Never-say-die attitude was difference

Youngstown's 14-year-old team came back from an 0-2 start to win the crown.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- They were players that came together with a task, to achieve the ultimate goal of winning a World Series and through adversity found a way to execute the necessary fundamentals in bringing to the Mahoning Valley the Babe Ruth 14-year-old national championship.
At the 13-year-old Babe Ruth series a year before, the team fell short, finishing in fifth place, and had a year to prepare both mentally and physically for a chance to succeed where they had failed before.
And even though they fell behind with losses in their first two games in this year's World Series in Quincy, Mass., the players, who established lifetime friendships, showed tremendous courage, heart and spirit as they battled back to prevail.
"It was typical Youngstown-area children, whose steel valley background of never say die or quit, reflects why we have had so many outstanding athletes in the past," said manager Al Franceschelli.
Bunting was difference
"The kids set a Babe Ruth bunting record and it worked," said Franceschelli. "We played basic baseball and moved the runners up on 26-of-34 bunts and that's one of the reasons we are champions.
"This is only the second area team at any age level to win a world series."
The 15-year-old Babe Ruth All Stars won the national championship in 1990.
Franceschelli said most of the players will return next year for a third attempt at the World Series and that that has never happened before.
"These children at 14 years of age play just like adults do, but think like children and it's a tough age to get them to perform," he said.
"And they like to go to the Dairy Queen after games and get treats all the time.
Left-handed pitcher Corey Collins of Laurel, Pa. was 3-0 in the World Series and 7-1 combined in the state and regional qualifying tournaments and the World Series.
Matt Katich of Mohawk posted a 3-1 mark throughout the tournaments, while Armani Johnson of Boardman was 3-0. He fired a two-hitter against a team from Louisiana.
Tony Brunetti of Mooney led the team with a .480 batting average and 10 RBIs and he had game-winning hits against Minnesota and Alabama.
All-World Series pick
Frank Rosile, an All-World Series team selection, hit .500 and played outstanding defense. He was instrumental in the game-ending double play against Williamette Valley (Ore.) in the championship game.
Chuck Olesky of Austintown also played outstanding defense, making important catches in wins against Alabama, Minnesota and Oregon.
"Without those catches we'd have lost the world series," said Franceschelli.
Joe Morales (.280) of Chaney had two key hits in an earlier loss to Alabama. Nick Turco of New Castle and Mike Hoelzel of Canfield were named to the All-World Series team.
Jesse Moses of New Castle batted .380, while Boardman's D.J. Ronci was used as a closer and Matt Dado of Shenango was a key utility player.
Everybody contributed
"All of our players made contributions," said Franceschelli.
"You have a whole mix of kids that get along well and love to play the game. This is the only group I've coached that never tired of practice.
"We were kind of down after the 0-2 start in the series, but a 19-0 win over Plymouth, Mass., gave us back our confidence and changed the momentum in our favor," he added.