By Dave Ryan

CAMBRIDGE – The Dorchester 8-10 State Champion All-Stars finished their season last week – in Connecticut. The boys and their coaches were in New England competing in the  Little League Eastern Regional Baseball Tournament, where they eventually fell to New York on Monday, 20-4.

That didn’t diminish the successes of the players, who, coming from a small town, stood tall against squads from cities. After winning the state championship on July 16, the team returned home to a heroes’ welcome, complete with a police escort through town.

Then, while they kept polishing their baseball skills, the boys, their families and fans began raising money to fund their trip north.

It all came together, and the young men headed to the tournament to represent Maryland.

The experience has made a lasting impression on those who participated, not least of all on Manager Roger Short, who posted online, “This 2022 baseball season is going to be a memory that I will never forget. The past two months were absolutely remarkable and these boys earned everything along the way and worked their tails off to get there.

“To watch the progress that these boys have made along the way has been awesome. They have truly improved their game and skill set. Even better is the bond that I have made with these boys and the friendships that were made among the team that will last forever. After the last week they are all like brothers now.

“I had other coaches and team parents that came to me and state they couldn't believe that a small-town team like us made it so far. They were impressed with our sportsmanship and the talent that we have.

“Most of the Regional teams play together six to eight months out of the year. When I told them these boys have only been together since the end of June, they were shocked.

“To all the boys - Jake, Daniel, Gavin, Carter, Callan, Devonta, Aziim, Kamrin, Bentley, Christian, Mason and Yai - I am proud of you all and can't wait to see you next season. Your future is bright and Cambridge has some great young talent in the years to come.”

Mr. Short thanked the community for all it has done to support the team, with special gratitude to Coaches Todd Harrington and Andrew Ruf.

“It has been an unbelievable experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he said.