SEYMOUR – For the first time in Seymour’s George J. Hummel Little League history, the Juniors All-Star Team recently clinched its first state championship title and are in Pennsylvania this week hoping to score another victory on their way to the World Series.
The Juniors All-Star team, comprised of 13- and 14-year-olds, along with their coaches and parents, left Seymour Monday (July 31) to represent Connecticut in the Eastern Regional Championship Finals in Dubois, PA.
Team Manager Joe Lawruszko said the team of dedicated Seymour boys begin this year’s season in April and played their hearts out through the end of the regular season in mid-June. From then on, the team continued to score one win after another, until ultimately clinching the Section 1 state championship.
“We’re headed up to Pennsylvania for six days for the regionals, it’s a double elimination round, and if we win it, we go on to the Junior Little League World Series in Michigan, where we will represent the eastern half of the country,” Lawruszko told the Valley Indy during an interview last week. “It’s very exciting and the kids are absolutely elated.”
Lawruszko said the kids- most who’ve known each other and have been playing baseball together since age six-have practiced hard to get where they are. The team is also supported by Assistant Coaches Rich DeNigris and Jim Hoffman, and tons of parents and fans, too.
“They keep winning, they keep playing well and we’re winning as a team,” Lawruszko said. “I’ve been coaching most of these boys since they were six and we are one big family. This has just been a great experience. The boys are all moving onto high school next year, and it’s a nice way for them to end their Little League career.”
Team Captain/Pitcher Zack Lawruszko, 14, told the Valley Indy he’s feeling good going into the regionals.
“I’m feeling pretty confident in our chances to win the whole thing here,” Zack said. “I think we’re very deserving of the state title and we worked very to complete that accomplishment. I’m really hoping that we win and go on to the World Series in Michigan.”
Zack’s fellow teammate Aiden DeNigris, 14, echoed similar sentiments.
“It’s feels pretty good winning the state championship, and I’m going into the reginal tournament feel very confident and hoping our team can pull off the win and go to the World Series.”
Fans can follow the team on its journey to the World Series at the this link.
No matter what the outcome over the next few days of play, Lawruszko said the team has “definitely made its mark” in representing its small town and the state of Connecticut with pride.
Lawruszko said in preparation for the regionals, the team got new jerseys, which cost about $4,000 and the travel expenses, with transportation, hotel and related expenses, ran about $20,000. He set up a GoFund Me page here.
in hopes of defraying some of the cost to the team and the parents. As of July 31, a little over half of the $10,000 goal had been raised through 80 donations.
Those interested in sending a donation via check to the local nonprofit team can do so by making checks payable to: GJHLL (a letter can be provided for tax write-off) and mail to: George J. Hummel Little League, PO Box 901, Seymour, CT 06483.
Anyone who’d like more information can contact the league at [email protected].
