“The 14U Perfect Game Classic was not only hot but it was hot.  Every team had a lot of talent and every game was neck and neck.”  said head coach Al Roach “I think with overall talent, this was the most competitive team that I have ever coached.  Every player had something valuable to offer whether it be a knuckleball to keep hitters off balance or roadrunner-like speed to take second and third base.  It was definitely difficult going down to Florida, barely knowing the players and some how strategically put line-ups together to help the team win.” said Roach.

“The Series” took place between July 16th and July 22nd in Thunderstormville, Fort Myers, Florida, where lightning delays and down pours suspended many of the games and events throughout the week.  Luckily all the games were able to be played and the teams which represented different territories and regions throughout the United States went head to head and battled it out until a National Champion was crowned.   And as the title states it was the North East that won the National Championship as they defeated the South East in the finals 4-1.   Overall the team had a 7-1 record in the series.  Other teams the North East faced were, Central, South Texas, North Texas, South East, the Mid-West and the North.

The 14U Team North East consisted of 12 players.  The roster consisted of two of the Jersey State Bombers, Ryan Graham & Matt Christopher, both of which trained at We Drop Bombs since they were seven years old.   Graham and Christopher also both won individual Game MVP Awards in the series.  Graham started two games and Christopher was used as a closer in a few opportunities.  While not on the mound, Graham played centerfield and Christopher 3rd base.

The Roster Below:

Tate Ballestro – Morristown, NJ
Reece Bolton – Wilmington, Delaware
John Caprella – Lima, Ohio
Matt Christopher – Southampton, NJ
Anthony Dagnello – Nesconset, NY
Jake Delaney – Salem, NH
Jacob Denner – Closter, NJ
Ryan Graham – Southampton, NJ
Brett Lepoer – Lowell, MA
Anthony Petrosino – Oakland, NJ
Shawn Rapp – Mendham, NJ
Max Ruffner – East Setauket, NY

Head Coach – Al Roach
Asst Coach – Bill Mottram
Asst Coach – Tom Rapp