The Valenti Pharmacy team capped off a memorable season in the Rockville Centre Little League Minor League division, combining steady improvement, teamwork and a love for the game while providing 13 nine-year-old players with an experience that extended well beyond wins and losses.
Sponsored by Valenti Pharmacy, a family-owned Rockville Centre business, the team featured Alex Reid, Ben Rzeszut, Biagio Valenti, Brendan Grubb, Cole Sieling, Jack Larom, Jason Dodd, Matthew Ciancimino, Rory Bernard, Sonny D'Angelo, Sullivan Carroll, William Ng and Brady Sheehan.
The team was led by coaches Sean Sheehan, Andrew Ciancimino, James Ng, Michael Rzeszut and Pete Sieling, who emphasized player development, sportsmanship and enjoyment throughout the season.
Before Opening Day, the coaching staff held several practices to evaluate each player’s abilities and determine areas for growth. From there, they developed an approach that encouraged every player to improve, learn new positions and contribute to the team in different ways.
One of the season’s unique features was a team playbook created by the coaches. The playbook introduced players to baseball terminology and traditions, from “oppo taco” to “rally caps,” while also teaching defensive positioning and responsibilities in various game situations. The goal was to make learning the game both educational and fun.
The lessons carried over into the regular season, during which the team played one weeknight game and one Saturday game each week. Saturdays also brought a special tradition. Coaches distributed baseball cards to players who demonstrated excellence in one of the team’s three core values: sportsmanship, making great plays or keeping their heads in the game.
By season’s end, every player had earned recognition for effort, attitude and growth.
Although the team did not begin the season near the top of the standings, the players continued to improve with each game. Their progress became especially evident during the Minor League playoffs, which are introduced at the nine-year-old level in Rockville Centre Little League.
The playoff format features a five-game round robin in which teams compete against one another for a spot in the championship game. The structure allows young players to gain experience, develop confidence and experience a more competitive environment while maintaining the spirit of Little League baseball.
Valenti Pharmacy rose to the challenge, putting together an impressive 3-2 playoff record while playing some of its best baseball of the year. The team displayed resilience, teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the postseason run.
In the final playoff game, every player received a baseball card recognizing the effort, energy and positive attitude he brought to the season. The gesture served as a fitting conclusion to a year defined by growth, learning and camaraderie.
“I feel lucky to coach this group of boys and to work alongside such dedicated coaches,” Sheehan said. “The amount of time and care the coaches put into making sure these boys have a great experience is really special. And I know that same commitment exists across all of the Minor League teams in Rockville Centre. The commissioners, managers, and coaches throughout the minor league go above and beyond for the kids.”
