2025 NEA Wildcats Cooperstown Team

Our Cooperstown game play has come to an end, but what an experience it was! ⚾️

We opened with a 14-1 win over the Tenafly Tigers, highlighted by big bats from Cooper, Alex, Benjamin, and a three-run home run from Cade M — his first ever! 💥 Bailey pitched strong to earn the win, with Robert D closing it out on the mound. Chase led the way with three hits, Talon added two, and the Wildcats ran wild with six stolen bases.

In our second matchup, we faced a tough Arlington team and fell 15-2. Aiden L provided a spark with a solo shot to center, and Chase and Aiden each drove in a run.

Though our time on the field wrapped sooner than we hoped, this trip was unforgettable — from the competition, to the memories made with teammates, to that first Cooperstown home run. 🐾💚💛

We capped the day with a visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame, where players and parents soaked in the history of the game. To top it off, the kids and families came together to thank our coaches for an incredible season and for making this journey so special.

Here’s to 12U NEA Wildcats Macary— a season full of memories we’ll never forget! 🧢✨

A day of firsts in Cooperstown! 🥳 Today we played our first bracket game… and scored our first win — 14-1 over the Tenafly Tigers! ⚾️

We also saw our first home run of the week and it was extra special — the first EVER for our very own Cade Martin! 💥💪

Next game: 11:30 AM — let’s keep the momentum going, Wildcats! 🐾

Day 3 at Cooperstown ⚾🐾. Two tough losses today bring us to 0-5 in pool play, and we can see it’s wearing on our Wildcats. But here’s the thing — off the field, these kids are laughing, making memories, and soaking in the Cooperstown experience, and that’s a win in our book any day. 💙

Shoutout to Cade, who led Game 2 with three hits, Penny, Chase, and Cooper with two knocks each in Game 1, Robbie for his clutch 2-RBI double, and Benjamin for wreaking havoc on the bases with three steals. 💪

Pool play is officially in the books — bracket play kicks off this morning at 9:00 AM vs. the Tenafly Tigers. Time to fight for that W! 🐾🔥

Day 2 at Cooperstown. Our NEA Wildcats 12U squad wrapped up a busy day on the diamond with a fun team dinner at Cooper's Barn! 🐾⚾

We knew coming into this week we’d be facing some of the strongest teams in the tournament — and today was no exception. While the scoreboard didn’t go our way, our bats came alive with a big offensive showing, including 16 hits in game one! 💪 The players kept their heads high, played hard every inning, and supported each other from first pitch to final out.

Tomorrow brings a new game, a fresh start, and another chance to make some Cooperstown memories. First pitch is at 11:30 AM against the Port Washington Legends — let’s go, Wildcats!

Game 1 in the Books! 🐾⚾️

We knew heading into Cooperstown that our first matchup was going to be a tough one — and boy, the Eastern Mass All-Stars delivered! Between a grand slam and a half dozen homers, our Wildcats still managed to keep smiles on their faces and spirits high.

These kids showed incredible resilience, laughed through the challenges, and reminded us all why we play this game — for the fun, the friendships, and the memories.

Game 2 this morning at 9AM vs. Washington — let’s go, Wildcats! 💙🖤

We’ve arrived and we’re ready! 🐾⚾ Meet your 2025 NEA Wildcats Cooperstown Team!

Night one in the bunkhouse is in the books, and we’re kicking things off with our first game tonight at 7:30. Follow along here for updates all week!

🌟 Player Spotlight: Talon “Sticks” Smith | #11 🌟

Meet Talon Smith, also known as “Sticks” — a versatile athlete with quick hands, solid instincts, and a love for making plays all over the field.

Talon started baseball at age 6, and shines at both shortstop and center field. He loves the challenge of fielding grounders and the thrill of chasing down fly balls. Off the diamond, Talon is just as active — playing soccer, basketball, and skiing, and even tearing it up on his dirt bike.

His favorite part of the game? Batting and making big plays in the field. He believes a good teammate shows sportsmanship — and knows not to run across the field to steal someone else’s pop fly. 👀

Talon says the best part of his team is his coach, who listens, lets players rotate through positions they enjoy, and creates an atmosphere that makes baseball fun.

His go-to advice: “Keep your head up.” And his biggest supporter? His dad, who gears him up and keeps him motivated — along with his mom, who’s always there to cheer him on.

Fun fact: Talon can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under 30 seconds! His favorite snacks? Sunflower seeds and Cracker Jacks, and his favorite meals are mac & cheese or mango depending on the mood.

He dreams of hitting a home run in five games in a row, and still remembers the excitement of his first hit in travel ball. His favorite movie? The Sandlot — the only baseball movie he’s watched, and a classic at that.

Keep grinding, Sticks — with your skills, mindset, and love for the game, you're always one play away from something big. ⚾🔥

🌟 Player Spotlight: Alex “RenDawg” Reny | #8 🌟

Meet Alex Reny, aka RenDawg — a friendly, hardworking first baseman who’s all about action, positivity, and team spirit.

Alex has been playing since 2017, and loves first base for the constant involvement. Off the diamond, he plays hockey and lacrosse, and enjoys riding his ATV and meeting new people.

His motto? Always be supportive and positive. He loves how hard his team works and the strong team bonding they’ve built. His top hitting tip: “Put all your weight on your back leg.”

Alex looks up to his mom and dad for always supporting his love for sports and admires Jarren Duran for his leadership on and off the field.

Fun fact: He had an extra tooth that grew in upside down! His favorite foods are sushi and ranch or buffalo wing sunflower seeds, and his favorite movies — The Sandlot and Rookie of the Year — reflect his fun, adventurous spirit.

Alex’s goals? Play baseball as long as he can — Play baseball as long as he can and have a long and successful career as a business executive.

Keep it up, RenDawg — your hustle, attitude, and heart make a big impact! ⚾

🌟 Player Spotlight: Tonkla "Lil Drip” Patterson | #2 🌟

Meet Tonkla Patterson, better known as Tonk, T, or Lil Drip — a high-energy second baseman who brings fun, focus, and friendship to the field.

Tonk started playing at age 5, and now loves second base for all the action it brings. Off the field, he plays soccer and basketball, enjoys fishing, biking, snowboarding, and loves video games and FaceTiming friends.

His favorite part of baseball? Sharing snacks and laughs with teammates. He says, “Have a positive attitude no matter what’s going on,” and when the game gets loud: “Ignore the noise.” Tonk appreciates how kind and patient his coaches are and gives a special shoutout to Cade, his catcher and good friend.

Born in Thailand and holding dual citizenship, Tonk brings a unique spirit to the team. His favorite athlete is Anthony Edwards, favorite food is seafood, and he proudly owns his go-to snack: sushi and ramen!

Inspired by the movie 42, Tonk aims to hit 10 home runs before high school. One of his favorite memories? Away tournaments — for the games and the hotel fun with teammates.

Keep shining, Tonk — your energy, heart, and hustle are what this game is all about! ⚾

🌟 Player Spotlight: Chase “2-Piece Combo” McLaughlin | #3 🌟

This week's Player Spotlight is on none other than Chase McLaughlin, also known as "2-Piece Combo" — a slick shortstop, multi-sport athlete, and all-around gamer who brings passion and personality to the field.

Chase started playing baseball at 9 years old, and quickly found his home at shortstop, where he loves the constant action and being involved in every play. But Chase isn’t just a baseball guy — he’s also a standout in basketball, flag football, volleyball, skiing, and of course, WIFFLE BALL (with lots of capital letters!).

One of Chase’s favorite parts of the game? Wiffleball battles and beating Londonderry — a rivalry win that never gets old. He thrives on competition, but values friendship just as much as the win, saying the best part of the team is “being friends on and off the field.”

When asked what makes his team special, Chase points to hitting — something they do with confidence and power. His go-to advice? “Dive for it — you’ll be backed up.” That's a shortstop mentality if we’ve ever heard one.

Chase gives credit to his mom and dad, who are always there to support him and make sure he gets where he needs to be. His favorite player is Elly De La Cruz, and like his baseball hero, Chase brings flash and fire to the field.

Some fun facts: His favorite snack is Swedish Fish, his favorite food is sushi, and when it’s time to relax, he’s tuning into ESPN. Oh — and he wants you to know: “The oxygen you breathe is safe to breathe.” 😆

Chase's biggest highlight so far? Hitting his first out-of-the-park home run — a memory that still fires him up as he works toward his goal of playing college baseball.

Keep grinding, Chase! With your energy, talent, and love for the game, your story is just getting started. 💥⚾

🌟 Player Spotlight: Aiden “Good Boy” Lee | #5 🌟

Meet Aiden Lee, aka “Good Boy” — a dedicated, upbeat player who brings a winning mix of skill, positivity, and personality to the field.

Aiden started playing baseball at just 5 years old, and now shines at 1st and 2nd base, where he loves being involved in key plays. He’s also a member of a swim team, and in his free time, enjoys video games, hanging out with friends, and crushing wiffleball.

What does Aiden love most about baseball? Succeeding, hitting home runs, and just playing the game he loves. He believes being a good teammate means lifting others up and including everyone, and he appreciates how his teammates bring the fun while his coach constantly helps him improve.

One of the best tips he’s ever received? “Put your hands up every at-bat,” from his summer coach a year ago — and since then, he’s hit four home runs, including a grand slam, his proudest moment so far.

Aiden gives major credit to his dad, calling him “the best coach I’ll ever get,” always helping him, no matter what. He looks up to Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and other big leaguers, with a goal to play college ball at a high level — and one day, make it to the MLB.

Fun fact? After getting walked one summer game, Aiden face-planted on the way to first base. His dad, coaching first, lightened the moment by yelling, “Sniper!” — a memory that still makes them laugh.

His favorite movie is The Sandlot (“one of the best of all time, no question”), and his go-to snacks? Big League Chew and beef jerky — classic choices for a player with big dreams and great energy.

Keep going, Good Boy — your future in the game looks bright! ⚾💥