Published in the June 22, 2016 edition
THE Carolina Mudcats were the champions of the Minor League division of Little League Baseball. In the front row (left to right) are Jack Millward, George Palmer, Juliana Conte, Jason Henning and Nicolo Labieniec. In the middle row (left to right) are Spencer Little, Sam Seidman, Peter Swain, Ian Christie, Sean O’Rourke, Nick Wyner, Hudson Little and Preet Patel. In the back row (left to right) are Manager Michael Labieniec, Assistant Coach Bruce O’Rourke, Assistant Coach Jeremy Little and Assistant Coach Dawn Millward.
WAKEFIELD — The Carolina Mudcats captured the Minor League Championship in Little League baseball with an undefeated record in the playoffs.
The Mudcats blanked the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers by a score of 4-0 on Sunday afternoon at Fernald Field to be crowned the champs. They also edged the Timber Rattlers by a 4-3 score on Friday night at Fernald Field.
The Mudcats finished the entire season, including playoffs, with a 16-2 record.
This was a cohesive and persistent group of kids who had the same excellent chemistry as the coaching staff said Manager Michael Labieniec.
Each and every player contributed his or her best to the team this season with good pitching, solid defense and timely, clutch hits.
The players included Jack Millward, George Palmer, Juliana Conte, Jason Henning, Nicolo Labieniec, Spencer Little, Sam Seidman, Peter Swain, Ian Christie, Sean O’Rourke, Nick Wyner, Hudson Little and Preet Patel.
The assistant coaches were Bruce O’Rourke, Jeremy Little and Dawn Millward.
In the end the success stemmed most from the respect that was had among team members and the passion for their favorite American pastime.
On behalf of his coaching staff, Labieniec would like to thank Wakefield Little League, Minor Baseball Director Mike Mercurio and President Tim Morgan, the parents and all the kids for the opportunity provided this season. Go Mudcats!
