The 2007 entry from Syosset to the 96-team Cooperstown Dreams Park tournament in Cooperstown, NY, had a great run representing Jericho. This team as previously reported had won last year's summer National Junior Championship and has been practicing since January getting ready for the tournament.

Thanks to all those who contributed donations to the team throughout the year to make this week a reality. Syosset Baseball Association; Smith Barney, Melville; Valley Sports and Trophy; Land Baron Abstract Joe Faria; L&L Painting; Tony Maracic; Smith Barney, Joe Miecuna; Mac's Steakhouse; Pomodorino; Wind Fin Restaurant; Alan Rapfogel; Joe Scocca; Crosstex; Commerce Bank; Astoria Federal Savings; Shop Rite; Au Bon Pain; Golden French Cleaners; Remax Prime Real Estate; Professional Paint Products.

All families arrived by Saturday morning for check-in to the team's barracks where they stayed during the tournament, while families stayed at a nearly hotel. All players were under that watch of manager Joe Miecuna and coaches Dennis Kehne, Frank Laine and Chris Burrei during their stay. The only time families were able to be with the players were during games or when the manager signed the team off the grounds for a team meal with their families.

After Saturday morning check-in, the team assembled for the opening ceremony gala. The ceremonies, broadcast on the Cooperstown Dreams Park webcam, kicked off at 5 p.m. with opening remarks from the Dreams Park founder, Lou Presuitti, as well as remarks from the National Hall of Fame president, Dale Petroskey. The 45-minute introduction finished with three parachute jumpers landing on the main field, prior to the introduction and parade of all 96 teams.

The first game kicked off on Sunday afternoon, July 22, with Syosset staking itself to a 13-0 lead in the top of the first, coasting to a 14-0 win over the West Virginia Arsenal. Jake Laine pitched a complete game one-hitter.

The second game on Sunday pitting Syosset vs. San Souci Sluggers from San Souci, Florida. Syosset won this game 13 to 7, taking the tournament into day 2 with a 2 and 0 record. Highlights of this game were a grand slam home run by Aaron Schuster and another home run hit by Parker Laine. Jason Steinberg pitched five of the six innings to earn the victory.

Monday, July 23, the game vs. Pacific Palisades Predators from Pacific Palisades California, was broadcast on the webcam for all hometown friends and family to view at 11 a.m. This hard-fought game was won by Pacific Palisades 6 to 4. Syosset had three runners cut down at home plate by throws from the outfield into their catcher. James Schlesinger and Danny Miecuna played outstanding outfield in their respective outfield positions to keep this game tight with Danny throwing out one of the Predators at home plate.

Monday's afternoon affair was delayed by rain. Syosset bounced back with a 15 to 12 victory over the Darien Demons of Illinois. Syosset was down 8-0 in the first inning but came back with strong relief from Parker Laine. This game was highlighted by a grand slam home run from Jason Steinberg and a solo pop from Troy Scocca. After two days Syosset's tournament record was at three victories and one defeat.

Syosset continued with their success on Tuesday morning vs. The Brookfield Bulldogs of Wisconsin. Syosset won this nail-biter, nip and tuck game 11 to 10. Syosset took a 5-1 lead out of the box. Brookfield came back to take the lead 7 to 5. Syosset retook the lead back 10-7. The top of the 6th, Brookfield came back to tie the score. At that point, Shane Mandel came in to close out the inning. Shane led off the bottom of the 6th and got on base. Parker Laine got on base as well. Both Mandel and Laine orchestrated a successful double steal, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd leading up to the next batter, Ryan Feit. Feit singled in Mandel for the 11-10 victory.

The afternoon affair pitted Syosset vs. The By-You Guru's of Louisiana. Syosset highlights in this game, won by The Guru's 9 to 6 were Kevin Kehne, Parker Laine, Jason Steinberg and Aaron Schuster each going 2 for 3, as well as a fine relief job from pitcher Shane Mandel after the Guru's had jumped out to an early lead.

After the game, the players took some time off to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame just prior to the weekend's inductions of Cal Ripken, Jr. and Tony Gwynn. After three days of the tournament, Syosset was sitting with a 4 to 2 record.

The final regularly scheduled game on Wednesday morning had Syosset going up against the Franklin Regional Panthers from Pennsylvania. This game was the last regular game prior to determining playoffs and seedings. This morning game, Syosset just plain came up flat with a 12-0 loss. This loss sat us with a seeding, giving us a bye in the first round of playoffs and a chance for the players to unwind from four days of intense baseball.

Coach Miecuna took the boys off the grounds for a relaxing afternoon of Go-Karting and lunch prior to learning that their play throughout the week had earned them a bye.

The first playoff game, round 2 would have fate of a prior opponent playing them. On Monday's webcam game, Syosset lost to The Pacific Palisades Predators. The Predators played in the first round at 2 p.m., defeating The St. Louis Reds to earn a spot against Syosset in the second round. With Jake Laine on the hill, Laine pitched a complete game 1 hour, 10 minute performance highlighted by Jason Steinberg's 3-run homer and Danny Miecuna snatching a line drive in centerfield to seal the victory for Syosset 3 to 2, moving them into round 3.

Syosset changed uniforms as they got ready to face 7 and 0 Arizona Knights. This team was seeded 10th in the entire field of 96. Syosset jumped out to a 6 to 1 lead in the second inning as Aaron Schuster hit a 2-run homer, followed up by a solo blast from Parker Laine. The Knights got their composure back and tied up the game with several home runs of their own. Syosset's Cinderella run came to a close with Arizona's 13 to 7 victory.

Key stats for the week's tournament: Overall team batting average for the week was .386 with Ryan Feit leading with a .578 batting percentage.

The overall champion was a team from Tennessee defeating a team from Georgia 1 to 0 on Thursday evening with Tennessee's pitching striking out 12 of 18 batters.

All players and siblings throughout the week enjoyed the exchange of pins that each team had prepared to pin-exchanging.

The boys had a great time, a great run, a lifetime memory and the families' comraderie was another great aspect of this experience. Finally, all the players were inducted into the Youth Baseball Hall of Fame with each player receiving a Hall of Fame ring to cherish.