A Tour de Force for Larchmont-Mamaroneck Little League Teams

All day Saturday, Lakeland High School was teeming with Little Leaguers hoping to win big. Spread across two baseball fields, one could see the sea of orange that distinguished the parents, friends and fans of the four Larchmont-Mamaroneck Wildcats travel baseball teams.

The teams—9 and under, 10 and under, 11 and under, and 12 plus—had made it to the Westchester-Putnam Baseball Association Division Championships, and competed against Armonk, New Castle, Briarcliff and Bedford-Pound Ridge teams, respectively. Out of the four Larchmont-Mamaroneck teams, the 9-year-old group took home trophies after beating Armonk with a score of 5-1.

It was the first time that all four travel teams made it to the championships at one time. Needless to say, much of the day was a cheerfest for the Wildcats.

"Our head cheerleader, Tim O'Connor, put out the request for everyone to wear orange, to bring their banners or to do anything to demonstrate our support. So I went out and found orange pom-poms, so the kids will know that we are here," said Karen Haas of Mamaroneck, whose son was unable to play due to injury.

Haas' hair was spray painted bright orange in honor of the event.

"That's part of our cheerleading," she said. "Our cars are also decorated in orange paint."

Spectators filled the bleachers and brought outdoor tailgate chairs, along with coolers and blankets. Some who attended planned to stay most of the day. Briana Cefaloni of Mamaroneck came to support her younger brother Christian.

"He has worked really hard, and the team has practiced a lot, so I am really excited for him. I just am hoping that the whole team plays well. I'm going to cheer for the team."

Rita O'Connor of Mamaroneck came to support her son Timmy, who is a pitcher and also plays first base.

"He has been playing at least three years, and the first time in the championship. It's amazing. It's such a great feeling to be here. I'm really excited for him and the team. They played really well this season. Baseball is pretty much his life. He really enjoys it."

For Jonathan Flatow of Larchmont, watching his son William play was of particular importance.

"He was on the travel team last year, but I don't remember going to something this elaborate. This is kind of cool. It's a nicer day than I thought it would be. My son is here, and it's nice. It is his birthday today, so he had a sleepover and party, and was all excited about coming here this morning. I hope we win!"

In addition to the Little Leaguers, the championships held 12-year-old, 14-year-old and 16-year-old games. Winners of their division took home trophies and jackets.

Nora Grossman of Somers came out to support her son, Raymond, who plays third base for the Somers 14 and under travel team.

"This is the second time that he has been in the championship, and I hope this time he brings home a trophy. I feel great about him being part of this. It is a wonderful day; it's great for the boys; it's great for the parents," she said.

The coaches also seemed to really enjoy the experience. Coach Jorge Forch of the 16 and under Haverstraw Storm travel team was pleased.

"Some of my players were slow in starting the season, but now we came together and have been playing much better," he said.

"This year they have come together and played so well. We lost two games, but in my mind, we are the best team out here," said Joe Ferrara, coach of Somers' 14 and under.

Even as those who lost made their way off the field, the parents and supporters on both sides kept the positive energy flowing.

"My son Matthew, number 39, is playing on the New Castle team. He's all excited, so I'm all excited. It's as simple as that. He's happy, I'm happy," said Gil Frei of Briarcliff. "I am here to support him and watch him play."

And as Peter Gadaleta of New Castle noted, "Baseball is good for any kid at this age. [My son] played it all summer [in the 10-and-under team]. It keeps them on the fields, away from XBoxes and gadgets of the world, running around and doing good things."

For the Nachtigal family of Mamaroneck, baseball is life. Father Bill is the coach for Larchmont-Mamaroneck Wildcats 10-and-under team. Son Jarret has been on the team for two years.

 "We are very involved: a big baseball family," said wife Allison. "My daughter plays too."

She explained why, in her opinion, the Larchmont-Mamaroneck teams made it this far.

 "One of the things that my husband said was that every team has its special thing, and for this group it was teamwork. They are very supportive of each other," she said. "It shows that we have a great group of kids, a great group of coaches and a well-run league."

Haas agreed: "Baseball is really important, because [my son] is not only learning the skill to be a good ball player but also the team spirit and what it is like to support one another, to be coachable, and to just have an overall great experience."

"They're an amazing group of kids with fantastic coaches," she said. "We're proud that all four teams made it to the championships. We're ready for the next generation of champions at the high school."

See related coverage by Chappaqua-Mount Kisco Patch.