'Every 12-Year-Old's Dream': Toms River Welcomes Little Leaguers Home From World Series

TOMS RIVER, NJ — It started with practices and games in April, and morphed into a summer they will never forget, with a trip to the Little League World Series.

The Toms River East Little League all-stars were welcomed home last week, delivered to their home fields on top of a fire truck, greeted by families and friends after 18 days away from home.

The team was greeted by their parents and families, along with members of other Toms River East Little League teams and members of the Toms River's government, who praised the team for its run to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, which included winning the New Jersey District 18, Section 3 and state championships, along with finishing as the runners-up at the Mid-Atlantic Regional in Bristol, Connecticut.

"We are so proud of you," Councilwoman Maria Maruca said. "We thank you for giving us a great summer."

Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill said the team achieved "what every 12-year-old dreams of" when they reached the Little League World Series in Williamsport. A flag signed by every member of the team will be flown over Toms River Town Hall and then given to the Little League.

Frank Trenkle, the District 18 administrator, praised the boys for the team's strong performance, and noted how consistently strong District 18 has been, winning six state championships dating back to 2010.

"We are the best district in the state," he said.

Trenkle also presented the team with their state championship rings.

Paul Mika, the team manager, said the team had done well even though the coronavirus pandemic had changed the experience significantly. The boys were isolated from other teams and tested for the coronavirus every other day. They weren't allowed to see their parents after games in Williamsport. The dorm they stayed at during one leg of the 18 days from heading to Bristol, Connecticut, through the World Series, did not have wifi access.

"It was a tough summer," Mika said. "I couldn't be prouder of these boys."

The boys — Steven Malato, Joey DiMeo, Carson Frazier, Jason Verderrosa, Cole Garrison, Christopher Tennaro, Dominic Roma, Max Mika, Cailen Cimorelli, Tommy Intintola, Jalen McLean, Dominik Sabatino, and Adrian Bilotti — along with Paul Mika, Paddy Matera and Barry Intintola, will be honored by the Toms River Township Council at a later date.

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