By Robert Hunter
Editor's note: Hunter's son, Michael, is a member of the winning Merrick-North Merrick team.
The skies were clear and the breeze cool when the Merrick-North Merrick Little League's 12-year-old Division captured the District 31 championships for the first time in 54 years this past week. On Tuesday, after press time, the team was to play for the Long Island championship. If the squad were to succeed there, it would head to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
When the Merrick team ran onto the field to start its warm-ups for the district title game, the fans knew they were about to witness magic. Merrick's Joe Christopher took the mound with a confident swagger, knowing he could get the job done with help from a well-prepared team.
After two scoreless innings, Joe Safford drew a walk. Manager Howie Kass called for Anthony Patti to pinch-run. He made his way to third on a hit by Patrick Mills, and home on a sacrifice by Matt Treppel.
After three quick outs of Massapequa's middle order, Merrick returned to the plate. Anthony Patti dug deep in the batter's box, confident he would make something happen, and he did. He homered to left center, giving Merrick a 2-0 lead.
In the next two innings, Merrick's sharp infield and aggressive outfield repeatedly denied Massapequa the chance to get in the game. As Joe Christopher struck out the game's final batter, the Merrick team started to celebrate.
It was a textbook effort, accomplished in large part because of the leadership of team Manager Howie Kass, and coaches Joe Goumas, Paul Christopher and John Mascaro.
