Little League all-stars shine: U10 team makes it to the final four
Updated: 1 day ago
by Mark Jahne
Editor
It was the thrill of a lifetime for a dozen boys ages 8-10 who love to play baseball.
The Wethersfield Little League U10 All Star team coached by Michael Verderame made it all the way to the final four of the state playoffs before losing to Trumbull, the eventually champion.
“Our all-star team won the District 9 tournament,” a first for Wethersfield, Verderame said.
“I was the head coach. We finished in the top two of the sectionals for the state tournament and made the final four for the state of Connecticut. The final four was in Simsbury, which was awesome,” he added.
“The joy was not just in winning and doing something unprecedented for WLL, the joy was more in the camaraderie and family atmosphere this team created along the way. The kids learned what hard work, dedication and teamwork can accomplish. It was an honor and privilege to be a small part of this memorable experience.”
In order to make it to the final four the team had to win five games including a victory over Rocky Hill in the semifinals and a win over previously undefeated Middletown on its home field. It won both games in the sectional tournament, defeating East Lyme and former champion South Windsor.
Thirty-two players tried out for this team and 12 were selected. They played games in Ellington and Middletown as well. Verderame, who has a son on the team, has coached Little League in town for five years. He is extremely proud of these boys and how well they performed.
A banner recognizing their accomplishment will be unveiled next April when a new Little League season begins.
The members of the team are Justin Cruz, Talon Hoffman, Derek Kratzer, Anders Liljenberg, Mason Newman, Cody Palazzo, JJ Procko, Tyler Ramos, Ryder Shemo, Christian Steller, Crosby Verderame and Derek Warriner. Elias Timbro was also selected to the team but was unable to participate because on an injury.
In addition to Mike Verderame, the coaching staff consisted of Kevin Kratzer and Paul Newman. Adults Nuno Ramos and Chris Palazzo assisted throughout the season and playoffs. WL