West Hartford Little League had a winning weekend, with the U10 and U12 All Star teams both earning the District 7 championship.

Submitted by Dan Weiss and Jon Weiner, West Hartford Little League Coaches

On Saturday afternoon, July 15, West Hartford Little League made history by winning two district championships at the 10U and 12U levels.

The District All Star teams play in the highly competitive District 7, comprised of 10 local Little Leagues in the greater Hartford area. The league had previously won district championships at the 10U level in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2021.

Both contests were held at Ross Field in Glastonbury, with the 10U District All Stars, known as “The Wolves,” leading the way in the opening game. The stands were filled with West Hartford fans, including friends, family members, and current and alumni players and coaches. Their energy and support powered the 2023 All Star teams on a hot and muggy July afternoon to a pair of championships.

The Wolves defeated the Glastonbury National team by a score of 7-0 in a game that featured the strong pitching and lockdown defense that have been hallmarks of the 2023 squad. Supported by his defense, starting pitcher Arya Baraya notched the win by throwing six shutout innings in a sparkling performance that featured one walk and six strikeouts.

The Wolves’ offense was paced by third baseman Graham Caines, who had three hits and drove in one run. Arya helped his cause with two hits of his own, the second being a two-run single to center field in the fifth inning to provide the Wolves with valuable breathing room; that single was set up by a patient walk drawn in a seven-pitch at-bat by Henry Helge. Other Wolves with hits in the game included Eddie Sciallo and Cole Bacewicz, who drove in crucial early runs, along with Paul Cistulli, Trent Leahy, Nolan LaBelle, Matt Weiner, and Ben Wilmes.

The Wolves made their usual variety of routine and exceptional defensive plays behind Arya, several of which extinguished potential Glastonbury rallies – and one of which was pivotal when Glastonbury loaded the bases with no outs in the fourth inning.

There were several defensive highlights. In the first inning, speedy centerfielder Cam Germano saved two runs when he ran down a line drive to the right center field gap. First baseman Matt Weiner alertly turned an unassisted double play on a soft fly caught in the fifth inning. Catcher Nolan LaBelle was a brick wall behind home plate, with his strong arm and blocking ability ensuring that the aggressive Glastonbury team had no opportunities to advance or score on errant pitches. Second baseman Paul Cistulli shut down any balls hit to the right side of the infield, as he has all season. Shortstop Alec Rottman did his part to seal off the left side of the infield, including making the game-ending play on a ground ball in the shortstop hole where he made a long throw to Matt’s outstretched glove.

The Wolves rushed to Arya on the mound in celebration of their hard won District championship.

The 10U All Star Wolves are: Cole Bacewicz, Arya Baraya, Graham Caines, Paul Cistulli, Cam Germano, Henry Helge, Nolan LaBelle, Trent Leahy, Alec Rottman, Eddie Sciallo, Matt Weiner, and Ben Wilmes. They are coached by a staff of Manager Tony Germano, Coaches Luke Bacewicz and Jon Weiner, and Assistant Coaches Eric Caines, Brian Helge, John LaBelle, and Mike Wilmes.

After a joyous celebration, West Hartford Little League’s 12U District All Stars, which is composed of 11- and 12-year-old ball players, then took the field.  The team, known as “The Dirt Dawgs,” qualified for the district playoffs after having a 4-2 record in district play against other local towns.

They reached the championship game after defeating a strong Wethersfield team 4 -1.

The Dirt Dawgs then faced the talented and undefeated Glastonbury American team in the district championship.  Many of the same players from West Hartford and Glastonbury American had previously faced off in the 10U championship, won by West Hartford, and then again in the 11U championship, won by Glastonbury American.  A competitive, friendly, and respectful rivalry had developed between these teams over the past three summer seasons.

Glastonbury American entered the game with a nearly perfect record of 22-1 over three seasons in district play, and they finished second in the state in 2022. The Dirt Dawgs would need to play their best game to compete against this formidable opponent.

The Dirt Dawgs struck first, led by runs from Collin Ivens, Andrew Przysiecki, and Quinn O’Neil in the first inning. Sammy Weiss then took to the mound for nearly four flawless innings, followed by outstanding pitching from Sean Kavanagh and Will Caines.  Jonah Rottman controlled the defense and caught these hurlers for all six innings.

The Dirt Dawgs offense put up 10 hits leading to six runs, with timely RBI’s from Jack Huttner and Nick Humiston, and the eventual game-winning run scored by Desmond Cianflone.

Defensive gems from Evan Schuyler and Johnny Wilmes helped to limit the potent Glastonbury American offense. The Dirt Dawgs held on for a 6-4 victory.

After the game, the Dirt Dawgs ran with the district flag for a lap around the field, to a thundering ovation from their many proud supporters in attendance.

The Wolves and Dirt Dawgs gathered on the field together, with 24 young ball players basking in their tremendous accomplishment. All players have put team goals ahead of individual goals, support each other as a family, and are having fun playing baseball together. The Wolves and Dirt Dawgs play team baseball, which is exemplified by 12 players working together while striving towards the highest levels of competition and sportsmanship. All players on both teams have made significant contributions to their team’s overall success.

The 10U Wolves became the fifth team in West Hartford Little League’s history to achieve the milestone of a district title, following the path set by the 10U District All Star teams in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2021. Less than two hours later, the 12U Dirt Dawgs joined that prestigious club, and made their own history by becoming the first 12U team in the West Hartford Little League’s history to win the district. It was a special day that is certain to remain etched in the memories of all who played and attended.

Congratulations to all of the 12U District All Stars: Will Caines, Desmond Cianflone, Nick Humiston, Jack Huttner, Collin Ivens, Sean Kavanagh, Quinn O’Neil, Andrew Przysiecki, Jonah Rottman, Evan Schuyler, Sammy Weiss, and Johnny Wilmes.  The team is coached by Jeff Cianflone, Scott Ivens, Adam Schuyler, and Dan Weiss. All coaches have been honored to work with such a fine group of ball players.

Both teams are grateful for all of the support that they have received from current and former coaches, players, board members, family members, fans, and friends.  The Wolves and Dirt Dawgs are proud to represent West Hartford Little League and our town and will continue to give their best efforts in their upcoming sectional tournaments.

The 10U Wolves will open sectionals on Monday, July 17 at 6 p.m., against Guilford at Volunteer Field in Newington. The 12U Dirt Dawgs travel to East Lyme Little League, where they will play against East Lyme on Monday, July 17 at 7 p.m.  The sectional winners will advance to the state final four tournament.

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