Local News

In Arlington, they’re World Series-bound for a second year in a row

The Arlington 8U baseball team ends every practice with high fives and a cheer. Barry Chin/Globe Staff

By Bailey Reynolds, The Boston Globe

August 15, 2025

2 minutes to read

For the second straight year, the Arlington 8U baseball team is headed to the Cal Ripken 8U Player Pitch World Series.

With four of 14 players returning from last year’s squad, Arlington won the District 7 title, outscoring its opponents 49-4, then went 5-0 in the Massachusetts state tournament, twice winning by a single run, before capturing the New England Regional in New Milford, Conn.

“When the games start, these kids seem to focus like I’ve never seen for a bunch of 8-year-olds,” head coach Angelo Amico III said. “They absorb everything so quickly.”

Kodey McPherson makes a catch during a recent practice for the Arlington 8U team. *– Barry Chin/Globe Staff*

An Arlington native, Amico also coached last year’s team, which featured pitcher and first baseman Rowan Sullivan.

“We went last year and now that I know what it’s like, I think we can do a little better than last year,” Sullivan said.

The unsung heroes have been the parents, who plan their summer around traveling to tournaments, games, and practices. Families spent eight days in a hotel during the regional tournament and may stay nine days through the national tournament.

“The parents have been with us every step of the way,” assistant coach Mike Kalivas said, “Without them shuttling the kids around, we wouldn’t have a team.”

Coaches Mike Kalivas (from left), Pete Arcoma, and Angelo Amico helped Arlington go 16-1 in the regular season, then win the district, state, and regional championships. – Barry Chin/Globe Staff

The town of Arlington has shown tremendous support on and off the field.

A GoFundMe set up by the AYBSA raised $11,000 in two weeks to fund travel expenses. The 9U, 11U, and 12U teams have helped with practice, scrimmages, and batting practice.

“These kids have had a lot of support with the other groups,” assistant coach Pete Arcoma said, “It’s been really fun for the little guys to look up to the bigger kids today.”

Mark Lubinga warms up during a recent practice. – Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Playing in the national tournament gives players a unique experience. Similar to the Little League World Series, teams from around the world compete.

Cal Ripken baseball is a division of the larger Babe Ruth Baseball League. Bases are set 70 feet apart and the mound is 50 feet away as opposed to 60 and 46 feet in Little League.

Arlington begins World Series play Saturday.

“We want to get there and see if we can win, make the town proud,” Kalivas said, “I think we have a good shot.”