The Old Rochester Youth Baseball 11U All-Stars, under the guidance of coach Derek Crippin, have reached their fourth state tournament in the last five years, a testament to sustained community support and player development.
A Season of Growth
Coach Crippin describes the squad as a "cast of characters," each bringing a distinct personality to the field, and he uses that diversity to teach respect, kindness, and resilience that extend beyond the scoreboard.
Players such as Adam Crippin, Cullen Heslin, Willie Comorosky, and Jack Canton have spent years training together, forging a chemistry that emphasizes teamwork over individual accolades. Their camaraderie is evident in the way they celebrate each other's successes and learn from setbacks.
Although the team fell short of advancing past the Sunday, July 5 tournament, they left the field having given their best effort. The games were tightly contested, and the young athletes relished the challenge, finding joy in every close play.
For many of the boys, the tournament was more than a competition; it was an opportunity to grow as individuals. Jack Canton, who began playing only last year, expressed how much he values his teammates, while Cullen Heslin highlighted the excitement of facing opponents he had previously met on the diamond.
Willie Comorosky summed up the experience by noting that the tournament’s tight games kept the atmosphere fun, regardless of the final outcome, reinforcing the program’s focus on enjoyment and personal growth.