In Arlington, they’re World Series-bound for a second year in a row

The Arlington 8U baseball workforce ends each apply with excessive fives and a cheer. Barry Chin/Globe Workers

By Bailey Reynolds, The Boston Globe

August 15, 2025 | 9:14 AM

2 minutes to learn

For the second straight yr, the Arlington 8U baseball workforce is headed to the Cal Ripken 8U Participant Pitch World Sequence.

With 4 of 14 gamers getting back from final yr’s squad, Arlington gained the District 7 title, outscoring its opponents 49-4, then went 5-0 within the Massachusetts state event, twice profitable by a single run, earlier than capturing the New England Regional in New Milford, Conn.

“When the video games begin, these children appear to focus like I’ve by no means seen for a bunch of 8-year-olds,” head coach Angelo Amico III stated. “They soak up every little thing so shortly.”

Kodey McPherson makes a catch throughout a current apply for the Arlington 8U workforce. *– Barry Chin/Globe Workers*

An Arlington native, Amico additionally coached final yr’s workforce, which featured pitcher and first baseman Rowan Sullivan.

“We went final yr and now that I do know what it’s like, I feel we are able to perform a little higher than final yr,” Sullivan stated.

The unsung heroes have been the mother and father, who plan their summer time round touring to tournaments, video games, and practices. Households spent eight days in a lodge throughout the regional event and will keep 9 days by way of the nationwide event.

“The mother and father have been with us each step of the best way,” assistant coach Mike Kalivas stated, “With out them shuttling the children round, we wouldn’t have a workforce.”

Coaches Mike Kalivas (from left), Pete Arcoma, and Angelo Amico helped Arlington go 16-1 within the common season, then win the district, state, and regional championships. – Barry Chin/Globe Workers

The city of Arlington has proven large assist on and off the sphere.

A GoFundMe arrange by the AYBSA raised $11,000 in two weeks to fund journey bills. The 9U, 11U, and 12U groups have helped with apply, scrimmages, and batting apply.

“These children have had numerous assist with the opposite teams,” assistant coach Pete Arcoma stated, “It’s been actually enjoyable for the little guys to look as much as the larger children in the present day.”

Mark Lubinga warms up throughout a current apply. – Barry Chin/Globe Workers

Taking part in within the nationwide event offers gamers a novel expertise. Just like the Little League World Sequence, groups from world wide compete.

Cal Ripken baseball is a division of the bigger Babe Ruth Baseball League. Bases are set 70 toes aside and the mound is 50 toes away versus 60 and 46 toes in Little League.

Arlington begins World Sequence play Saturday.

“We wish to get there and see if we are able to win, make the city proud,” Kalivas stated, “I feel now we have a great shot.”