St. James-Smithtown hoping to ride wave of comeback confidence to Little League World Series

New York Post

4 days ago

It's a summer to remember for the boys of St. James-Smithtown.
The bold group of 12-year-olds captured their Little League's first state title and are knocking on the doorstep of the Little League World Series — with only the champs of New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island standing in their way.
'Just being able to be with all these guys, they're so fun — and making it this far, it's just been a crazy experience for me,' pitcher Gary Rocco told The Post ahead of the upcoming regional tournament in Bristol, Conn., whose winner goes to the big show.
The team's journey to their next set of big games, which starts Saturday against Rhode Island's Burrillville Little League at 7 p.m., has been nothing short of drama.
The Bulls of St. James-Smithtown only reached the New York State Championship after losing to archrival West Sayville — a team they came back to beat twice.
6 The St. James-Smithtown Little League team poses for a photo after recently winning the New York State title and is now playing for a chance to go to Williamsport.
Heather Khalifa for the NY Post
It was only an uphill battle from there, as the formidable South Shore Little League of Staten Island crushed the Bulls 8-2 in pool play for the state title. St. James-Smithtown rose from the canvas and gave the NYC team a 7-2 shellacking — coming back from being down 2-0 — in the finals.
'I feel like we're more prepared now, we have tougher teams now,' left fielder and first baseman Chase Saxon said.
Bull market
Escaping the perils of elimination thus far has put these boys on top of the world with a fever pitch of energy and excitement they want to ride into Williamsport, Penn.
'It just tells me if we're down a lot, then we still have confidence in our team,' said outfielder James Santelli.
Fellow outfielder Eric Hanson echoed the sentiment that's become the Bulls' never-say-die mantra.
'Once you get a big comeback, your confidence is up for every single game,' he said.
6 Lucas Kostas pitches during a St. James-Smithtown Little League practice in St. James, N.Y. on July 28, 2025.
Heather Khalifa for the NY Post
'So I feel like moving forward, we're going to be very confident.'
Ask fellow pitcher and DH Jeremy Katz — New York's home run derby champion with an .870 average — and he'll say that the entire squad is radiating with self-belief.
'Confidence is the difference between me going 0-for-10 and 8-for-10,' he said as shortstop Andrew Barbato added, 'I think we have a good chance of winning it all.'
6 Members of the St. James-Smithtown Little League team sit in the dugout during a practice in St. James, N.Y. on Monday, July 28, 2025.
Heather Khalifa for the NY Post
Boys will be boys
The sudden fame and extended season have done little to deter the kids — many of whom have been close for years — from having the best summer vacation of their lives with each other, especially when it comes to team building.
At the suggestion of Katz, the group decided to all dye their hair blond as a celebration of making it to the state tournament.
Though there were rumblings of buyer's remorse among some players, Katz said, 'I think I'll keep it for a little before I get tired of it,' adding that players' older brothers may join in this week.
6 Manager Scott Santelli during a St. James-Smithtown Little League practice in St. James, N.Y. on July 28, 2025. The team recently won the New York State title and is now playing for a chance to go to Williamsport.
Heather Khalifa for the NY Post
6 J.T. Borowski at bat during a St. James-Smithtown Little League practice in St. James, N.Y. on July 28, 2025.
Heather Khalifa for the NY Post
The inseparable bunch — nearly all on the team are die-hard Yankees fans — also had a chance to walk the warning track at the Stadium in The Bronx this summer as just one of their many memory-making experiences.
They have also been known to enjoy pool parties, hotel tag and Wiffle Ball games — the latter has even given outfielder Lucas Kostas more confidence when he tugs on a Bulls jersey, the boy said.
One rather unorthodox habit the team has picked up, by being on the road so much, is playing poker — a game at which third baseman Ryan Delgado has rapidly ascended in his skills. They plan to go all in with the card game while staying at on-campus dorms at the regional tournament, with 11 other East Coast teams.
6 Gary Rocco pitches during a St. James-Smithtown Little League practice in St. James, N.Y. on July 28, 2025.
Heather Khalifa for the NY Post
No matter what the Bulls are doing to keep busy, one thing is clear: They don't want this run to end, nor stop spending every day with their best buddies.
'It's just basically like hanging out with your family,' added Hanson.