Our 12u Anzalone squad had a great experience in Cooperstown All-Star Village this July, a memorable experience for both the coaches and our athletes. Our Aviators learned a lot about themselves; being away from home for a full week, some being away from home at a sleep away tournament for the first time. The competition was fierce, with teams bringing their “A” game from across the country, including 26 teams from California. This regional diversity in competition can only be experienced in Cooperstown, the birthplace of this sport that we know and love. Our athletes got the chance to Interact with kids their age and trade pins. Bunk life-built bonds and memories that will last a lifetime. Our squad went 4-4, making it to the 2nd round in Knockout Day. We started the tournament seeded at 25out of 57, ending up finishing 23rd. Kamryn Garcia hit 5 out in the Home Run Derby and there were many exciting moments, including a walk off Grand Slam by John Prinzivalli against the Zoned Red Hawks (NJ). Ben Grassi, CJ Locastro, Jordyn Cruz, Luke Peterson and Julian Wilson also hit dingers. Grassi pitched a shutout in a huge 11-0 win against Santa Monica Baseball Academy and Cruz did the same in a 11-0 win against the 12u Colts. Our Eastend Aviators beat Windy City (Illinois) 21-9 and it was also Hall of Fame Induction weekend and Big Papi Red Sox fans were everywhere. A few of our players got signed balls from Pete Rose! Our parents survived the hills and were some of the most energetic fans, giving our young players the moral support that they needed to compete. This annual tournament is a valued tradition at Eastend Baseball Academy and our organization looks forward to many more positive experiences in the years to come.
Cooperstown: No Other Place Like It on Earth
