Top Greenwich Youth Baseball Squad Hopes For Glorious Summer

GREENWICH — The New England Regional baseball champions, the 12U Greenwich All-Stars, will kick off their road to the World Series with a Memorial Day Championship Tournament at Baseball Heaven in Yaphank, N.Y.

This weekend is just the beginning of an exciting season, all leading to Branson, Mo., to compete in the Cal Ripken Majors/70 World Series, putting Greenwich back in the World Series for the first time since 2007.

The World Series is an exclusive tournament of champions that runs Aug. 4-13 at the iconic Ballparks of America facility and features the most elite teams from across the nation and around the globe.

“The team is thrilled to be heading to Branson, Mo., this August to compete for a national championship,'' Greenwich All-Stars Coach Jeff Mini said. “The competition promises to be high but our boys will be prepared."

The core of the 12U Greenwich All Stars 2022 team, playing together under Mini for the second consecutive year, includes: Will Conte, Julian Dyson, Gavin Kirsch, Maddox Monterisi, Jake Natale, Jaxson Perez, Cal Tompkins, Luke Wells and Liam Zeller.

New to the team this year are Lachlan Hill, Max Corbo and Mason Stoleru.

“The boys have really grown up together, won and lost games together, traveled to other states together” said Amie Perez, mother to Jaxson Perez. “Their baseball experience has made them team players, built character and taught them to never give up — all while doing something that they are very passionate about."

Their season also includes a July 4th Perfect Game tournament, the Greater Hudson Valley Baseball League and a week at Cooperstown Dreamspark.

Training will continue to ensure they are ready to play their best baseball on the national stage in August.

“All of our hard work and practices are helping us get ready for the World Series” said player Will Conte. “My favorite part of the team is our chemistry. We pick each other up when we need to, on and off the field.”

The team won the New England Regional Championship in the summer of 2021.

“Greenwich played outstanding baseball in the New England Regionals in Dover, N.H., winning all five of their games while outscoring their opponents 37-10,” Mini said.

“In the process, they captured the hearts of the local spectators with their slick fielding, timely hitting and spirited play.”

That win punched their ticket to the Cal Ripken Majors/70 World Series.

“I’m excited about getting to go on a plane to play baseball against some of the best teams in the country,” said Luke Wells.

Fans can follow their journey to the World Series on their team blog at greenwich12ucalripkenallstars.com.

In addition to their on-field efforts, the boys and their families have been running a fundraising campaign to help offset the costs that come with competing in the World Series.

The team is thankful for the donors who have contributed so far and will continue fundraising to make sure that every player can travel to the World Series.

Tax deductible donations can be made to support the boys through the OGRCC link here.