All-Stars Make American League Proud

The Fort Lee American League 9- and 10-year-old All Star team had quite a run this summer and made a lot of people proud in the process.

Coaches Dr. Joe Holzaphel and Jeff Schmeltzer worked hard to get the team playing well, and the team responded by surprising a lot of people. With little postseason experience under their belts, they made a run at the District 6 championship that will not be soon forgotten.

"They were a scrappy young team who played hard and showed heart when they needed to," said one parent who wished to remain anonymous. "It made their wins more exciting, and their success even more well deserved."

The team knew how to play even when they were down and came up with some unexpected wins that were beyond exciting. The team ended up moving into the top three of the District 6 Little League.

Coach Holzaphel was very proud of his team and the hard work they put in all season.

"This squad proved to be young warriors and never gave up when they were not winning," Holzaphel said. "They fought back to get extra innings and created some very exciting games. This 'fight to win' attitude allowed them to advance to the second round."

Youth sports teach hard work, trust, teamwork and create friendships off the field as well as on. The all star team matured as the season went on, and their performance on the diamond exceeded all expectations.

"[They] gave the coaches, parents and players something to be very proud of," said Holzaphel.