Little League Team Emphasizes Mindfulness as They Compete
A group of young baseball players is finding their rhythm both on and off the field. The St. James Smithtown Little League, inspired by the character Pedro Serrano from “Major League II,” has introduced pre-game meditation to help alleviate anxiety as they pursue their dreams of the Big Little League World Series.
Kevin Moran, the Bulls’ center fielder, described their calming approach during the Metro Regional Tournament in Bristol, Connecticut. “We can turn off the lights, lie down, or sit – just close our eyes and focus on breathing,” he said.
The Long Island team is gearing up for their opening game against Rhode Island’s Burrillville after a resounding 18-0 victory last Saturday, where they saw a whopping 17 batters at the plate.
Moran acknowledged some initial nerves, saying, “We were a little anxious at the beginning, but focusing on our breath really helped us settle.” He noted that he’d been practicing mindfulness since late June, a technique that seemed to resonate when teammate Jeremy Katz won the home run derby at the state championships.
Right fielder Eric Hanson discussed the impact of the calming technique: “We won 18-0, so we’re definitely going to keep this going. It helped me feel really relaxed.” However, he also pointed out that they’re not completely abandoning the fun of just playing the game and making friends from other teams.
Outfielder Hunter Falcone added, “It’s a great experience to have fun with them, anyway. I’ll just run around and play Wiffleball.” The camaraderie has extended notably, as they’ve made friendships with players from the Middletown Odessa Town Sendritl League in Delaware.
As they advance towards the semi-finals against Connecticut’s Fairfield International, set for 1 pm on Monday, the team remains focused. “We just need to maintain our energy and play our game,” said Dominique Siminiello, a key player for the Bulls. “Beating us won’t be easy.”
Manager Scott Santelli observed that while Connecticut teams often draw larger crowds, the support from Long Island is relentless and vital. “There’s a lot of cheer in our crowd,” Siminiello mentioned, recalling his family’s presence during their state championship win.
The local community is backing the team enthusiastically, with messages of support coming from all directions. Even local establishments, like the Philly Pretzel Factory, are creating special treats for the players, and watch parties are buzzing with excitement.
