The Port Washington Little League team captured the New York state championship for the first time in the program’s 63-year history and is now advancing to the regional round in Bristol, Connecticut, with hopes of securing a spot in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for the Port Washington squad, which has long been considered an underdog in the Empire State. The team’s success reflects months of dedicated practice and strong teamwork, according to both players and coaches.
The regional tournament, set to begin Saturday, will feature the best local teams from the tristate area, including Bayonne Central from New Jersey, Darien from Connecticut, and Lincoln from Rhode Island. Only one team will earn the right to represent the Metro Region in the Little League World Series later this month. Port Washington’s first game is scheduled for 4 p.m. on ESPN+, where they will face Lincoln in a double-elimination format.
For many players, the opportunity to compete at this level has been a dream realized. Shortstop Brandon Kien, who had previously traveled to Bristol as a fan, described the upcoming experience as “a dream come true.” The team is set to stay at the A. Bartlett Giamatti Center dormitories on the campus during the tournament, where they plan to balance competition with leisure activities such as Wiffle ball and the campus pool.
Team camaraderie has been a key element in their journey. Players have bonded over shared experiences, including staying together in hotels and enjoying video games like basketball and soccer on a PlayStation 5 brought by left fielder Carlo Cafferata. Catcher Michael Gabriel emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and having fun despite the pressures of high-stakes games.
Assistant coach Anthony Theoharis praised the group’s persistence and ability to perform under pressure. The team consists of a blend of 11- and 12-year-old players, with no significant performance differences noted between the age groups. Theoharis highlighted months of rigorous practice in hitting and fielding as factors contributing to the team's success. He also noted the determination among players to approach each game without fear of failure.
Several players expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their skills on a televised stage and compete against new opponents. Third baseman Drew Theoharis, left fielder Luca Theoharis, and others described the experience as “once in a lifetime,” emphasizing the value of teamwork and time spent together.
As the Port Washington team prepares to face their regional opponents, confidence remains high. Right fielder Mikey Catuogno stated the belief that the team has a strong chance to advance to Williamsport, reflecting the optimism surrounding this historic campaign.