A banner week in Cooperstown
The Saugerties Dutchmen 12U baseball club arrived at Cooperstown Dreams Park with a clear goal: to compete against the nation’s top youth teams and bring pride to their hometown. Representing a single school, the squad of ten players stood out for its cohesion and the enthusiasm of a community that followed every inning.
After a flawless 5‑0 record in pool play, the team earned a rare bye among 32 squads, a testament to their regular‑season dominance. Their first playoff test came against Elevate NW of Washington, where Bradley Longo and Michael Tiano each launched two‑run homers that swung the game to a 6‑3 win. Levi Hunter turned in a complete‑game effort with 11 strikeouts, showcasing the pitching depth that would become a hallmark of the tournament.
The momentum carried into the next matchup, a 11‑6 victory over the sixth‑seeded New Jersey Marlins. Leo Cimorelli’s grand slam and Levi Van Vlierden’s solo homer highlighted the offensive firepower, while the team’s defense held steady against a resilient opponent. Manager Mike Pugliese later noted that the squad had hit over 50 home runs during the week, a statistic that underscored their slugging strength.
The run ended in the semifinals when the Dutchmen faced the eventual champions, the 14th‑seeded FTB Falcons of Brooklyn, losing 19‑3. Despite the decisive loss, Pugliese praised the team’s high‑level play, their arms, and the spirit they displayed against a formidable opponent.
Beyond the scoresheet, the tournament fostered a strong sense of community. Fans from Saugerties traveled to the park, cheering after each game and sending messages of support that lingered long after the final out. The team’s success was also made possible by the behind‑the‑scenes contributions of assistant coaches Mike Tiano, Matt Pogeweit and Chris Mayone, as well as the generous provision of the tournament slot by Jess and Jeff Riozzi.
Reflecting on the experience, Pugliese emphasized that the players’ talent, combined with the backing of families and local supporters, created a memorable week that will be talked about in Saugerties for years to come.