BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It’s been a summer of success for the boys of Lehigh Little League’s 9-10 All-Stars.
A month after winning the Eastern Regional Tournament in Cranston, Rhode Island, the ball club was recognized at Tuesday’s City Council meeting with a citation from Bethlehem officials.
It was the league’s first regional title in its 74-year history and more than two decades since its previous state title.
“These young athletes had to win district, section, state and Mid-Atlantic titles in the process. ... This dedicated team fought hard to bring a USA East Regional Championship to the citizens of Bethlehem.”Citation from the city of Bethlehem to Lehigh Little League's 9-10 All-Stars
“These young athletes had to win district, section, state and Mid-Atlantic titles in the process,” the citation read.
“This dedicated team fought hard to bring a USA East Regional Championship to the citizens of Bethlehem.”
Team members include Colin Kelly, Johnny Shireman, Caleb Yoder, Jack Misko, Harrison Cser, R.J. Rivera Jr., Marcus Stuart, Noah Dimitrovits, Hunter Roth, Pierce Steiner, Ashton Kendy and Levi Chacko.
Coaching staff includes Kevin Kelly, PJ Yoder, Mario Stuart and Tom Cser.
'Thank you'
A wave of blue jerseys and ball caps assembled on the left side of the council chambers.
One player, Ashton Kendy, approached the lectern on behalf of the team.
And after a few seconds of pause for thought and some encouragement from his team in the audience, Kendy let out a “thank you” with a grin.
Some tears, some smiles and some laughs could be seen from family members and friends of the team seated nearby.
“Congratulations to every player, every parent, every coach. And I know that’s a lot of nights away from home and on the road.”Bethlehem City Council President Michael Colón
“Congratulations to every player, every parent, every coach,” Council President Michael Colón said.
“And I know that’s a lot of nights away from home and on the road.”
The local showings continue for the hotshot young players as they also will be recognized pregame at Wednesday's 6:45 p.m. matchup between the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Syracuse Mets at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.
A historic run
Lehigh Little League’s 9-10 All-Stars reached the highest title possible for its age group.
The club outscored opponents 70-14, including 43-9 in the state tournament, and racked up 11 wins among no losses ahead of the regional showdown.
The Lehigh Little League and overseeing Lehigh Sports Association operates along Illick’s Mill Road in Bethlehem.
The Lehigh Sports Association board of directors meets Sept. 29, to elect officers and board seats for the 2025-26 season, according to its website.
