Bellmore Heat team takes home the title

The youngest division of the Bellmore Heat tournament baseball team was only formed this winter, but the 8-year-olds are already champions.

Coaches said the boys are the National Junior Baseball League 2013 Long Island National League champions, as they defeated the Long Island Baymen Blue Knights of Lake Ronkonkoma on June 16.

Assistant Coach Peter Mayo said the championship game was played locally at Bruce H. Gary Field in Bellmore. His son, Peter Mayo Jr., drove in the first run of the game in the third inning. Jake Rejtig helped the Heat pull away with his fifth-inning grand slam. Blake Peyser, Tyler Settani and Vincent Dragonetti pitched for the team in their 12-7 victory.

The following Bellmorites also contributed to the team’s success this season: Joseph Rotala, Gavin Martinez, Bradley Rowe, Robert Anzalone, Michael McKeon, Nicholas Rinaldi, Joseph Strawa and Declan Lawrence.

Mayo noted that the Belllmore boys faced strong competition from teams throughout Nassau and Suffolk County this spring. He said they will continue to play together this summer and beyond.

“The Heat look forward to playing together, progressing as a team and winning more championships in the future,” he said.

Ed McKeon managed the team. CJ Bula served as the Heat’s head coach, and Mayo, Michael Rinaldi and Mike Settani assisted him this spring.