By Nick Buglione and Laura Lane
³I had the slogan ŒAll for One, One for All¹ printed on their shirts,² Christopher said. ³This team is united as a family. Everyone carries each other through.²
The motto certainly encouraged an attitude, which seems to have helped. The boys went on to win the Long Island and state championships, and were already in Bristol, Conn., at press time to compete in the Mid Atlantic Regionals of the Little League World Series.
Regardless of what happens there, this Merrick team has already performed far beyond expectations. ³They have exceeded anyone¹s wildest dreams,² said Howie Cass, first vice president of the Merrick Little League.
They are the first team in the league¹s 55-year history to win the Long Island championship, and they accomplished that milestone in dramatic fashion. After capturing the District 31 title to earn a spot in the Long Island tournament, Merrick beat Islip 8-7 in an extra-inning nail-biter. Evan Krohn delivered the game-winning hit with a walk-off home run to right field, his second of the game, to lead Merrick to the second round.
Facing cross-town rival East Meadow, Merrick trailed 2-1 in the top of the sixth inning when it rallied behind the clutch hitting of Justin Harrison, who drove in the tying run and scored the winning run on a wild pitch. Justin Fields slammed the door shut in the final inning by striking out the side.
Ace Joey Christopher took the hill in the championship game against Lindenhurst, and was masterful. He struck out nine batters through six innings of work in 90-degree heat.
Merrick scored four runs in the second, but Lindenhurst rallied to tie in the sixth. Christopher helped his own cause in the seventh when he led off with a double. He later scored the winning run when Harrison singled to left, making Merrick Long Island champions.
Coach Christopher attributes the boys¹ success to their belief in the team motto and hard work. ³They practiced two to three hours a day since June 15,² he said. ³I think the secret to their success is practice, practice, practice and teamwork.²
On a tear, Merrick advanced to the state championship, where they made short work of teams from Albany, Buffalo and Staten Island.
At press time, the team was preparing to take on the other state champions in the Mid Atlantic Regionals in Bristol. ³I¹m excited for them,² Christopher said before the team departed. ³I know how hard they¹ve worked. I don¹t think they know what they¹re in for yet, but they¹ll find out when they take the field.²
All of Merrick is behind them, with parents, family and friends traveling to cheer them on. ³The whole town is excited,² Cass said. ³It¹s all about the kids. The kids are the reason why they are where they are.²
Three of their games have already been televised, and if the boys make it to the Mid Atlantic finals, the matchup will air on ESPN. And Christopher believes this team has what it takes to make it there. ³All the boys have improved,² he said, adding that there¹s more to what makes this squad special. ³You¹ve got to have heart in baseball, and these kids have vowed they¹ll stick together as a group. They¹ll cheer each other on if they get hits or get out.²
Comments about this story? NBuglione@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
