Little Leaguers Gear Up for District Playoffs

Last summer was a memorable one for North Andover Little Leaguers.

The season was highlighted by North Andover East, a squad of 10 year olds that went on to .

One of this year’s district tournaments is already underway and North Andover Little League President Kevin Breen took a few moments to share his thoughts about the local squads.

“It was a special experience and one that those kids will always share with each other,” Breen said about last year’s state champions.

“I haven't seen another run like that but it has given all of our teams hope that they can accomplish something special,” he added.

North Andover East was led by , a shortstop, pitcher, and big threat at the plate.

“Sebastian is a special player and he along with a couple of his teammates last summer are making the jump to the 12 year old division,” said Breen.

“My son is on the 12 East team and so I have spent a lot of time watching them. What jumps out at me is not so much the individual talent but the overall depth of the team. All of those kids can really play,” Breen said about this year’s North Andover East 12’s team.

That team, which promises to be among the strongest North Andover teams in the district, will begin pool play on July 9 against Andover American. The 11 year olds also start their tournaments on the 9^th.

The District 14 Little League titles will be awarded on July 8 or 9 for 10 year olds, July 15 or 16 for 11 year olds, and July 16 or 17 for 12 year olds.  

Breen prefers to see all of the local teams in action.

“I like walking between fields at Carl Thomas. Nothing better than 3 games going on at once on a nice day,” he said.

Breen chose not to predict which North Andover team will make a run and capture the hearts of the town like last year’s 10 year olds.

“No predictions other than I think all of our teams will be competitive and will be great representatives of our program,” he said.

While success on the diamond is a top priority, Breen was quick to point out the overall goals of Little League.

“Our goal is to provide the best possible experience that we can for these kids,” he said. “Success to me is turning out well rounded kids that have success later on in life whether it be baseball or anything else that they get involved with.”

With a lot of nail biters, emotional roller coasters, and pulse pounding ball games coming up, Breen offered a piece of advice for North Andover Little Leaguers:

“At the end of the day if they are competing hard and show good sportsmanship, I consider it a success.”

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See the attachments section above for schedules for the District 14 playoffs.