Barrington 8U baseball team wins NH Cal Ripken title, competing in New Englands

BARRINGTON -- The Barrington age 8-under Cal Ripken All-Stars baseball team earned a spot in the New England Regionals by defeating Exeter, 6-1, to win the 2024 New Hampshire state championship last weekend.

"I think for us, the parents know the magnitude of this (achievement)," Phelan said. "The kids are kind of in their own world, like they've seen a Little League World Series on TV, and in their minds, they all think, 'That's me, that can be me.' And the excitement going up to (Milford) for them is kind of that feeling of 'oh those kids are on TV,' they are very excited ... we're just working really hard to make this an experience of a lifetime."

The New England Regional opening ceremonies were set for Friday in Milford, Connecticut, with games starting on Saturday. Barrington will open up against the Connecticut state champions (Newtown) on Saturday, then play the host team, Milford, on Sunday, before a matchup with Eastern Massachusetts champion Arlington on Monday.

Phelan and the group are anticipating a longer stay than Monday, with pool play leading to a single-elimination format. The team will be broadcasting the games live on GameChanger.

'The championship is on Wednesday, so I'm hoping to be there that long," Phelan said.

Barrington enters the regional undefeated this summer, winning the Kittredge Tournament over Father's Day Weekend.

"As we certainly saw in the state tournament, the teams we are facing are getting better and better throughout the summer and posing more of a challenge to us," Phelan said.

Phelan expressed gratitude for parents and families for their commitment and help for the players and team.

"I really can't give the parents enough credit," Phelan said. "The kids who came to me are very skilled and work very hard with their parents and brothers; most of them have older brothers."

The team roster includes Mitchell Phelan, Dylan Howard, Brantley St. Laurent, Liam Tipping, Bryce Dicey, Finley Reeves, Carter Krans, Tobias Caucis, Lucas Blyer, Cole Paterson, Mac Pittendreigh and Kolby Ricker. Coaches include Heather Phelan, Kyle Tipping, Scott Pittendreigh and Adam Krans.