Young Athletes Find Calm Amidst Competitive Spirit
The St. James-Smithtown Little League is embracing a unique approach to alleviate pre-game anxiety, inspired by the calm demeanor of Pedro Cerrano from "Major League II." Their method includes guiding players through meditations before crucial matches, aiming to channel their focus as they pursue dreams of the Little League World Series.
“During meditation, we dim the lights; you can either lie down or sit up, close your eyes, and concentrate on your breath,” explained center fielder Kevin Moran, who assumed the role of team mindfulness coach, during a conversation from the Metro regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut.
Long Island’s team showcased their preparedness in the opening round against Burrillville, Rhode Island, dominating with an emphatic 18-0 win. The sixth inning alone saw an impressive 11 runs, with 17 players stepping up to bat.
“Our initial nerves faded once we focused on our breathing, allowing us to perform exceptionally well,” Moran recounted. His dedication to mindfulness commenced in late June, but it gained wider traction when teammate Jeremy Katz began to join him during New York State championship games, where Katz notably claimed victory in the home run derby.
“With Jeremy joining in, we decided to incorporate it for the entire team last Saturday,” Moran stated. He believes these calming sessions help the group focus better during games while they practice mindfulness in their rooms at the A. Bartlett Giamatti Little League Leadership Training Center.
Now just two victories away from a trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, the team is committed to maintaining this serene practice.
“After our 18-0 win, we’re definitely keeping this up,” commented right fielder Eric Hanson. “It really helped me feel relaxed and ready to compete.”
However, the 12-year-olds are not distancing themselves entirely; they continue to engage with out-of-state teams and forge friendships, all while enjoying the sunlight.
“It’s an amazing experience to have fun with the other teams,” said outfielder Hunter Falcone. “We enjoy playing games like Wiffle ball together.”
The team from New York has especially bonded with their counterparts from Middletown-Odessa-Townsend Little League in Delaware, who are also competing in the Mid-Atlantic tournament at the same venue.
As they prepare for a semifinal showdown against Connecticut’s Fairfield International at 1 p.m. on Monday (ESPN), the Bulls are focused on maintaining their inner calm while exhibiting fierce aggression on the field.
“We just need to play our game and keep our spirits high,” noted second baseman Dominic Ciminiello. “If we do that, we’ll be tough to beat.”
Manager Scott Santelli has observed the strong fan presence supporting Connecticut’s team, but he emphasized that the Long Island contingent possesses a powerful support system that motivates their players toward victory.
“Our crowd is incredibly enthusiastic,” Ciminiello remarked, recalling the robust cheering from their families during a pivotal match against South Shore Little League on Staten Island in their New York State championship, which they won 7-2.
Support for the St. James-Smithtown team extends throughout their community. The New York Islanders have sent encouraging messages, local businesses have crafted bull-shaped treats, and nearby taverns organized watch parties to celebrate the team’s recent success.
“The level of support has been overwhelming,” Hanson expressed. “It’s amazing to see support coming from all angles, including teams from other tournaments cheering us on.”
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