Agawam Gators inspire community camaraderie

Date: 8/8/2012

By Carley Dangona

carley@thereminder.com

AGAWAM — While the baseball seasons comes to an end as the Agawam Gators head to their last tournament Labor Day weekend, the players, parents and coaching staff have forged lasting friendships that will extend well beyond the mere span of the season.

The Gators are an Agawam-based, traveling baseball team of the John L. Sullivan (JSL) League, in the Willie Mays A Division.

"They're [the children] are an extremely tight-knit group," Steven Moccio, head coach and parent, said. "They've taken to each other very well."

Jennifer, wife of Moccio and office assistant for the team, said, "It's just fun. They're [the children] having a blast. All the families are close."

Lucas Rosati, player, said, "Because we're playing with our friends, we have fun."

In addition to playing a successful season and building friendships, the Gators are learning life skills from the experience of working together.

"From a parental standpoint," Moccio said, "Here's something that teaches my son teamwork and cooperation. What he's getting out of it is worth what he's putting into it."

Rosati's mom Kristi, whose husband's family business, John's Trucking, sponsors the team, said, "All of the kids have learned that no matter what you contribute, it's a team effort."

When asked what he's learned from the season, Moccio's son Zach Moccio said, "Don't stop playing — keep playing hard."

Despite being a newer team, the Gators have done well technically.

"We never expected the outcome — where they're at or how well they've done," said Kristi. "Steve is an integral part of their success — his knowledge of the game and how to coach."

"In the JLS Baseball League, they finished with 13 wins, seven loses and one tie," Jennifer said. "They were the undefeated 10U Champions of both the Jimmy Fund Tournament and the Plymouth Rock Baseball Club Tournament."

"They're doing very well," Moccio said. "We went into the season not really knowing what to expect [since this is the first year playing major league rules]. Every single one has grown baseball-wise."

Kristi said, "Those kids have fought their way through this and learned game by game. They played phenomenal ball the last two tournaments they were in."

She continued, "It has been a phenomenal year. I cannot tell you how proud I am of all the kids. They are amazing."

Moccio credited the success of the team to the families, "I just think that the success of the team is due to the dedication of the players and parents," he said. "We have a great group of parents that support us. It's the parents that make this thing happen."

The Easthampton Little League Labor Day Friendship Tournament will culminate the Gators' season. The goal for next season is to attend the Cooperstown Dreams Park.

"Our goal for next year is to play in Cooperstown," said Jennifer. "The experience itself is worthwhile we're trying to create memories."

Moccio agreed, "Cooperstown is such a different entity it's a baseball mecca. We want the kids to have fun and experience everything. They will absolutely remember it all their lives."

Visit the team's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/groups/142362859235023.