterback Deuce Jefferson from Long Beach Poly has committed to Weber State. . . . Corona High first-round draft picks Seth Hernandez, Billy Carlson and Brady Ebel received a combined $16,235,900 in signing bonuses. . . . Warren graduate Angel Cervantes, a second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates, announced he would be attending UCLA. The hard-throwing Cervantes will be a key addition to the Bruins' pitching staff. The deadline to sign a pro contract is 2 p.m. on Monday. Here's the report. . . . The Perfect Game All-American Game will be held Aug. 17 at Petco Park. Among the players selected for the West team is outfielder Blake Bowen of JSerra, infielder Trey Ebel of Corona, outfielder Isaiah Hearn of Chaminade, outfielder Anthony Murphy of Corona, pitcher Logan Schmidt of Orange Lutheran and outfielder Eric Zdunek of Orange Lutheran. . . . Joseph Nava is the new wrestling coach at Santa Margarita. Ivan Buich, a former USC assistant, is the school's new boys water polo coach. . . . Defensive lineman JD Hill of Mission Viejo has committed to Northern Arizona. During her prolific high school basketball days at Windward, Jordin Canada said she wanted to become a nurse. Basketball, though, has taken up much of her time, from UCLA to spending eight years in the WNBA. This season she's playing for the Atlanta Dream, averaging 10 points a game. The former Los Angeles Times player of the year was at the beginning of the rapid growth of girls' basketball in the Southland. Here's a story from 2013 when she was The Times' player of the year. Here's a video from 2013 on Canada's guard skills in the state championship game. From a story on former Mira Costa third baseman Kyle Karros. From a story on a sportswriter switching sides. From Burlisononbasketball, a story on late summer basketball movers. From BaseballAmerica, a story on UCLA coach John Savage trying to keep building without lots of transfers. From a story encouraging multi-sport athletes in high school. Have a question, comment or something you'd like to see in a future Prep Rally newsletter? Email me at and follow me on Twitter at @latsondheimer. Did you get this newsletter forwarded to you? To sign up and get it in your inbox, click here.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Venezuelan Little League team denied U.S. visas
"The Cacique Mara Little League team from Venezuela was unfortunately unable to obtain the appropriate visas to travel to the Senior League Baseball World Series," Little League International said in a statement, calling the development "extremely disappointing, especially to these young athletes." "It is a mockery on the part of Little League to keep us here in Bogota with the hope that our children can fulfill their dreams of participating in a world championship," the team said in a statement to the Associated Press. "What do we do with so much injustice, what do we do with the pain that was caused to our children?" The Little League Senior Baseball World Series is a different event than the Little League World Series that takes place in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with the Senior version involving players aged 13-16 and play taking place on a larger field. The Senior Baseball World Series is being held in Easley, South Carolina, from July 26 to Aug. 2. The more well-known Little League World Series, which is for players aged 10-12, is set for Aug. 13-24. President Donald Trump's administration on June 4 listed Venezuela and six other nations as being subject to partial travel restrictions, while 12 more nations were given full-scale travel bans. While Cacique Mara was denied the necessary visas by the U.S. Department of State, teams from Australia, Canada and the Czech Republic will still participate, along with Santa Maria de Aguayo. The final participants in the International bracket hail from Puerto Rico, which is a territory of the United States. Little League: New Jersey Little Leaguer suspended for bat flip; dad files restraining order The Venezuelan team is the latest example of the sports world colliding with the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration and foreign visitors. In June, the Senegalese women's basketball team abandoned plans to hold a training camp in the U.S. after a significant portion of their roster and staff were denied visas. The Cuban women's volleyball team suffered a similar fate weeks ago after being denied visas to participate in the NORCECA Women's Final Four tournament in Puerto Rico. Earlier this month, Brazilian table tennis player Hugo Calderano was unable to participate in a tournament in Las Vegas, reportedly due to a 2023 visit to Cuba for an Olympic qualifying tournament. Athletes, team staff members and relatives were supposedly exempted from the travel ban, with the Haitian national soccer team able to participate in the recently concluded Concacaf Gold Cup. The soccer world has been particularly concerned about travel difficulties, with the Gold Cup and Club World Cup taking place simultaneously this summer. Trump was a visible figure at the Club World Cup final, and one version of that tournament's trophy remains at the White House. The United States is set to host the 2026 men's World Cup next year, and there are unanswered questions about whether every qualified team will be able to participate. Iran, one of the nations subject to an outright travel ban from the Trump administration, sealed its qualification in March. Of the other nations subject to full bans or significant restrictions, Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo and Venezuela are all currently still alive in World Cup qualifying.
