Bayonne, N.J. – The Bayonne Little League squad is set to make its debut on the national stage this Wednesday night as it takes the field in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The team will face a representative from Bridgewater, Massachusetts in the opening game, scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.
Local enthusiasm is palpable. Fans have been buying T‑shirts emblazoned with the rallying slogan “Bayonne vs Everybody,” and many have boarded buses bound for central Pennsylvania. “I’ve got eight shirts and they are all going out of town. My brother lives in Lakewood and he’s got a gang of seven,” said Bayonne resident Carmela Karnoutsos, who plans to travel with a group of supporters.
Family pride is on full display. Layla Garcia Rose, whose brother is on the roster, cheered, “That’s my brother! He’s really good at baseball, he got three RBIs! His whole team is great, I like all of them.” The community’s backing extends beyond the stands; Matthew Gill, Vice President of Bayonne Little League, praised the players, saying, “They’re tough and they never give up. They want this for themselves and for each other. They are playing for each other and their town and it’s awesome to watch.”
Community rallying behind the kids
Supporters have organized trips, packed with Bayonne pride, to travel to Williamsport. Buses carrying fans departed early Wednesday, creating a moving sea of blue and white as they headed toward the tournament venue. The trip marks a milestone for the Bayonne program, which has never before competed at the World Series level.
Local businesses have also joined the celebration, offering discounts and special promotions for families heading to the games. While the focus remains on the kids’ performance, the broader community sees the event as a chance to showcase Bayonne’s spirit and unity.
How to watch
The opening game will be televised live on ESPN and streamed via the ESPN app, allowing residents who cannot travel to follow the action from home. The Walt Disney Company, ESPN’s parent, is providing the broadcast.
Bayonne’s appearance at the Little League World Series underscores the town’s dedication to youth sports and community involvement, offering a source of pride for families and neighbors alike.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
