New Albany, Ohio keeps memorable run going
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The New Albany Little League all-stars came together a few years ago. Their friendships have grown so much tighter since then that they have become more a family than a baseball team.
And what thrills this family has produced all summer.
New Albany, Ohio is playing at the Little League World Series for the first time and each family member has played an equally impressive role. The Great Lakes champions made their Series debut Thursday against California and now will be permanently linked, turning what once felt like only a dream into reality.
"This group of kids have been together for so long that they truly love each other. They always pick each other up and they treat each other great," New Albany manager Tim Bush said. "It's so nice to see that chemistry. That's part of our success. That's something the coaching staff tries to focus on. Whatever they're doing, cheer on your teammates, and it's a dream come true for them. Words can't explain how excited they are and how excited we are for them."
Bush was talking about the coaches being ecstatic for the players, but he might as well have been talking for the entire town. The community is loving what its team has done and how it has achieved it. They have not been home since leaving for regionals, but the players are starting to realize they essentially are rock stars back there.
Restaurants have been filled with crowds watching the games, fans have constantly been reaching out and lending their support and interest in New Albany Little League has grown exponentially. As individuals they are excellent players, but as a family, New Albany has become the talk of the town.
"It was awesome to see an expectedly large contingent of New Albany Little League faithful make the one hour and 15 minute trip to watch the Ohio state final. In regionals, it was flattering for the team and families to see New Albany fans make the even longer trip out to Whitestown, Indiana to cheer them on in the Regionals," New Albany Little League president Derek Guenther said. "As a league, this is the stuff you dream of."
"These young men are true ambassadors for all of New Albany," New Albany mayor Sloan Spalding said. "Their dedication, commitment to hard work, outstanding sportsmanship and winning attitude are inspiring our entire community."
This memorable run is the culmination of a long journey which started several years ago. Since coming together for the first time, New Albany has excelled each season and captured state championships in consecutive years at the minor, 9-11 and major levels. This is the cherry on top of a sundae skillfully worked upon and which keeps adding new toppings each year.
Still, past success guarantees nothing. In order to keep the Series dream alive, New Albany had to slay perennial Ohio giant Hamilton, the 2021 U.S. runner-up, five-time qualifier, a four-time defending state champion and Ohio's state champion in 11 of the previous 13 years.
New Albany won consecutive walk-off games a year earlier against Hamilton in 9-11 competition and, amazingly, history repeated itself earlier this month. New Albany walked off with victories in both the winners' bracket final and championship, ending Hamilton's dominant run and handing a team which outscored six other opponents, 104-0, its only loss this season. New Albany kept going strong at regionals, winning four times and avenging its lone defeat by blanking previously undefeated Illinois, 4-0 in the final.
"It starts at the top with our coaching staff and we preach staying level-headed, staying loose and having fun. They just never quit and we're never out of a game," Bush said. "We have some true leaders on the team and no matter what, they're in the dugout saying, 'We've got this.' It's a confidence thing and the kids get fired up and the next thing you know you're on top."
"The core group of the team is a special bunch. That said, this year's entire team is a special bunch as well, and they quickly formed into a cohesive unit with great team chemistry," Guenther said. "I credit Tim, Bob (Pettinger) and Mark (Nardell) for fostering a team culture that allows the players to be themselves, play loose at times, and keep it about having fun as a unit while also getting the job done. As a league we have celebrated a good amount of success the past 10 years and this year is a testament to the strong group of players that have matriculated through our program."
As one enters the New Albany Little League Field, he or she will see a sign which features a "2018 state champions," engraving. Soon, this year's accomplishments will be added as engravings, but in the meantime, papers saying "2023 state champions," and "2023 Great Lakes champions" have been added. This is a baseball crazy town and the varsity high school team won a state title two years ago.
Now, these New Albany Little Leaguers have not only built on the tradition, but risen the standard. They are only 12, but these players have become role models and heroes throughout the community. And whenever this run ends, the joy of what this family has created will carry on.
"It's about the relationships they've built and fun they've had," Bush said. "It's about the boys having fun and making memories that most kids only dream about. Win or lose, we're going to enjoy this wonderful ride."
"The team is a true reflection of their coaches and incredible families who have spent countless hours in support of their team. As mayor, I'm thankful for all the moms, dads and players who made sacrifices to help New Albany youth baseball reach this pinnacle," Spalding said. "We will remember this team for years to come."