When James Labartino‘s 12U team took the field in the Perfect Game qualifier in Staten Island this summer during the month of June, he already knew he had a good team. That day, however, further solidified that claim.
“We were facing a couple of ranked team,” said the 28-year old St. John the Baptist grad. “One of the games was about to start and everyone was saying ‘oh they have their two best guys throwing, this is going to be a tough game,’ well we went out and scored 12 runs in the first inning,” he laughed while he reminisced on that game. “I think we hit three or four home runs in the first inning including a grand slam and they just didn’t know what hit them,” he added.
The 12U Beast United, a team based primarily out of Manhasset, was recently named the No. 11 ranked 12U team in the nation, and the No. 1 ranked team in New York.
When you look at their accomplishments from 2017, it is no wonder they received such praise.
They played 91 games this season with a record of 82-8-1, including 11 tournament victories and a second place finish at Cooperstown All-Star Village.
One of the highlights to the season was their incredible comeback in the semifinals of the Cooperstown tournament. Steven Mazza, Forest Hills native, smacked a game-tying AND walk-off HR in the same game to send the Beast United to the finals. You can watch the walk-off shot here.
Labartino noted that the team “really meshed well together,” and they are like a “band of brothers the way they deal with adversity and pick each other up.”
For any young group of players, there needs to be that bonding moment when they become comfortable with each other and become true teammates and Labartino stated that their week in Cooperstown really helped the players to get to know each other. It helped that they all “shared similar goals and it was good for their game.”
The team is composed of a group of high-end players that all have a chance to continue playing long after they make the switch to the 90-foot fields.
Mazza, according to Labartino, is “one of the cornerstones of the team.” He already possesses a fastball that touches 75 MPH and has garnered the attention of all his opponents.
Jake Griffin, a resident of Pennsylvania, is another eye-opening player. Labartino lauded his ability, stating he “is one of the best natural outfielders I’ve ever seen at that age. He can really move. He reads the ball well. His first few steps are super quick. At the plate, he ripped one off the wall on the big field at Ripken,” he said laughing at the absurdity of the strength that requires at 12-years old.
James Asmus, a first-year player with the organization, is physically imposing. I watched him in person while covering the NYBA camp. Only 11-years-old at the time, he literally struck fear in the coaches throwing batting practice without a net because of the velocity the ball comes off his bat.
“He’s a real powerhouse as a left-handed hitter and he moves well for a big kid, getting him healthy was important,” he said.
Another impact player was Joe Paulino, who was the first non-Manhasset player to join the team. He is described as a “well-known player in the community at this age and attracted other players,” by one of the parents on the team. “Can play every position and steals bases at will. Also, has probably the best curve in the grade,” he added.
Labartino spoke glowingly of two other players on the team–their starting catcher and shortstop.
Mikey Brunetti, a catcher in the truest sense,caught 90 percent of the team’s games, according to Labartino.
“He’s a brick-wall defensively,” he said. “His pop time and release time are very quick. Anytime he has a shot to nail a runner, he seizes the opportunity. He hit close to .600 during the Perfect Game tournament. He’s a real clutch hitter too,” he added.
Not to be overlooked is shortstop Jack Petersen.
“He has unbelievable hands,” said Labartino. “We were at a field and I think a Concordia coach was there and he looked at me and said, ‘wow that kid has quick hands.’ He’s our leadoff guy and he’s really fast and really smart,” he added.
With their rigorous schedule, it’s hard to fathom how a young team can maintain a .911 winning percentage, but Labartino stated that it was due to the depth of their pitching.
“Everyone on our team can eat up innings,” he said. “Our bats gave us the opportunity to rest some of our big arms in pool play.
Other key contributors include Christian Antonopoulos, Jasper Abrahams and Michael Waltos. All were instrumental in getting the original team together and have excelled since.
With the addition of Xavier Massey and Shaun McMillan the team looks to get even better at 13U.
At the forefront of Labartino’s priorities is the health of his players. A physical therapist by trade, he is concerned with the safety of his players first-and-foremost.
“I want to take care of the kids. Nobody goes more than 75 or 80 pitches–I don’t care if we’re in Perfect Game or where we are. They need to know they have limits and they need to get their rest.”
Following their incredible season, the boys and their coach are excited for the 2018 season.
“They’re looking forward to it as much as I am.”
Check out the team’s website by clicking here.
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