Little League State Championships comes to Sussex County for first time

By Laurie Gordon
SUSSEX COUNTY — It is said that an object set in motion tends to stay in motion. In the case of a bid, submitted three years ago by the Kittatinny Little League and District 20 to host the New Jersey State Little League Championships, keeping that momentum going paid off. For the first time ever in history, Sussex County will host the State Championships.
Jack Choma, president of the Kittatinny Little League said, “I became involved several years ago when our son , Jackson, began to play and take a strong interest in playing baseball. You can say our family on both sides have a strong love for baseball, comes from a long tradition of playing baseball and enjoying a great past time sport.”
Choma said, “Last year, I was asked by president Kyle Slack to consider joining the Kittatinny Little League as safety officer. After seeing moms and dads give of their time to help each other and help our children have the best experience possible playing baseball, well, I couldn't refuse. This year, I stepped into position of president as a collective group effort.”
He added, "I am humbled and honored to be part of such a beautiful team effort in our Kittatinny Little League Board of Directors. Community members Nate Sadjack, Dawn Leahy Kyle Slack, Patrick Dierling, Bob Cartagena, Rob and Julie Strong, Brandt Anderson and Dean Yukunis are the movers and shakers of our Board of Directors. Each truly enjoys working our best for each other. There is only one goal, and it is to give our children the best experience while playing a little baseball. I am honored and privileged to work side by side, and call these people friends.
It takes a village to help run a successful Little League and it takes forging bridges, and building teamwork. Stillwater Recreation, Fredon Recreation, and Hampton Recreation all helped to play an intricate role in supporting our young people playing baseball. Stillwater Township Committee was amazing supporting our little league and so has Hampton Township Committee. Again, it all comes back to team work.”
Jackson Choma's team did well this year as he had many new young teammates who were playing for the first time. “So, this year was a learning and skill-based season, but fun for everyone,” Jack Choma said. “Jackson was sidelined with a shoulder injury for about a month, and when he we healed up and released to go back to play, he was excited.”
Slack said of his involvement in the Kittatinny Little League, “I have been involved with Little League for 10 years. I coached all 10 years and was president for two of those years. Right now, I am head umpire, so I ump and do all of the assigning for 12 teams.”
The tournament
Dave Poe is the district administrator for Little League's District 20 of New Jersey.
He said, “The 2017 Joe Graziano Little League Baseball State Championship brings together the top four 12-and-under division Little League teams from each of the four state sections to compete for a chance to represent New Jersey in the Mid-Atlantic Regional final in Bristol, Conn., as well as a chance to appear on ESPN's coverage of that tournament.” Poe added, “New Jersey is divided into 19 districts. Each district has a tournament involving all the leagues vying for the district title. The district winners then compete in one of four section tournaments. The districts and sections are determined geographically.”
The winner of States will be one of eight representatives from the United States, along with eight representatives from regionals around the world. These 16 teams compete in Williamsport, Pa., for the Little League World Series Championship.
Getting to host the State Tournament isn't easy. Poe said, “The state committee, a collection of all the district administrators, has a rotation where each district gets to host the final once every 20 years. As the DA, I selected Kittatinny because while we superbly run leagues throughout our district, Kittatinny met the criteria necessary, including a new lighted field and an energetic board of directors and volunteers.”
Slack said, “To have the state's best four Little League teams hosted by Kittatinny Little League is an honor. It's really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the entire state your county, your town and our own Little League. He added, “It's a little more special for me because 'The Pit' is a field that my dad built in 1983 along with Mick Horn, Bud Morris and Bill Graham. I know a lot of people are excited.”
Choma said, “Hosting the New Jersey State Tournament entails dedication, teamwork and the willingness to work with and for one another. It's about coordinating funding, bringing our community members together to support a common idea. Being willing to listen to others even if you don't agree is part of it too. I can honestly say the members of our Kittatinny Little League Board of Directors are an amazing asset to our community. Communication with various townships, committees and recreation committees is essential toward building a successful season, All Star season and now host.”

“We don't know who the four teams are yet in the New Jersey State Tournament,” Choma said. “We shall know more in another week, the week before the state tournament. We hope an area team plays well enough to be part of such an awesome experience.”

The winner of the State Tournament hosted by Kittatinny Little League and District 20 will then have the honor to go on and play in Bristol, Conn., then Little International come August, providing they continue to win.
The minors
Choma works part-time for Sussex County's very own Miner's Baseball Team. “My experiences working and attending various Miner's baseball game's has been fantastic and quite enjoyable. I was introduced to Shane White who is the Miner's operational director and thought, 'What a wonderful experience the Sussex County Miners offer to our community. Why not try to incorporate a Miners game, experience with the four teams who will be playing in this year's tournament?'” White liked the idea and is making sure it comes to fruition.
“Although the Miners will not have direct involvement with the tournament, the Little League teams will be enjoying a picnic and Miners game before they take to the field themselves later that evening at the Hampton Recreation Field,” White said. “I think it will be a great experience for them to see professional baseball players and to be able to meet them and watch them play. These kids are striving to be the best they can to achieve their goals by becoming professional baseball players themselves.” He added, “The Sussex County Miners are glad to be able to support these kids and honor those that have come this far, wishing all the teams the best of luck in the little league tournament.” Choma said, “This is any 12-year-old dream come true to experience the Minors like this.” .

IF YOU GO

What: New Jersey State Little League Championship
Hosted by Kittatinny Little League and District 20 Little League
Where: Hampton Township Pit, Field 2 behind Hampton Township Hall
When: July 27, 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.; July 28, 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.; July 29, 7 p.m.
Championship: July 30, 7 p.m. (July 31, 7 p.m., if needed)
July 27, Thursday morning, welcome event attending Sussex County Miners game, 10:30 a.m.