Since 1970, only a handful of Cherry Hill Atlantic Little League team have made it to the state championship and this year a special group of seven- and eight-year-olds defied the odds and faced off against North Howell for statewide bragging rights. This team of local kids fought until the final, but came up just short of a state championship. Nevertheless, the ballplayers of the Atlantic Little League represented Cherry Hill Township with grace, dignity and fearless determination throughout the tournament.
After beating a number of teams throughout the state in Toms River and winning the District 13 championship by beating local rival Collingswood they played throughout the summer on their way to the final matchup against North Howell. The team made tremendous strides throughout the tournament and almost brought home the big prize, but was bested by the team out of North Jersey.
Manager Adam Greenberg talked about the commitment and dedication of the kids and the parents during their momentous run to the state championship.
“I asked this group for their very best in everything they did this season and they gave everything they had,” Greenberg said. “They worked every day to get better and become better teammates. I and the rest of the coaching staff could not be prouder of what they accomplished. I want to personally thank the parents and coaching staff for their tireless efforts to make this the best experience these boys could have had.”
The Cherry Hill Atlantic League President, Kevin Stever, continued to say that the league was overwhelmed by the success of the team this year.
“Cherry Hill Atlantic is ecstatic at the way this group represented our Little League,” Stever said. “We could not be prouder to have a state finalist in the first ever 7-8 State Tournament.”
Player Harrison Greenberg embodied the team philosophy throughout the tournament.
“I was ready whenever the coaches needed me to play any position,” Greenberg said. “I got to play infield, outfield, catcher and pitcher during the state tournament. It was so much fun to be able to play anywhere the coaches needed me.”
The team consisted of Ryan Adler, Ryder Frame, Charlie Goldberg, Harrison Greenberg, Spencer Greenberg, Valen Raval, Jacob Friedel, Giovanni LePosa, Sean Stever, Desmond Fonash, Ethan Francouer and Lincoln Kratchman. The team was managed by Adam Greenberg, assisted by Ken LePosa, Kevin Stever and Howard Goldberg was the score keeper.
