27131247
The Philadelphia Senators 14-and-under baseball team is a little too young to be attending Penn State University. The squad spent last weekend, though, in Happy Valley, walking away with the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) state championship.
The South Philadelphia-based squad, who plays home games at Sunoco Field, 3501 Moore St., won the title by beating Central Pennsylvania, 8-3, June 11. In the five tournament games, the Senators outscored the opposition 53-11. Some teams would consider winning a state championship a big deal, but for these 11 boys, it’s just part of the plan.
"It’s actually just another step towards that ultimate goal of playing college baseball and some are good enough to play professionally," team Manager Steve Koplove said. "They don’t get excited when they win, they just expect to win."
A 46-4-1 record supports the case. The team is ranked fourth nationally in the latest USA Sports Ranking poll. So far this season, which began in February, the Senators have taken the Amateur Athletic Union Super Regional in Maryland, placed second in the USSSA national qualifier, which earned the team a spot in next month’s Elite 24, and won the Mid-Atlantic Tournament championship.
Playing time is far from finished with the Senators set to compete in two national tournaments. First up is the Perfect Game showcase July 9 to 16 in Juniper, Fla., with the team representing the Mid-Atlantic region. Koplove said the event is the largest of its kind in the country, as players are evaluated and rated and the information passed onto college and pro scouts. From July 29 to Aug. 6, the Senators will be in Walt Disney World for the USSSA Elite 24, which Koplove said "is the most prestigious 14-and-under tournament in the country."
No matter what state they’re in, the players never lose focus on the work at hand.
"Our kids are very business-like," Koplove said. "Before the last out of every tournament they holler to one another ‘briefcase’ because it’s just another day at the office. There are no celebrations, it’s just another game.
"If they’re on a team that wins the College World Series they’ll jump up and down. Until they get there, these are the small steps they’re taking."
One of the bigger goals was having each athlete get into a private high school, which has been accomplished. St. Joseph’s Prep, Bishop Eustace, Chestnut Hill Academy and Penn Charter are some of the schools they’ll be attending. The players come from all over the Delaware Valley, including South Philadelphia residents Anthony DiVincenzo, Mark Donato, Joey Gorman, Kenny Koplove, who is the Manager Steve’s son, and John McAllister.
The group will continue playing together for several years to come and Manager Koplove sees a promising future.
"All these kids can play Division I [baseball] and a few can play professionally, there is no doubt about it," he said.
