LYNN– Junior Legion Post 291 manager Tony Luciano still struggles to find the words to describe what his team accomplished last Wednesday in the state tournament.
The phrase “backs against the wall” portrays the situation Lynn found itself in when it trailed Sandwich 9-3 in the state final with two innings to go. But Lynn, as it has done all summer, rose to the occasion with seven runs over the last two innings for a memorable 10-9 walk-off victory.
“No matter what they do during the day, they come ready to play baseball when the game starts,” Luciano said of his players. “These guys never quit. They proved it the other night. They’re supporting each other, pumping each other up. They never have their heads down. These kids are always rooting for one another and we’re looking to keep it going.”
So now it’s on to the regional tournament for the Lynners, who were tested day in and day out through districts and states. Matching up against a high level of competition continues to pay dividends for Lynn.
“All the games were tough,” Luciano said. “Our first game against Wilbraham (6-4 win), we had to score late to win that one. We had to use up a lot of pitching against North Attleborough (5-4 win) because we knew it was a must-win. We were up 11-1 against Franklin (13-10 win) and we saw how other teams never give up. That became a closer game in the sixth inning.
“The better competition you play, the better you have to play,” Luciano said. “No matter where you go you have to play the full seven innings. You have to come ready to play, 100 percent.”
The regional tournament begins Friday in Concord, N.H. After a stretch of six state tournament tilts over five days, one might think Lynn’s looking forward to a few days of rest. But, said Luciano, the team can’t wait to get back on the field.
“They’re still texting each other every day,” Luciano said. “They want Friday to be here now. They’re really excited for it. It’s almost once in a lifetime to get to win a state championship and advance to a regional tournament. I’ve been one of the lucky ones. Both my sons (AJ in 2016 and 2018, Andrew in 2019) have won state championships.”
Luciano hopes the momentum his team built during the state tournament carries over into the regional.
“I try to keep the kids light,” Luciano said. “We joke around a lot. We try not to make it a big deal, even though we know it is. We’re pretty good. As long as we do what we’re supposed to do, we should be fine. They keep each other pumped up. They don’t even need me there. For a team playing together for the first time, they’ve grown together pretty quickly.”
He noted that none of the team’s success would be possible without his assistant coaches. Joining Luciano on the coaching staff are assistants Rick Anderson, Brendan McManus and Mike Nickolau.
“We’ve all been board members together at Wyoma Little League,” Luciano said. “It’s fun to coach with them because we’re always bouncing ideas off each other, even during the game. I’m the manager but there’s no decision I make without them.”
Lynn opens its regional quest Friday morning (10) against Maine.
The team has put together a GoFundMe page to help offset its travel and lodging expenses. Those interested in making a donation can do so by visiting www.gofundme.com/lynn-legion-baseball.
