Little Leaguer enjoys more than on-field experience at Chiefs' game

By Gabriella Kreuz

2014 F-M All Star Team won the District 8 Title

For a Little Leaguer at a Syracuse Chiefs game, there isn't much that can top a night that started out with running on the field alongside the pros, then watching a home run, catching baseballs tossed by relief pitchers, and ultimately staying up past your bedtime to watch the home team pull off a win.

But for one Fayetteville-Manlius U10 All Star team member, there was something that could top all that.

F-M outfielder James Mason said the highlight of his Monday night was watching Domenico Cambareri, of the Syracuse Challenger baseball team, throw out the first pitch. Cambareri, who has autism, is a third baseman.  He has been playing with the Syracuse Challenger Little League team for eleven years and hasn't missed a single game.

This was something that seemed to resonate with Mason.

"It was inspiring actually," said Mason, his toothy smile turning serious, "because it shows that you can do anything even if you have disabilities."



Left to right: Casey Vaughn, James Mason,
Jack Nucerino, Luke Davidson

Mason explained that he has an aunt with autism, and that he could empathize with the struggles that some people with special needs face. "We try to support [her] a lot and help her with stuff," Mason said.

Mason goes to Fayetteville Elementary School. He is one of 13 players from the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District chosen to be on the 2014 U10 All Star team. All Stars are nominated by their home team coaches, then they compete in tryouts to be selected to the F-M team.


F-M Head Coach Len Lafollette has been coaching all star teams for 20 years.  He says he's enjoyed watching this year's team gel.

Nathan Smith shows off a ball
the home plate umpire gave him.

"It's been great," Lafollette said. "Most of these kids only knew each other from competing against each other in the regular season. They've come together and now they're the best of buds."

The chemistry showed as Mason and teammates giggled in the stands and high-fived as they caught balls being tossed to them by Chiefs relief pitchers.


F-M has a 16-2 record and recently won the District 8 Championship title. The trip to NBT Bank Stadium was the treat for success. The team is headed to Ottawa, Canada next weekend to play in its final tournament of the season.

"It's a big tournament, so a win would be awesome for us" said a glowing Mason, who added that he wants to play major league baseball someday.

"My passion for baseball is- I just love it."