Nate Zelaya of the CA District 68 team is pushed to first base after a hit during the Challenger game at Volunteer Stadium at the Little League complex in South Williamsport. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
While many people were already at Lamade Stadium early on the championship weekend, the Little League Challenger Exhibition was celebrated at Volunteer Stadium on Saturday morning.
The LL Challenger Division of Manalapan Township (NJ) faced the California D68 Challenger Division in South Williamsport, surrounded by cheers from parents, Little League players, fans and referees.
Jose Monroig of Manalapan, New Jersey, was there to cheer on his catcher son, also named Jose Monroig. They learned that the Manalapan team would be playing in the Little League World Series last winter.
“This is the chance of a lifetime,” said Monroig.
When the younger Monroig learned he would be playing, he was incredibly excited because people from all over the world would be watching him, his father said.
That excitement was palpable as he celebrated his hit and home run. Any player gets to hit the ball, however many tries it takes, and run the bases. There are no outs, just lots of cheers from family members and fans. The Little League World Series teams sitting in the stadium cheered on each player as they stood up to bat.
“The team helped him a lot to grow and build relationships with people,” said Monroig. “He has found many friends. More like family.”
Playing in the Challenger Division has helped the young Monroig build self-esteem and confidence. He encourages all of his teammates no matter what, Monroig said.
The Monroigs arrived Friday morning and planned to watch all of the weekend’s games during their stay. It was their first time at the Little League World Series, but Monroig said they would definitely come back.
“The whole city turns into a Little League,” he said. “It’s a wonderful experience.”
Sandy Trinidad of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, was at Volunteer Stadium to cheer on her son, Kevin Trinidad, who has played in California’s Challenger Division D68 for two seasons.
“It’s a great team,” said Trinidad. “There is so much positive energy. It’s really inspiring.”
Kevin was the first of his team to bat, hitting the ball on his first attempt, earning him a high five from the coach and then another high five from the referee when he got home.
“It was great,” said Trinidad. “I love all the support and inclusion and the buddies. The buddies are the best part.”
A buddy is someone who helps the player, either by running the bases with him or by giving him guidance at his positions in the infield and outfield.
Tracy Gorelczenko of Manalapan, New Jersey, joined parents in the stands to cheer on the players and her sons, Brady and Toby Gorelczenko, who spent the last year volunteering as buddies for their local Challenger team on Monday night.
They made many friends during their experience, she said.
“It was great,” said Gorelczenko.
Gorelczenko, like the other New Jersey parents around her and friends on the field, wore matching shirts with the team’s logo on the front and the phrase “No matter what the challenge is… never give up” on the back.
Kurt Misialek, President and CEO of Eggland’s Best, thanked everyone who came out to support both teams. Eggland’s Best presented both teams with checks to support the Challenger Division.
“The Challenger Division means so much to so many people,” said Misialek. “We are here to celebrate these two great teams. You are all the stars of the show.”
This year, players in the Challenger game were asked to design their own pins, as pin trading is a popular pastime in Little League.
“To stay on the baseball theme: You did it,” Misialek said: One pin design was selected from each team and distributed to the players.
Before the game began, each player received a medal.
The game ended after all players had rounded the bases and all players received a standing ovation from the crowd, which included players from some of the Little League World Series teams and Mickey Mouse in his own baseball uniform.
