Lehigh Little League 9-10-year-old all-stars win state title, advance to Eastern Regional Tournament

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Ten-year-old Marcus Stuart couldn’t say what it means to have won a state championship with his Lehigh Little League teammates.

But his hands did.

“When you asked him that question, he clutched his heart,” his mother, Nishida, said during a phone conversation Monday. “That’s what it means to all the boys.”

Coach Kevin Kelly’s 9-10-year-old all-stars have displayed plenty of heart, skill, focus and determination on its dream-like run that resulted in a Pennsylvania state championship on Saturday.

Lehigh has roared to an 11-0 record through three tournaments en route to advancing to the Eastern Regional Tournament Aug. 2-9 in Cranston, Rhoad Island.

The locals will open play at noon Sunday against the champion from Washington, D.C.

“It’s so exciting because all of our hard work has paid off,” said Marcus, an outfielder, who recorded the final out of Lehigh’s 3-1 victory over Upper Providence in the state title game in Drums, Luzerne County.

“We’ve played baseball so much together that now we feel like we’re brothers.”

'They play hard every game'

The state title represents Lehigh Little League’s first since the 11-12-year-old team’s championship in 2004.

It also marked the first 9-10-year-old state crown for the league since 2002.

“It’s been 21 years since the league won a state championship,” Kelly said. “This is great for Lehigh Little League, for Bethlehem and for all the families of the players.”

To suggest Lehigh is on an historic run from winning the District 20, Section 6 and state championships may be an understatement.

The team has run roughshod over its opponents, outscoring them by a combined 70-14, including 43-9 during the state tournament.

“We knew this group was special early on,” Kelly said. “But it’s also that they play hard every game.

“We’ve talked all season about taking it one game at a time, about not thinking too far down the road.”

Shortstop Collin Kelly, the coach’s son, described the state championship as “a dream come true.”

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Lehigh Little League

Lehigh’s Eastern Region Tournament schedule is as follows:

• Sunday, Aug. 3, vs. Washington, D.C., at noon.
• Tuesday, Aug. 5, vs. New York, at 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 6, vs. New Jersey, at 5 p.m.

The top two teams from the Mid-Atlantic then will face off against the top two teams from the Eastern Region in a regional showdown.

'Very expensive for a team to be there'

Lehigh has been money in the incredible playoff run.

But money of another type also plays an integral role.

Lehigh hopes donations will help defray the costs of travel, food and lodging during what could possibly be a weeklong stay in Rhode Island.

Pledges have been made by private citizens and local businesses, Lehigh Little League President David Cresci said.

A basketball shooting clinic fundraiser titled Buckets for Baseball will be from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, at Hanover Community Center. Cost is $25 per player.

Parents can register by emailing Harry Morra at hmorra@gmail.com.

A GoFundMe page also has been established to support the team.

“It’s very expensive for a team to be there for a week,” Cresci said. “And it all comes out of our league and the parents’ pockets.

“So we’re doing all we can to raise funds. Local support and also from businesses has been great. We have gold, silver and bronze sponsorship opportunities for people to contribute.”

Regardless of the outcome at Eastern Regionals, Cresci said he's certain the players and coaches have forged a special bond that will endure.

“Moving on from sections to states and now regionals is rarified air,” he said. "We’re so happy and proud of the boys.

“The boys, the coaches and families will remember this forever.”