BERKELEY – After successful seasons on the diamond, Berkeley Little League’s Marlins and Cubs were both recognized at a recent Berkeley Township Council meeting for winning their championship games. The Cubs had a 12-3 season. The Marlins were 6-7.
The Marlins now have two consecutive championship wins under their belts, coaches said. The team competes in the intermediate division for players ages 11-13. Playing on transition fields between standard Little League and Junior/Senior League sizes, they use a pitching distance of 50 feet, with 70 feet between bases. They took home the championship win last year as well.
“We had 13 boys on the team this year, so it was a little tough, trying to figure it out, with only nine positions on the field,” Kim Farruggia, one of the Marlins’ coaches, said. “But they were a great team to work with.” The Marlins were also coached by Pat Williams, Dereck Rizzo, and Mike Bianco.
The Cubs are part of the fairly new AAA division for players ages 9-12, coaches said. It was the League’s first full season with the AAA level after noticing a major decline in boys wanting to move to the Intermediate division. With 46 x 60 field dimensions, players can continue to play in a competitive division on a smaller field. The Cubs became the first AAA championship winners this season.
Berkeley Little League is a non-profit, volunteer-based youth baseball program chartered with Little League International, according to its website. With nearly 400 players, coaches and sponsors are dedicated to providing a space for every child to learn and play baseball in Berkeley Township and Ocean Gate. Contact them at Berkleylittleleague.org or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at Berkley Little League to join in on the fun.
