The Dover Cal Ripken 8‑year‑old baseball team, guided by coach Jordan Anderson, captured the New Hampshire state championship and earned a spot in the New England Regionals held in Freetown, Massachusetts. Anderson, speaking after the tournament, said the summer marks only the first chapter for a group that has already shown promise.
Pool play proved to be a steep learning curve. After an opening 12‑5 victory over Marlboro, Massachusetts, the team fell 24‑18 to New Canaan, Connecticut, and then dropped a 20‑5 decision to Lowell, Massachusetts. Each game exposed new strengths and highlighted areas that will need refinement as the players move forward.
The tournament concluded with a 16‑1 loss to Stamford, Connecticut, a result that left the squad with a 1‑2 record in the regional pool. Anderson reflected on the defeat, noting that a handful of mistakes cost the team dearly, but he also praised the boys for competing at a higher level and gaining valuable exposure.
A Summer of Growth
Beyond the scoreboard, the experience has reinforced the importance of teamwork and resilience. Anderson emphasized that competing against elite teams provides lessons that cannot be replicated in practice, and he believes those insights will shape the players' development both on and off the field.
The roster, which includes Elliott Anderson, Jack Fogarty, Matty Jones, Preston Mathien, Amari LaFleur, Benny Adams, Nolan McGann, Hudson Fortier, Brooks Daly, Oliver Royer and Bennett Clancy, represents a blend of talent and community spirit. Their families, local sponsors and the Cal Ripken organization have all contributed to the team's journey, underscoring the collaborative nature of youth sports.
Looking ahead, the team will set its sights on the Cal Ripken 8U World Series in New Jersey later this summer. Anderson remains optimistic that the foundation built during this regional adventure will enable the group to compete with confidence on a national stage.