'Comeback Kids' Head to Cal Ripken World Series

When the Newtown 10-year-old team lost to their peers from Exter, N.H. last year during the Cal Ripken New England Regional tournament, Connor Barrett didn't lose confidence in his team.

"We lost to them in 2009 in regionals because we fell apart," the 10-year-old second baseman from Newtown said. "After that I thought we had a good chance."

When the two teams went head to head again this year on July 27 and 29, Newtown more than made up for last year's loss, defeating Exeter in both match-ups and along the way, clinching a spot in the Cal Ripken World Series in Ocala, FL.

"I usually get nervous but I'm not nervous now," said Connor, who started playing in travel leagues two years ago. "We're going to go down to Florida and play our best. It'll be a good experience either way."

Many of the players on the Newtown Thunder team played together last year, and through the game have developed strong friendships. In fact, winning is only one part of what they enjoy, the other is being able to travel with friends who share the same interest.

"We're all good friends and we get along together," said Jason Hebner, 11, the team's first baseman and Reed Intermediate School student. "Whenever we go on a trip for a baseball game, we have to stay in the hotel like we did in regionals. It's a lot of fun."

The Cal Ripken tournament, which starts on Thursday with opening ceremonies, consists of 10 regions across the country, and each team has to win in its district before eight teams move to the state tournament in double elimination games. From there, eight teams then headed to regional play where Newtown captured the New England title.

The Thunder along with nine other teams now head to the Cal Ripken World Series where each is guaranteed to play four games. The ten teams are divided into two divisions – the Thunder is part of the National Division – and participate in pool play starting Friday.

They are then ranked and the bottom two in each division are sent home. The final six teams then participate in single elimination play, culminating in the World Series game on August 20.

"They say the kids from the south are better because they play baseball year-round," said coach Tom Harrison, who has coached in Newtown for five years and this group of players for three. "I think our chances are as good as any other team."

On their way to regional victory, the Newtown  players have earned a reputation as the "Comeback Kids" for their ability to win from behind.

"Usually we start off a game bad and we end up coming back on a lot of games," said Lucas O'Brien, 10, the team's pitcher whose best throw is the knuckle change-up. "I think we get all caught up in losing and we realize we don't want to lose, and then we just play harder."

Harrison, whose son, Ben, is the catcher, said the team doesn't always play from behind, but when it has, its defense keeps it in the game. The players prove they don't crack under pressure.

"The other team has cracked,"he said.

As the Thunder await the World Series, they have spent every day on the practice field, a routine that is exhausting but also fulfilling, the players said.

Lucas, whose father is one of the assistant coaches, said whatever the outcome, the players will be happy.

"I really can't be upset if we lose because we're lucky enough to go to the World Series," he said. "It's not going to be the end of the world, being one of the top eight teams. That's pretty good."