The road to the Little League World Series is never an easy one, but storylines always develop on the way to Williamsport, PA. The Massapequa Coast Little League team has mystique and aura around them, like they can overcome anything. They are the definition of “Long Island Strong.”
And during the regional tournament in Bristol, CT., they made this known.
Their defense has shined bright on the grandest stages. On ESPN-aired play-ins to compete for the regional championship, Brandon Hanley went full extension to make a diving catch in right field – landing him on the “SportsCenter Top 10.”
Against Toms River, NJ in the championship game, Massapequa Coast ace Joey Lionetti fired a no-hitter to send them through to the World Series. Massapequa Coast will be the first team to represent the new Metro Region, per LLWS’ new expansion. They earned their first New York state title and LLWS spot in their 72-year existence.
“I didn’t think we were going to make it this far in the Williamsport run,” said Lionetti. “I threw a no-hitter in a championship game…I didn’t think I was going to do that either.”
Some more great news for Massapequa: Lionetti will be eligible to pitch in their first World Series game on Friday, August 19 at 7 p.m. They will play the winner of Hawai’i (West region) and Washington (Northwest region); the game will be viewable on ESPN.
All eyes of not only Long Island, but the country will be fixed upon the Williamsport action. “I think it just says a lot about New York baseball,” said manager Ronald Clark. “They want to be competitors and they always want that game and tough outing.”
The manager credited them with being “New York tough” – and with good reason, because they are. When they take the field on Friday in their sharp, new black and orange Metro Region uniforms, Massapequa will not only look to make history for themselves, but New York as well.
Anything they accomplish for the Metro Region will be an absolute first. Moreover, they look to become the fourth team in New York history to win the whole tournament, and the first since Maine-Endwell, NY in 2016. Looking back at the last 4 World Series’, a team from the United States has won 3. Excluding 2020, canceled due to COVID, and 2021, when no international teams were allowed, Louisiana, Hawai’i, and New York all took home championship trophies.
Good luck to the boys of Massapequa Coast Little League. Everyone is rooting for you, go make Long Island proud!
As time has gone on, the talent level has risen. With more teams in the mix, this Little League World Series is vying to be one of the best of all time.
