South Windsor Little Leaguers Gear Up for All-Star Play

The first week in July brings fireworks of a different kind to the baseball diamond with the kickoff of the Little League 11-12 All-Star tournament.

South Windsor fields two strong teams in District 8 pool play: the Americans and the Nationals, both of whom have high hopes of advancing to the regionals later this summer.

Here are capsules of both teams:

South Windsor National: Looking for another title

South Windsor National open up District 8 play against Thompsonville on July 2. Manager Mike Smith has a seasoned group of players, most of whom have played together for at least three years and have won District 8 titles as 9, 10 and 11 year olds.

Still despite the team’s experience and success throughout the years, Smith said that his players aren’t taking anything for granted.

Toward that end, Smith has a favorite quote, “Success is when talent meets hard work.”

“We’re not looking past anybody.”

Included in this year’s pool includes town rival South Windsor American, Manchester American and Windsor.

The following is the Nationals’ roster with a small scouting report (*denotes a three-year player)

*Matt Smith: C, SS, OF. Excellent arm, a top power hitter to all fields.
*Evan Hapkiewicz: A top pitcher, solid hitter, smooth at first base.
*Jimmy Tamburro: Slick at third base, legendary RBI man, clutch hitter.
 Will Nowak: Only 11-year-old on the team, a top power hitter, top pitcher and SS.
*Nathan Main: Great defensive outfielder, pitcher, good range.
*Jason Ray: Very versatile, a top pitcher, outfield, SS.
*Andrew DeCasperis: Outfield, good catcher, hitter.
*Cam O'Meara: Slick fielding second baseman.
*Jacques Bouquot: Speedster, defensive star.
*Mike Foley: Inactive for tournament due to back problem. Big loss for SW Nats. Speedster, great defensive player.
 Jake Donald: Key addition to team this year, pitcher, power hitter.
 Ben Rapp: Solid outfielder, good hitter.

South Windsor American: Unfinished business

Last year as 11-year-olds, South Windsor American came within one inning of advancing to the District 8 finals, according to manager Steve Harz.

Harz said that this year’s team is using that tough lesson as motivation for this year.

“This is the best group we’ve had,” said Harz, now in his fourth year of coaching Little League all-stars. “We’ve got a little unfinished business to take care of. … We’re cautiously optimistic.”

Harz said that while his players pitch and hit well, their top strength is “our ability to play as a team, and pick each other up. They really like playing together.”

The following is the Americans’ roster with a small scouting report:

Brendan Mabey - P, SS, 1B. Big bat, devastating knuckleball.
Adam Harz - P, OF. Lefty that can throw four pitches for strikes and he's a gamer.
Matt Albert - P, SS.  Clean-up hitter with a lot of pop.
Ben Custer - P, OF, C. Will run down anything in the outfield.
Michael Gore - P, C. Big bat, throws hard, best catcher you'll see.
Mickey Howe - P, 3B. Named after Mickey Mantle for a good reason.
Matt Veretto - P, OF. Great lefty pitcher, big bat with a lot of pop.
Danny Kruzick - P, INF, OF. Can play anywhere so very valuable.
Luke Gioffre - 2B. A very tough out at the plate.
Tyler Kassien - OF. Very fast. Terror on the bases.
Austin Frigugliett - P, OF, 1B. Another great lefty pitcher.