North Edison 9-year-olds enjoy summer season
For 12 young athletes from North Edison, this summer league season has been one for the books.

Straight from the fields of the North Edison Baseball and Softball complex, this team of strong-willed, well-meshed and determined 9-yearold all-stars put together a stellar run. The team - hand selected by coaches Dave Marzano, Jack Jacobi, Jimmy Katims and Mitch Mayer - participated in a whopping five tournaments this summer, and to no surprise, made it to each of the tournament's championship games, leading them to a winning season of 25-7.

To add to the excitement of taking first place in three of the five tournaments entered, this team of skilled athletes were one well-played game away from advancing in the state tournament, with high hopes of continuing on to the Cal Ripken Regional Tournament. The North Edison team did win the District 9 tournament, which is the Cal Ripken League's post-recreational playoffs. North Edison played teams from all over the county, including, South Plainfield, Colonia, Monroe, East Brunswick and North Brunswick. For this North Edison team, being able to succeed as much as they did in the tournament was quite an accomplishment.

Throughout their six-week season, the 9-year-old all-star team played a series of thrilling contests, led by a solid pitching staff, great catchers behind the plate, well-trained outfielders, strong infield play, and fundamentally sound hitting.

According to the coaching staff, the boys truly played their best. With every game, the players played their hearts out and have memories of a wonderful season to prove it. Although the season has ended, the 12 players have already begun talking about next season and are extremely excited to see how well they can do.

Congratulations to Luke Jacobi, Jake Mayer, Julian Korduba, Collin Pastor, Zach Marzano, David Ardizzone, James Lee, Alex Zilli, Mike Katims, Dennis Cooper, Alex Corrigan and Jared Fraraccio on a successful season.

- Marla Horenbein