Blackwood Little League Prepares for District Tourney

is hoping to make some noise this upcoming week as they begin play in the District 14 Little League Tournament on Monday.

Blackwood has long been a member of District 14. To date, it is the only town in the district's 54-year history to have won the state tournament in the 12-and-under division. Blackwood achieved this during the district's inaugural year in 1957.

Recent history hasn't been as kind to Blackwood Little League. The town's last district championship came in 1985. However, the Little League program has been much more successful in invitational tournaments. Blackwood's 9-and-under invitational team won three tournaments last season and its 7-and-under invitational team also won one.

These results demonstrate reason for hope, as they seemingly point to the increasing talent and prominence of the program.

For this year's team, Blackwood showed promise with its 11-year-old squad last year. That team reached the semifinals of the district tournament, making this year's 12-year-old Blackwood team a sleeper that could go deep in 2011.

“We've had our rough spots the last few years,” said head coach Anthony Polidoro, “but we acquired some new players, so my expectations are pretty high this season.”

The roster for Blackwood's 12-and-under district team includes Jason Catrambone, Tyler Catrambone, Michael Gladis, Corey Hale, Joe Kirk, Nick Nagle, Brian Periera, Joey Polidoro, Brian Rea, Alex Rebstock and Joe Sannino.

“Our offense is very, very strong,” said Polidoro. “Our defense has been susceptible at times, but with our offense and our pitching staff, we definitely could go far this year.”

Blackwood will face a tough test off the bat in their opening game in the tournament, as they will take on Mount Ephraim. The game will take place at Mount Ephraim Little League complex starting at 7 p.m. Monday.

The winner of Monday's game will continue on to play on Wednesday against Haddon Heights. The loser of Monday's game will go down to the loser's bracket. They will play on Thursday against the loser of Monday's Glendora-Erial matchup.

Blackwood's baseball season won't end with the district tournament. The Blackwood Little League is hosting a tournament for 9-and-under teams as well as for 8-and-under and 7-and-under teams. The 9U tournament will begin on Wednesday, July 6, with the 8U and 7U tournaments beginning the following week. For more information, check out the Blackwood Little League website.

Check back at Gloucester Township Patch later this weekend for previews of Erial and Glendora Little Leagues' 12-year-old teams.