Mahwah Team Places In National Cooperstown All-Star Village Baseball Tournament

The Mahwah-based Bergen Bombers, a 12U baseball team managed by Paul Peltekian and coached by John Stewart, both of Mahwah, and Mark McCabe of Pearl River, placed fifth at the National Cooperstown All-Star Village baseball tournament during the week of August 4 - 9.

The Bombers faced teams from all over the country - defeating teams from Florida, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, New York and Maryland. They finished with a record of 6-3 in the tournament. The Bombers made it to the quarterfinals before losing 18-12 to the California Aftershock, a team that included players from last years’ Little League World Series Champions.

The Bombers showed real heart and determination in every one of their games and represented themselves with great sportsmanship. “These boys absolutely believe they belong with the best and our record not just at Cooperstown, but throughout the entire year, speaks for their ‘never quit’ attitudes. We made a lot of noise up there and that’s a testament to how hard these young men play the game,” Peltekian said.

A number of boys from Mahwah help make up the Bergen Bombers, as well as players from Pearl River, Closter, North Arlington, Secaucus, Harrington Park, Pompton Lakes and Kearny. Mahwah boys combined to hit .421 (24 for 57) with 3 home runs and made significant contributions to the success of the Bombers.

Mahwah players include Alec Peltekian, Brendan Donigian, Christian Stewart, and Max Kohler. Also part of the Bergen Bombers but not attending the tournament are Nick Carabin and Kyle Shaffer.

The above was submitted by Mahwah Patch reader Ward Donigian. Got a news tip to submit? Email it to jessica.mazzola@patch.com.