Little League World Series Heats Up For New York
A lot of things have to go right for a team to qualify for the Little League World Series in Williamsport. That's why Massapequa Coast was the first Long Island team since Rockville Center in 1978 to go to earn their ticket to Williamsport representing the Metro region. They to beat really good teams in Bristol, Connecticut. Their players are 12 years old. A lot can go wrong. Friday night at 7pm on ESPN, it's showtime and it sounds like New York is ready.
“We’ve done well in a number of ways. We can hit home runs, but we bunt and do delayed steals and play errorless ball in the field. We’re not one dimensional,” Massapequa Coast head coach Roland Clark told Roger Rubin of newsday.com. However, the battle seasoned coach knows what his players are up against. “That Hawaii team would probably have to be seen as the favorite on our side,” Clark commented to Rubin. “You can see they are well-coached in how they play. Plus their league has won a World Series and they have World Series-experienced players."
Coach Clark has his team ready for everything, even scouting their opponent. “They’re a solid team,” player Danny Fregara told newsday.com. “They have good pitching, good hitters. They make a lot of contact.” And the team is ready for a cool atmosphere. Michael Clark described their workout Lamade Stadium early on Wednesday, “it made us feel like big leaguers. When we saw the place with fans on Wednesday the [scene] was crazy.”
Is the 12 year old team from Massapequa, New York ready for a packed stadium? “We want the big crowd there,” said Joey Lionetti, who pitched a no-hitter to send his team to Williamsport. “Our team? I think we play better with the big crowd and we can’t wait to play.” Good luck to Coach Clark and his entire Metro team! New Yorkers have your back!