By Nate Beutel Niagara Gazette The Niagara Gazette Thu Aug 25, 2011, 04:45 PM EDT
NIAGARA FALLS — Four years of hard work are about to pay off for a group of 13 young baseball players from the Cataract City.
The 12-and-under Cayuga Heat travel baseball team is headed for the seven-day, 98-team American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame Cooperstown Classic championship tournament at Cooperstown Dreams Park. The majority of the roster has played together since 9U.
“We’ve worked with these kids since they were nine, so to be able to play on one of the biggest platforms in the country and represent Niagara Falls is an incredible experience,” Heat manager Tom Gariano said.
The Heat set their sights on this event well over a year ago. The Classic, which annually features a lengthy waiting list, brings together championship-level teams from throughout the United States and Canada to a 25-field facility at the home of baseball. Each team stays on site. All games are played on a “50-70” field where pitchers throw from 50 feet and there is 70 feet between bases.
This year’s event starts Saturday with an opening ceremony, a parade and a skills challenge. For the Heat, David Gariano will participate in the Home Run Derby, Casey Gruarin will do the Golden Arm competition, Justin Beyer will take part in the Road Runner Race and the remaining players will be competing in the Around the Horn contest.
Pool play is slated for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with single-elimination tournament play scheduled to begin Wednesday following a seeding meeting between coaches.
The Heat have prepared for the Classic with year-round practices, both inside and outside along with a game schedule now approaching 60 contests. In addition, the players and families have conducted countless fundraisers and gained sponsorships in an effort to acquire the necessary funds for the tournament.
“After all the hard work, this is truly a dream come true for the kids,” Gariano said.
For more information or to follow the progress of the team at the Classic, including live video, visit www.cooperstown dreamspark.com.
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