Millburn 12U Baseball Team Becomes Undefeated Champions

The Millburn Short Hills Youth Baseball Summer League 12-year-olds team won the New Providence Green League Championship tournament Thursday.

This victory capped a 15-0 season (12 victories in the regular season).  It is worth noting that this league involved playing on a larger (50/70) field than the Spring Little League (46/60) dimensions, as well as playing all games on the road.

For most of the Millburn players, this summer was their first experience on the larger field.  Despite this initial disadvantage, the Millburn Blue team excelled. 

In the first round of the single elimination playoffs on Sunday, July 24, Millburn topped Somerville 13-1. Jake Sauberman pitched the entire game (4 innings).  Highlighting the offense were Max Winstanley who went 3 for 3 with a home run and a double; Daniel Stern who also pounded a home run; and Will Elder who singled & scored three times.  Brady Young contributed a solid single and scored.

Next, in the semi-finals on Wednesday, Millburn beat New Providence 13-1, again in four innings.  Sauberman and Jason Cohen combined for the pitching victory.  Dan Antselevitch’s based loaded triple broke the game open.  Elijah Taitel and Matt Jordan each had two hits and scored two runs.

In the finals on Thursday, Millburn edged South Orange 5-2.  Jake Sauberman and Jason Cohen again dominated with outstanding  pitching efforts.  Early in the game after consecutive South Orange hits, the momentum shifted in Millburn’s favor on a quick pick-off throw for an out by Daniel Stern at catcher. 

After that play, South Orange became hesitant on the base paths and were unable to take advantage of its baserunners.  In a stellar display of “small ball” Millburn was able to score all its runs with infield hits and aggressive baserunning.  Jonathan Wang had a bunt single for an RBI and subsequently scored on an infield single by Taitel.  Anthony Amarosa also had the game winning RBI.