Youth being served on unstoppable Shore Little League baseball team
MANCHESTER - At 10 years old, Tyler Ballard gives a new meaning to “playing up” for the Holbrook Little League 12-year-old baseball All-Star team. But age is nothing but a number and his gametime play screams veteran player.
Most of the players on the Jackson Township team including his brother, JJ, and the kids on other teams are 12. Younger players are permitted - but not younger than 10.
Tyler had two hits and JJ as the starting pitcher got relief help from Ryan Yurgel in a combined shutout as Holbrook won the District 18 Tournament championship by beating Toms River 7-0 Thursday night.
Tyler is the third baseman for Holbrook, which will meet other district champs in a sectional tournament beginning next week. Holbrook won the state championship in 2017 and made it to the Final Four of the Little League World Series.
The Ballard Brothers and their teammates were unstoppable in the District 18 Tournament. They won all eight of their games and shut out their opponents six times.
More: Little League 2023: District 18 All-Star Tournament schedule, scores, news
Family matters
How did Tyler get so good at such a young age? He credits JJ - “he pushes me everytime.”
The two spend hours in their backyard batting cages, motivating each other.
“It makes me get stronger and better, and I am glad he’s my brother,” Tyler said.
After the final out, the players gathered in celebration and head coach Erik Johnson's emotions choked him up a bit in the huddle.
“It’s been a long ride for us, things weren’t always easy and it took a lot of hard work from everyone to get to where they're at,” Johnson said. “I never in my wildest dreams thought we would come out undefeated.”
On the mound JJ Ballard overcame a few first inning bumps and then found his stride.
“I just play it how I want it,” the pitcher said. “And I felt good pitching tonight. I was still warming up pitching in the first inning.
“I just kept on pitching and kept going. I need to throw strikes and make them work…and I think it clearly worked for me in the end.”
More: Little League Softball 2023 section tournament: Toms River, Freehold, North Wall, Millstone
Big hitters
Holbrook’s bats were lively with 10 hits. Brendan Varricchio led the way with a 3-for-3 game and three RBI. A four-run inning in the third provided a safe 5-0 lead.
The Holbrook kids thoroughly enjoyed the postgame celebration. The coaches said they make it a point for the team to be a family. And not just “act like family” but create a supportive environment for the players to grow on.
“We did a lot of team bonding exercises, a lot of barbecues at everyone’s houses…And the more that they are around each other, the better they play. Because you’re now playing for your brothers and not just your teammates,” said third base coach Jason Ballard, Tyler and JJ’s father. “That bond is special. It’s fun, for us to be in this position right now and win districts for the first time in…a while.”
“Even from tee-ball you could tell they had talent, they just had to put in the work, and they did,” Johnson said. “We just need to stay in the moment. And I know that sounds cliche, but that is really what we’re trying to do.”
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Holbrook beats Toms River for NJ Little League District 18 crown
