Freehold Little League’s World Series dream ends in loss, but win ‘lifetime of memories’
BRISTOL, Conn. — The Freehold Township Little League All Stars' trip to the Little League World Series came to an end Tuesday with a 5-1 loss to Clinton County, Pa., at the Mid-Atlantic Regionals.
The Pennsylvania state champions were in control the whole game, holding Freehold Township to just three hits. Anthony Sirico scored the only run on a walk in the second inning; Jonathan Olik took the loss.
"We didn't hit like we normally hit but we ran into a really great pitcher," manager Jeff Gorman said following the loss
Gorman kept things in perspective and upbeat for his team.
"I can't say enough about what an incredible experience this is. We are not even close to putting our heads down. We are up and moving forward," Gorman said of his team, which is made up of players selected from all of Freehold Township Little League's teams.
"Like the (Little League) director said, we are 12 teams out of 1,831 LL teams in the region. We've had a lifetime of memories here. He said we're exceptional and it's true."
Following the loss, the team had dinner, went swimming and met up with other teams to trade pins.
"Their spirits are up. They're great. We're staying together tonight and tomorrow. The boys are such an incredible class act. They represented Freehold and New Jersey like you couldn't imagine. We're gotten so much positive praise. They've got their heads up. They are incredible," Gorman said.
Freeehold Township lost to Maine-Endwell, New York, 8-6 on Sunday in the double elimination tournament. The team made the regionals with a 14-1 win on Aug. 1 over Upper Township to win the state tournament on Aug. 1.
Gorman also had praise for the town of Bristol.
"They made it an experience of a lifetime here for the team. They will never forget this ever."
Gorman, the former assistant superintendent for Monroe Township Public Schools, said this experience will help him on the job.
"I've changed kids' lives through this. Now that I am a deputy superintendent (in the Mount Vernon, New York, public school system) I have a greater impact on the community to go back to the classroom. With all my expertise, all my life training, this is so special to me. It doesn't get any better than this."
The team will head home on Wednesday after taking in another game and perhaps make a stop at an amusement park.
"It's weird to say that they'll be no practice the next day," Gorman said.