Fort Hunt Majors All-Stars win district championship, headed to state tourney

Front Row: Sammy Dorris, Garrett Quimby, Jake Gupton, Bennett Zipple, Kyle Pilc, Antonio Marcucci Second Row: Drew Norton, Joe Humphreys, Nathan DeWitte, Michael Lavanga, Brody Shawn, Nick Castrilli, Ryan Conmy, Will Sharp Third Row: Coaches Dale Dorris, Manager – Chuck Gupton, Andy Norton, Bob Pilc, Tony Castrilli, Matthew Dorris (Photo Courtesy of Diana Giammarco)

The Fort Hunt Little League Majors All-Star team won the 2017 District 9 Championship on Saturday with an 11-3 victory over West Springfield National. The team is now headed to the Virginia State Championship Tournament in Triangle, where they’ll play Coeburn Little League at Fuller Heights Park on Friday.

Fort Hunt went 6-0 in the District 9 tournament, hitting 28 home runs and holding their opponents to just eight runs over the six games. This is the first time since 2006 a FHLL Majors team won the district and advanced to the state tournament.

The Majors team consists of 12 year olds and plays in the highly competitive Virginia District 9 Little League, which consists of 10 local little leagues.

“This team was successful due to their character, hard work and contributions from everyone. We are excited to represent our league and community at the state tournament,” said coach Tony Castrilli.

The success of the Majors squad was just part of a banner postseason for FHLL All-Star teams. For the first time ever, FHLL had four out of six All-Star teams — The 8/9/10, Majors, Intermediate and Seniors — win their District 9 tournament and advance to the state tournaments.

The FHLL Seniors (16U) won the Virginia State Tournament on July 11, beating Bristol Seniors All Stars twice on the final day to take home the title. Next they’re headed to the Senior League Baseball Southeast Regional Tournament near Tampa, Florida starting July 22.

The 8/9/10 team advanced to round of eight before losing in 10 innings to the eventual state champions.

“This is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of thousands of volunteers over many years who have made Fort Hunt Little League what it is today,” FHLL President Barry Muse said. “We’re very proud of all our coaches and salute our exceptional kids for their hard work, determination and for being great teammates everyday – the very essence of life and sport. Thanks to everyone in Fort Hunt for their generous and unwavering support for Fort Hunt Little League over the past 60 years – you made it possible.”