St. James-Smithtown Little League just completed its second year of hosting the 12U New York State Little League Softball Championship Tournament, and it was a major success.
The week was filled with fun activities, like face paint and bouncy houses, along with delicious food and beverages. And, of course, plenty of softball.
“It went amazing,” said Rich Tomitz, St. James-Smithtown Little League President. “From the participation, the parents, the umpiring, the kids, and the smiles. I had one returning parent tell me that this week was the best week of his life as a dad.”
All those involved enjoyed the festivities regardless of the outcome on the field. It was a great week of softball and the perfect week for Summer fun. St. James-Smithtown Little League really takes pride in making this tournament one of the best of its kind.
“We try to mimic Cooperstown,” Tomitz said. “I remember how I felt when I went to Cooperstown with my son.”
The softball exceeded expectations as well. The seven 12U teams from each district battled it out on the beautiful turf fields at Veterans Memorial Park. Each team displayed its competitive edge and determination, but ultimately only one would be crowned state champion.
Returning to the tournament after winning the Little World Series last year, Massapequa International continued its dominance. This past Friday, July 12, the reigning World Series champs took down South Shore Little League to repeat as state champions and make another run for the world title.
The tournament was double elimination style with Massapequa getting a bye on the first day and set to face the winner of the North Shore and Fayetteville-Manlius little leagues. North Shore came on top 6-1, but would then lose 7-2 to Massapequa.
The champs’ next matchup came against South Shore, who took victories over Wappinger Falls and Cornwall Little Leagues at this point in the tournament. This was a competitive game as Massapequa earned a tight 3-1 victory, sending themselves to the final.
South Shore would then go on to defeat Fayetteville Manlius, who had a crazy comeback in the tournament after their opening loss. However, South Shore proved to be too much, ending their “Cinderella story” with a 7-4 win.
The stage was set between South Shore and Massapequa International. For South Shore to pull off the upset, it would need to win two games against the defending champs.
Massapequa left no doubt with a 4-0 victory earning a state title yet again. Players, fans, and coaches celebrated as the 12U tournament officially came to an end.
“They’re extremely well coached,” Tomitz told The Messenger. “We’re trying to become like Massapequa. The younger generation models themselves off the older girls. Other girls from younger teams came to watch the 12U team to get a feel for what it’s about.”
The 2024 state champions will now head to the Mid-Atlantic Regional tournament, which is the last obstacle for their return to the Little League Softball World Series. Massapequa will look to make history and repeat as world champions.
As for Rich Tomitz and St. James-Smithtown Little League, they get to celebrate another fantastic state tournament and focus on earning a spot of their own in the same tournament next year. They also are in the process of hosting the 11U and 10U tournaments which will wrap up at the end of the week. The Little League has its hosting contract for two more years and will continue to improve the tournament to make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the kids.
