By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer

(Aug. 1, 2019) Two Berlin Little League All-Star teams remain in contention for regional titles as they begin tournament play this weekend.

Photo provided by Ron Calloway
The Berlin Little League All-Star 8-10 team will play in its first regional tournament game on Sunday against New Jersey in Cranston, Rhode Island.

8-10 League:

The 8-10 All-Star team hopes to continue its winning streak as the group prepares to play New Jersey on Sunday at 4 p.m. in Cranston, Rhode Island, in the opening round of the regional tournament.

“They are anxious and ready to play baseball,” Coach Ron Calloway said of his undefeated, 9-0, squad. “They are really looking forward to it and I think they will do well.”

During the regional tournament, each team will be guaranteed four games before vying for the Mid-Atlantic championship.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Calloway said. “They’re really excited to go. This is a unique experience … a lot of them haven’t been through this before. As they go from districts to state and now regionals, I think they know they’re representing Maryland and that a lot of people are behind them. They’re up to the task.”

After Sunday’s game, the Berlin team will play a squad from Pennsylvania on Monday at 11 a.m.

The boys will have a short break on Tuesday, then face a New York squad on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

The last guaranteed game for regionals will take place on Thursday, when Berlin will battle a team from Delaware at 5 p.m.

The 8-10 district and state championship team has a GoFundMe page to help raise funds needed for travel, hotel and food expenses during the tournament.

“We’re very close to our goal, but we could always use more donations,” Calloway said. “I also want to mention the dedication and sacrifice of the parents … they have to call out of work and travel. They have been so dedicated to the team.”

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/berlin-ll-910-on-the-road-to-rhode-lsland.

Juniors League:

The undefeated 12-14 Junior League team (9-0) will play its first game of the regional tournament in Freehold, New Jersey, on Thursday, against a squad from Rhode Island at 10 a.m.

“These boys are ready to go and represent Maryland and Berlin,” Coach Kris Mandley said of his district and state championship squad. “We want to thank all for the love and support everyone had shown these boys and all the teams that represented Berlin.”

If the Berlin team wins on Thursday, the next game will be against a squad representing New York at 4 p.m., Friday.

If the boys lose, their next game will be against the winner of the Delaware vs. Pennsylvania game, at 1 p.m., Friday.

The Berlin squad will play again Saturday and Sunday if it wins at least one of the first two games.

“I think they are capable of winning it all,” Mandley said.

If the Berlin team wins four games in a row, the boys will earn a break on Monday. If not, the Berlin All Stars must play Monday. The championship game will take place on Tuesday.

Intermediate:

The Berlin Intermediate team, comprised of boys ages 11-13, played a squad from New Jersey twice on Wednesday, July 24, during the regional tournament in Dix Hills, New York.

Berlin won the first match, 4-1, but lost the second, which was for the regional title, 13-3.

“It was a great season and the boys did very well,” Coach Barb Kohut said. “They just ran out of gas, unfortunately.”

They kicked off the tournament Friday, July 19, with a 14-6 victory over New Hampshire. The next day, the Berlin group topped a team from Pennsylvania, 11-8.

The Berlin squad suffered its first loss on Sunday, July 21, falling New Jersey, 6-3. However, the boys bounced back with a victory on Monday, trouncing their New York opponent, 24-6, to advance to Wednesday’s competition.

“It was a great season and a lot of memories were made,” Kohut said. “The team worked their hearts out all season and that showed.

“It takes a lot of dedication, talent and commitment to win a district and state title,” Kohut added. “The fact that they are second in the eastern region is something to applaud, not put their heads down. I was just happy to be along for the ride. It was one I’ll never forget.”