Most 11-12-year-old all-star teams can only dream of the Little League World Series.
But just two victories was what the Middletown Little League team needed to achieve in order to earn a ticket to Williamsport, Pa., the venue for the Little League World Series
While it may be a disappointment that Middletown fell just short, it was a summer that was filled with enjoyment and success.
“It’s the biggest thing in these kids’ lives, and us coaches, too, even though we are in our 40s and 50s,” said Middletown coach Tim Naughton. “It’s a huge deal for Middletown. First time ever this age group has gotten this far.”
The summer began when Middletown won the District 19 Tournament. Then in July, Middletown claimed the Section 3 Tournament and then the squad followed by winning the New Jersey State Tournament.
Middletown opened the Mid-Atlantic in Bristol, Conn., on Aug. 6 with a 6-2 victory over Berlin, the Maryland state champion.
Middletown was bidding to become the second team from New Jersey to reach to the Little League World Series.
Last summer, Holbrook Little League won the Mid-Atlantic Regional and earned a trip to Williamsport, Pa. The team from Jackson was eliminated before it could win the Little league World Series title.
But a trip to Williamsport was denied when Middletown lost its next two games, 5-2, to Mid Island Little League, the New York state champion, on Aug. 8 and by a score of 11-1 to Berlin in a rematch on Aug. 10. The Mid-Atlantic Regional was double elimination.
Mid Island won the region and a berth in the Little League World Series when the Staten Island team beat Berlin in the championship game on Aug. 12. The Staten Island team was paced in the title game by Gregory Bruno, who threw a perfect game in the 4-0 victory. Mid Island is scheduled to play Iowa in the World Series opening round on Aug. 16.
Middletown’s loss ended almost two months of constant baseball for the players, coaches and parents. Naughton was grateful for their unwavering commitment.
“The boys have been fantastic. The families as well have been fantastic,” Naughton said. “It’s a lot of traveling back and forth, days in a row. But it’s been absolutely fantastic.”
Naughton’s all-stars jelled into a consummate team.
Pitching carried Middeltown to a slew of victories, while hitting was also instrumental during the run this summer.
In the Section 3 championship, Middletown beat Brick Little League, 2-0 and 11-9.
Reid Tully allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings in the state championship when Middletown defeated Elmora Youth Little League, 4-1, on July 30 in Secaucus.
Then Middletown scored six runs in its Mid-Atlantic opener agaunst Berlin.
“It’s a great group of kids,” Naughton said. “They are all very good friends. They all hang out off the field, playing the Fortnite (an online game).”
