Baseball Team From Somers Wins State Championship, Qualifies For Eastern Regionals

SOMERS, CT — In 1944, 2-time World Series champion and 1977 American League Cy Young Award winner Sparky Lyle was born in DuBois, Pennsylvania. Beginning next week, a team of young ballplayers from Somers will travel to his small native town of 7,500 residents, about 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, in hopes of capturing a world championship of its own.

The Junior League baseball team from Somers, comprised of a dozen players aged 12 to 14, won the District 8 championship, then captured the Connecticut state title to earn the opportunity to compete in the Eastern Regionals in DuBois. The squad will open play on Tuesday, July 20 at 5 p.m. against the winner of the previous day's contest between Rhode Island and Maine.

The double-elimination tournament involving 12 teams culminates in a championship game on July 24. The winner advances to the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan, beginning Aug. 3.

To offset the high cost of transportation and lodging for the players and their families, the team is working hard to raise the necessary funds. T-shirts are being sold for just $20, with proceeds benefitting the team, and may be ordered here.

Donations directly to the program are also being accepted.

Parent Tricia Hwalek told Patch, "After an unforgettable season filled with dedication, teamwork, and heart, these incredible 12 boys brought home the title and made our entire community proud. This is a huge honor — and a huge opportunity — for our players to showcase their hard work on a bigger stage. All donations will go directly to support the 12 players and their families as they prepare to represent Somers and Connecticut with pride."