The Port Washington 12U Little League team is on the cusp of a historic achievement, standing just three wins away from their first-ever appearance at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This milestone comes after the team secured the New York State championship, an honor never before bestowed upon the Port Washington Little League in its 63-year existence.
The team is set to compete in the regional round of the Little League World Series in Bristol, Connecticut, facing formidable opponents from the tristate area: Bayonne Central, New Jersey; Darien, Connecticut; and Lincoln, Rhode Island. The winner of this double-elimination tournament will earn the sole spot to represent the Metro Region at the ultimate competition.
"We’ve been playing great baseball," third baseman Jack Gomez told The Post. "We’ve been practicing for a while, and I think we’re ready."
The team's journey has been marked by a strong sense of camaraderie. During the New York State title tournament, players stayed together in a hotel, fostering team bonding. Left fielder Carlo Cafferata noted that playing video games like PlayStation 5, basketball, and soccer served as a good luck charm and helped them relax before games. They plan to continue this tradition in the team dorms at the A. Bartlett Giamatti Center in Bristol, incorporating Wiffle ball and utilizing the campus pool on off days.
"Sometimes we mess up, but that’s OK," center fielder Walter Cassens said. "If we play our game good, then we could definitely win."
Their first challenge in the regional tournament is against Lincoln on Saturday at 4 p.m., with the game broadcast on ESPN+.
Shortstop Brandon Kien, who previously attended regional games as a fan, described the upcoming experience as surreal and "a dream come true." He expressed excitement about staying in the players' dorms, calling them "sick."
Assistant coach Anthony Theoharis highlighted the team's persistence and ability to perform under pressure. "They work hard in big spots. They come up big for each other," Theoharis said. "I think that’s a testament to all the hard work and practice that they’ve put in. We’ve been hitting and fielding for months, and it’s paid off."
The team comprises a mix of 11- and 12-year-olds, with Theoharis emphasizing the talent and work ethic of the younger players. "They’re studs, and the way they all play together as a team is just a lot of fun to coach and watch," he added.
The coaching staff encourages the players to embrace the moment and play without fear of failure. "Playing not scared to fail, I think, is something we try to impose on them," Theoharis stated.
"It just feels good. It’s once in a lifetime," said Luca, one of Theoharis’s two sons on the team, who plays left field. His brother Drew is the third baseman. First baseman Max Dempsey and right fielder Ethan Spitalnik also expressed similar sentiments about the significance of the opportunity.
Second baseman Jackson Gorynski is looking forward to "just getting to spend time with the team and playing on the big stage." Right fielder Mikey Catuogno added, "I think we’re very confident. I think we can make it to Williamsport."