Bedford Little League Honors its All-Stars

Prior to this season, the Bedford Little League board decided to change its all-star teams' colors from black and gold to red and black, a move league president Joe Taylor said was intended to build community camaraderie with Bedford High School.

The move proved fruitful as Bedford, no stranger to success on the Little League all-star diamond, took its play to a new level of baseball dominance.

Each of Bedford's seven all-star teams, in fact, advanced deep into postseason play, with the 11- and 12-year olds, 10- and 11-year olds and Matty Dobens squads all capturing championships. Both Bedford Jimmy Fund teams and the wooden-bat squad also found marked success, and Bedford's 9- and 10-year olds reached the state semifinals where they fell to eventual state champ Goffstown.

Last night, at Saint Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, each team was honored in a festivity that included an award for each of Bedford's nearly 90 all-stars and additional plaques and signed balls for each of the 11- and 12-year-olds.

Peter Harrington received the Bedford Little League Umpire's Award for the dedication, sportsmanship, teamwork and respect he displayed on the diamond.

Fungo the New Hampshire Fisher Cats mascot was even in attendance, pumping up the crowd and showing off his considerable dance skills

A raffle that included Fisher Cats tickets, Red Sox tickets and other quality items raised $700 for the league.

Now, the 11- and 12-year olds take aim at the Little League World Series as they head to Bristol, Conn., to battle the other five New England champions in regional play. Bedford's first game is Friday, Aug. 3 against Vermont.

Check back next week as we profile each of the 11- and 12-year-old state champs and follow all the regional action right here on Bedford Patch. Also, don't forget to stay up to date with Bedford Patch on our Facebook page, Twitter feed, and daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.