Local Little League Team Heads To The Playoffs

With an impressive 7-2 record the DAC Mets of Little Neck, which play in the De Phillips Athletic Club's instructional league — open to boys between ages 7 and 9 — advanced to the 2011 Spring Season Playoffs.

"Practice has been a key component to our success this year ... being a Marine I learned early on in life that repetition is a driving force behind almost any victory," said coach Joe Montalvo.

Montalvo then revealed another one of his secret weapons for winning.

"We take pictures during games, at practices and study them looking for areas which need improvement ... and the players take the photos home to use as study guides while they learn the basics of baseball and proper form," he said.

A novel approach appreciated by both players and parents alike.

"Coach Montalvo is great," said Brian Gambeski, father of Brendan Gambeski, second baseman for the DAC Mets. "Brendan has actually played for coach Montalvo since he was just five years old and today he [Brendan] loves baseball.

Looking ahead to the playoffs before the end of Sunday's game, a cautious coach Montalvo stressed that winning a championship would not be easy.

"We'll be facing some stiff competition. The other teams in the playoffs currently hold the top three spots in the league so we've got our work cut out for us," he said.

Still, Montalvo felt confident his players were capable of rising to the challenge.

"I'm proud of my team. These guys have put a lot of effort into the season and I think it shows in how well they've been playing," he said.