From the Cardinals to Wantagh Little League, baseball remains a family tradition

For Barry Poris, watching his grandsons play baseball for Wantagh’s Little League and travel teams has much greater meaning than just wins and losses — it's about seeing a family tradition continue.

The 78-year-old former professional ballplayer, who was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969 and later played and coached professionally, now spends much of his time watching his grandsons, Liam and Luke Poris, develop their own love for the game.

"Third generation? It's unbelievable," said Barry Poris, who, as a teenager, was drafted out of school by the Cardinals and spent years pursuing his professional dream before later coaching at the collegiate level.

Today, the game remains a central part of family life, with his son, Brad Poris, coaching in Wantagh Little League and his grandsons, Liam, 10, and Luke, 8, emerging as young, standout players.

While many baseball families eventually drift away from the sport, the Poris family's connection has only deepened.

"I don't force anything on them," Barry said. "The key is making it fun. If they're having fun, they'll want to keep playing."

According to Brad, the brothers rarely need encouragement to practice. On most days, they're outside throwing, hitting or working on drills together in the backyard.

"What stands out is the way they practice on their own," Brad said. "I've never really needed to push them. They're constantly out there playing baseball."

Both boys began playing at age 3 and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Asked what inspired him to play, Liam credits his family's influence.

"Grandpa Barry, Justin and Jake," he said.

Luke’s answer was a bit different. "So 5 million people could see me," he joked.

Today, both boys play for the Wantagh Little League Dodgers and the Wantagh Hawks travel program. Although they compete in different age divisions, they often share the field together in Little League, something both brothers consider one of their favorite experiences.

"It’s fun because I get to cheer him on," Liam said about his younger brother.

"I love sharing a bat with him, and he is a good role model," Luke added.

Their father sees different strengths in each of his sons.

Liam serves as a vocal leader and is often the first to encourage teammates. Luke is quieter but possesses a remarkable ability to remain calm under pressure.

"We've had games where Luke was closing for us," Brad said. "For an 8-year-old, he just doesn't get phased. He locks in."

The brothers are competitive, too, but when asked who is more so, Liam quickly answered, "My brother." And Luke agreed.

That competitiveness has translated into success on the field. Liam cites hitting a home run and playing alongside his younger brother among his favorite baseball memories. Luke's favorite moment came when he was in first grade and collected two hits against a fourth-grade pitcher.

The goals remain ambitious for both boys. "Winning the Little League World Series for the Dodgers," Liam said. "Same," Luke added.

While the boys are creating their own memories, many of the lessons guiding them originated with their grandfather decades ago.

One of the guiding principles he has emphasized is preparation. "Baseball is a thinking game," Barry said. "You have to know what you're going to do before the ball gets hit to you."

Brad remembers learning that lesson firsthand while watching games with his father. Unlike casual fans, Barry analyzed every situation.

"He'd tell you what pitch was probably coming next and why," Brad said. "Then you'd watch it happen. His baseball IQ is unbelievable."

Those teachings continue today through regular phone calls before games. Brad often calls his father while driving the boys to the field, even if the trip only lasts a few minutes. The conversations rarely focus on statistics.

Instead, Barry reminds his grandsons to hustle, have fun and give maximum effort. "Stay back on the ball and think opposite field," Liam said when asked about the best baseball advice his grandfather has given him.

Luke prefers another piece of guidance. "Run fast, give your best effort and don't play wiffle ball," he said.

The influence extends beyond baseball mechanics. For Barry, the game's greatest value has always been the life lessons it teaches.

"Baseball teaches resilience," he said. "You're going to fail. Everybody fails. The important thing is how you respond."

That mindset has helped shape multiple generations of the Poris family.

Brad remembers growing up in a household where sports were encouraged but never forced. In addition to baseball, he played basketball, tennis and other sports, believing each offered valuable lessons and skills.

Today, Brad and his wife Beth have adopted the same philosophy with their sons, who play baseball, basketball and flag football while continuing to develop the greatest passion for the diamond.

When Liam learned that his grandfather had been drafted by the Cardinals, he thought it was "really cool to know he could have played in the major leagues." Having a grandfather who played professionally still amazes him.

"It's cool that we share the same blood, and I am learning the game the way he knows it," Liam said.

Barry remembers old photographs of his parents helping him learn the game. Decades later, Brad found himself catching for Liam and Luke as they warmed up before practices and games.

"It's been a thread through our family for generations," Brad said of America’s favorite pastime. And every time Barry watches another game streamed from Wantagh to his current home in Colorado, he gets to see that thread continue into another inning.