Something can be said about gelling at the right time and that's just what New Milford's 13 and 14-year old baseball team did for the Northeast Bergen All-Stars (NEBAS) Summer baseball tournament and season as they captured the 14U Championship Tuesday night at LaBarbera Field against Westwood as many ventured down from the town's National Night Out festivities to catch the baseball action.
Led by manager John Farley (assisted by coaches Mike Mulligan, Mike Criscuoulo and Joe Victory), the team faced tough odds with a roster made up of mostly 13-year old players in a 14-year old division against much bigger towns. Finishing the season strong and despite a few tough and close losses in the regular NEBAS season, New Milford battled on and earned a spot in the playoffs.
After tight victories against Ridgewood (3-2) and River Edge (7-5), New Milford earned a spot against a talented second-seeded Westwood team for the finals. Despite falling behind early with a three-run deficit, New Milford rallied with four of their own. With timely hitting, smart base running, strong defense and dominate pitching from Eddie Rynander for 5 innings, pitcher Conor Hollis closed out the final two innings for the championship. It was a sweet end for New Milford Little League who were the host town for this year's summner NEBAS tournament to see graduating players achieve such a great honor.
Pictured left to right: Coach Mike Criscuolo, Conor Hollis, coach Joe Victory, Dane Terry, Rhys Farley, Eddie Rynander, Manager John Farley, Joe Criscuolo, Michael Valente, Brett Kornberg, Justin Miletta, Ryan Mulligan, coach Mike Mulligan and Colin Hollis. (Not pictured Kyle Naimaister and James Paton.)
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