Fort Hunt All-Stars honored by county for state title

The Fort Hunt Little League All-Stars at Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. Pictured left to right: Coach Tony Castrilli, Supervisor Dan Storck, Jake Gupton, Drew Norton, Nick Castrilli, Sammy Dorris, Antonio Marcucci, Chairman Sharon Bulova Will Sharp, Bennett Zippel, Brody Shawn, Joe Humphreys, Michael Lavanga, Nathan DeWitte, Kyle Pilc, Manager Chuck Gupton, Supervisor Jeff McKay. Not pictured Ryan Conmy, Garrett Quimby, Coach Dale Dorris.

The Fort Hunt Little League Majors All-Stars were presented a certificate of recognition for their state championship at Tuesday’s meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Fort Hunt, who won their district tournament in dominant fashion, stormed through the Virginia state tournament in July, posting a 6-0 record and outscoring opponents 94-12. The state championship was the first FHLL’s 60-year history. 

Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, who requested the certificate of recognition along with Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay and Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, read the honor at Tuesday’s meeting. McKay, recalling his own experience as a former Little League player and as the father of a Little League player, noted that the Fort Hunt players would long remember their experience.

“You’ll never forget this, you’ll never forget your teammates that played with you, and you’ll never forget the experience you had,” McKay said. “So we’re really proud of you in Fairfax County, particularly in the southeastern end of the county, for your achievements.”

Tony Castrilli, an assistant coach for the team and the father of one of the players, also spoke at the ceremony. He noted three areas he said made the team so special — their high level of talent, their teammwork and the community pride that emerged from the experience.

Talent-wise, Fort Hunt’s lineup had seven different players that hit home runs in the tournament, and also had seven different players pitch — something rare for a program that size, Castrilli said.

Castrilli also praised the dedication of parents and volunteers who supported the team, as well as the connection the team forged with the Fort Hunt and Mount Vernon communities during the title run.

“Little League baseball is all about community,” Castrilli said. “[T]he bonds you forge … really can’t be replaced anywhere.”