Meet Jeremy Katz from Kings Park – or Aaron Judge Jr.?

The young baseball player clinched the New York State Little League Championship home run derby on Staten Island, joyfully bringing back the title for his St. James Smithtown team. It was quite the event!

“In the first round, I hit two out of five. I felt good and relaxed,” the confident 12-year-old shared after competing against 24 of the state’s top players.

As he moved into the second round, Katz, who plays first base and hit an impressive .870 this summer, managed to hit five home runs.

Dedicated Yankees fans, including Katz, took some time to prepare for the contest. During a rain delay in a previous game, he even watched the MLB home run derby to pick up tips from the pros.

“There are a lot of Cal Lowry home runs, and he drives his back knee to the ground,” Katz observed. “I just thought, ‘Why not give it my all?'”

Not Completed Yet

Exciting times lie ahead for St. James Smithtown. The team reached the state finals, set to face Staten Island South Shore after a 2-0 win over White Plains.

Leading into the match, the Westchester team had only allowed a single run throughout the tournament.

“I felt good on the mound,” remarked shutout pitcher Kevin Moran. “My team played really well and supported me when it got tricky.”

Team spirit is high among baseball players on Long Island, with the atmosphere buzzing as they engage in some fun tag games around the hotel.

On a serious note, they’re just one step away from the Metro Regional Tournament in Bristol, Connecticut.

“We’re all excited, and I think it’s going to be a good game,” Moran added. “Let’s have some fun!”