By: Sean Moylan
With five tournament titles to its credit, the only prize which has eluded this core group of Bordentown 12-year-old Little League All-Star baseball players is an actual District 12 title.
This year Bordentown will hope to rectify that situation, but it will be a difficult task with 18 teams gunning for the same prize.
"I hope to make some noise with this team. Hopefully, they’ll get a few breaks," said Tom Potts, who has managed this team since the kids were 8.
Most of Bordentown’s terrific pitching staff is back. In fact, Robert Foster, Scott Gorish, Josh Filor, Matt Walsh and Tommy Potts have all developed strong reputations as reliable hurlers.
Furthermore, 11-year-old Joey Gutowski has been added to the rotation and he can play third too.
"He’ll (Gutowski) play an awful lot," added Potts.
As always Potts will see action at shortstop when not pitching. While Walsh can catch and play anywhere in the infield.
Filor (catcher), Foster (infield) and Gorish (outfield) are also very versatile players.
Bordentown mainstays Jeremy Schulkin (outfield), Gunnar Decker (first base and outfield), Dominic Ricasoli (outfield and second base) and Jason Zablow (outfield) should also make significant contributions to the team as always.
Furthermore, newcomers Joe Guner, who swings a big bat, and Shawn Blacomb, are both good outfielders who beat out a lot of talented players to make the roster.
Potts will be assisted by Little League Legend "Bub" Foster and Bob Gutowski.
"The pitching is definitely up there and the hitting is big on this team," said Potts, whose club breezed its way to the Final 8 last season.
Bordentown has a couple of tough draws in its pool (A), but it doesn’t mind competition. When this team plays well it wins.
Bordentown was scheduled to open versus Allentown at North Trenton yesterday (Wednesday). Bordentown is scheduled to face North Trenton at Allentown on July 3, Sunnybrae at Sunnybrae in July 5 and Millstone-Roosevelt at Bordentown on July 6.