Little Leaguers' Night Out

Story and Photos by Erica Pieschke

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - There were dozens of extra players in uniform at NBT Bank Stadium Thursday night. However, most of them were watching from the stands as the Chiefs beat Louisville on a walk-off three-run home run by Alejandro De Aza.

These additional players were members of Little League teams playing in the Akadema Summer Classic Tournament this weekend.

The Clarington Orioles, came four hours from Ontario, Canada for the tournament. The kids packed in cars and carpooled with their families and coaches.

At the stadium, the group of twelve-year-old boys was jumping out of its seats with excitement. However, the moment a player stepped up to bat, they boys held still with a look of hope in their eyes, perhaps that they would play professionally one day.

James Aronowich  was eager to share his love for baseball and that his favorite position to play is pitcher.

“I like to strike people out,” Aronowich said.

He also said how important his family is to him every day and how thankful he is for his parents bringing him to the Chiefs game.

Cooper Kellar started playing three years ago and said he greatly enjoys running the bases and hitting balls while at practice. His baseball hero is Kevin Pillar of the Toronto Blue Jays.

“He is great at defense and dives for all of the balls,” Kellar said.

Brody Borutskie caught a foul ball. 

Kellar hopes to be as good as Pillar when he grows up but in the meantime, loves how much fun he gets to have with his teammates at the Chiefs game.

Brody Borutskie said he has loved playing baseball for the past five years. His dream is hit as many home runs as Josh Donaldson of the Toronto Blue Jays, someday. Not only is Borutskie having a great time, but he was one lucky kid in the stands this night.    

“There have been so many home runs that have been hit and I got a foul ball and that’s always good to get,” Borutskie said.

After an eventful night at NBT Bank Stadium, these little league players are off to participate in their tournament and play some baseball of their own.