Opening Day at West Nyack
Saturday, July 25, 2026 marked the first contest of the New York state Little League tournament, held at the West Nyack Little League complex. The sun was high, the crowd was a mix of families and local supporters, and the smell of fresh-cut grass filled the air as teams took the field.
Port Washington opened its campaign against New Hartford, and the game quickly turned into a showcase of offensive firepower. Drew Theoharis and Jackson Gorynski anchored the lineup, but it was Ethan Spitalnik who delivered the decisive blow, launching a three‑run home run that swung momentum in favor of his team.
The Port Washington squad gathered on the third‑base line for the national anthem, a moment that underscored the community pride surrounding the tournament. Moments later, Jackson Gorynski crossed home plate on a wild pitch, his grin captured by teammates as he was congratulated by Drew Theoharis.
St. James/Smithtown’s Highlight Reel
Across the field, the St. James/Smithtown side featured a roster of standout players — Andrew Barbato, Nico Ferrruzzi, Cayden Bosinius, Grayson Dick, Daniel Vrona and Nicholas Gentile — each contributing to a dynamic performance that kept the competition fierce.
While the final score favored Port Washington, the tournament’s opening day served as a reminder of the talent and enthusiasm that permeate youth baseball in the region, setting the stage for a series of matchups that will test the limits of these young athletes.