[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 122 (Wednesday, September 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE PETALUMA NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE ALL STARS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 12, 2012

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt 
congratulations to the Petaluma National Little League All Stars for 
their amazing run in the 2012 Little League World Series. I couldn't be 
prouder of the way they represented our community and themselves.
  Even though they fell short of the national championship, they 
distinguished themselves as one of the nation's and the world's best 
youth baseball teams. More than 6,500 teams from around the globe 
entered the tournament, and the boys from Petaluma finished second in 
the United States and third in the world. They played more games than 
any other team in the tournament, winning five and losing two. Even in 
their final loss to Tennessee, they showed fierce determination and a 
refusal to give up, rallying for a 10-run comeback to force the game 
into extra innings.
  Bradley Smith led the way with an astounding .636 batting average, a 
tournament-leading 14 hits, a record-breaking 6 doubles and 11 RBI, as 
well as great fielding and pitching.
  Hance Smith hit .429, leading the team with 4 home runs and knocking 
home more runs (12) than any other player in the Little League World 
Series.
  Daniel Marzo hit .348 with a walk-off game-winning home run in extra 
innings against New Jersey, on top of his outstanding pitching.
  Cole Tomei batted .333 with clutch hitting and dazzling third base 
defense that reminded many of Brooks Robinson.
  Logan Douglas, who provided great all-around leadership and top-notch 
relief pitching, also had a .318 batting average, and his 11 runs 
scored were the second-highest in the tournament
  Catchers Austin Paretti and James O'Hanlon provided perfect handling 
of the pitching staff throughout the tournament, with James 
contributing timely hits and Austin adding 8 runs scored in only 8 at-
bats.
  Dylan Moore, Blake Buhrer and Kempton Brandis all contributed clutch 
performances, including Kempton's two home runs against Tennessee; 
Blake's big hit to spark a rally against New Jersey; and Dylan's 
overall solid work in the field, on the mound and at bat.
  Porter Slate scored 8 runs out of the leadoff slot while playing 
stellar defense at second base.
  Quinton Gago's home run against the Southwest would still be going if 
it hadn't hit the side of a hill. And his dominant pitching performance 
against Texas gave the team a huge lift.
  Andrew White provided outstanding relief pitching, not just in the 
Little League World Series (where he earned the team's only save), but 
throughout District 35 and regional play.
  Not enough can be said about the coaching staff, led by manager Eric 
Smith. He, pitching coach Trevor Tomei and assistant coach Mike Slate 
built a cohesive group that gasped and applied the fundamentals of the 
game. Their commitment to the team and the families was nothing short 
of remarkable. They didn't just teach the boys on-the-field skills; 
they instilled in them poise, determination and drive.
  The Petaluma National Little League All Stars are talented 
ballplayers, but they also succeeded because of grit, hustle and 
desire. Most importantly, at every step along the way, they revealed 
themselves to be poised young men of strong character. They 
demonstrated sportsmanship in victory and in defeat. They were models 
of teamwork and discipline, qualities that will serve them well 
throughout their lives.
  And they were backed up by a tight-knit community that couldn't have 
been more enthusiastic and supportive. There were generous fundraising 
efforts to allow family members to travel to Williamsport to see the 
games in person. There was hardly a movie theater, restaurant or bar in 
town that wasn't showing the games. Their effort was inspiring. It 
filled us with pride. What fun it was to see them have so much fun.
  The Petaluma National Little League All-Stars exemplify what is best 
about youth sports. They have been true to the mission and values of 
Little League Baseball. Their performance on and off the field is a 
testament to their coaches, their parents and their teachers. These 
boys are unquestionably champions. They are America's future, giving us 
great confidence for our country. Today we honor and salute the 
Petaluma National Little League All-Stars.

                          ____________________