Welcome to Middletown Little League’s 2025 season!!!
Welcome to the 2025 season of Middletown Little League! Whether you're a parent, guardian, coach, volunteer, or friend of the league, we’re excited to have you as part of our community.
My name is Rohan Manning, and I’m honored to serve as the President of Middletown Little League for the upcoming season. Our league’s mission has remained steadfast for 77 years: to uphold the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, courage, and respect, while fostering a love of baseball and softball in our young athletes. This year, we aim to strengthen communication and encourage greater volunteer involvement to better serve our players.
This newsletter marks the first of more to come, and in the coming months, we’ll share updates on our season. Here’s what you’ll find in this issue:
- Meet the Board
- 2024 District Champions!
- Divisions of Middletown Little League
- New: Multi-Town Player Opportunity
- Timeline of the 2025 Season
- Volunteer Opportunities
The success of our season depends entirely on the support of our volunteers. If you're interested in helping as a coach, concession stand worker, board member, or in any other capacity, we’d love for you to get involved. Details can be found in the Volunteer Opportunities section below.
If you have any questions or would like to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me or the Board of Directors at [email protected]. You can also visit our website for more resources and updates: www.middletownctlittleleague.com.
Thank you for your support. Let’s have an amazing season, and PLAY BALL!
MEET THE BOARD
Rohan Manning, President and Treasurer
I’m the proud dad of two boys (ages 12 and 10), who started playing in Middletown Little League as Tee-ballers. I've coached baseball for nine years and served on the Board as Treasurer and VP of Baseball. I’ve also been the league’s liaison with District 9 and have coached All-Star baseball for the last four years. Originally from Jamaica, I grew up playing baseball in the Bronx and am a passionate NY Mets fan! If you see me at any events, please come introduce yourself — I’d love to meet all of our Little League families!
Sarah H. Shapiro, Director of Sponsorships, Acting Director of Communications
I’m Rohan’s wife and the mom of our two boys. A proud Middletown native, I played Tee-ball through Majors Softball here and am a lifelong NY Yankees fan. I’ve been the Director of Sponsorship for five years and have now added the Communications role to my duties — my first project was this newsletter! Our league thrives thanks to our generous sponsors, and if you’re interested in becoming one or have fundraising ideas, please reach out at [email protected].
Tony Cekovsky: VP of Softball, Director of Scheduling, Director of Umpires
I’m the parent of 10-year-old twins who’ve been in Middletown Little League since 2020. I coach both baseball and softball and have served on the Board since 2021. Originally from Southington, I played for the 1999 State Champion Blue Knights baseball team and have coached at various levels. I look forward to seeing everyone at the ballpark!
Rob Steinhilber, VP of Baseball and Webmaster
Father of two Middletown Little Leaguers with seven years of experience coaching Middletown Little League, Monarchs Travel Baseball, youth football, and basketball. Proud coach of the 2024 10U All-Stars, who reached the State Final Four, fostering teamwork, confidence, and a love for the game.
We are huge Mets fans and have been a board member for six years.
Liza Lagueux, Director of Registration
I am a proud mom of two wonderful children. My 10-year-old son began his journey with Middletown Little League in Tee-Ball when he was just five, and now, my 4-year-old daughter is excited to start her own Middletown ball career this spring! Originally from New Jersey, I’m a Middletown transplant, but I've truly enjoyed being part of the Middletown sports community and the warm, family-friendly atmosphere it offers. I’m looking forward to a fantastic 2025 season!
Ryan Tuttle, Concessions Coordinator
I’m the parent of three kids (ages 10, 8, and 6) who all play in the league. Originally from Middletown, I grew up playing Little League myself. I’ve been coaching since my kids started playing and am excited to help run our concession stand, which raises funds and provides great snacks to our families! If you’d like to volunteer, contact me at [email protected].
Kristen Garrity, Spring Coordinator
I’m the mom of a 10-year-old boy and 8-year-old girl who’ve been playing Little League since Tee-ball. I’ve coached softball for three years and am entering my third year on the Board as the Spring Coordinator. I am originally from NY and have played softball from 8 years old all the way through college. I’m here to assist during the spring season — feel free to reach out anytime!
Seeley Farrell, Director of Administration
Hello, my name is Seeley Farrell and I am a California native. I am the parent of three Middletown Little League players—2 softball and 1 baseball. I grew up playing softball and have had the privilege of coaching my girls for 7 years now. I hold the position of Director of Administration on the board and am an Oakland A’s fan—I love to cheer for an underdog!
Michael Farrell, Equipment Manager, Baseball Player Agent
My name is Michael Farrell and I am the parent of two daughters, age 12 and 10, and one 6 year old boy who all play for Middletown Little League. This is my third year as Equipment Manager and my fourth year coaching. I grew up in Bristol, CT and played Little League there for many years. I am an Oakland A’s fan after having lived there for many years! Looking forward to a great season for Middletown Little League!
Todd Youngberg, VP of Operations
I’m the parent of two boys, ages 11 and 7, and have been a coach for two years. I’m originally from Cleveland and a huge Cleveland Guardians fan. As the new VP of Operations, I’m looking forward to helping make the 2025 season run smoothly!
Rob Booth, Director of Volunteers
I’m the dad of two boys, ages 7 and 8. We’re always doing something “baseball-y,” as my son Oliver puts it. I’ve been coaching for three years and am excited to continue this season. If you’re interested in volunteering, I’d love to help you find the perfect role. Contact me at [email protected].
Jen Lane - Softball Player Agent
I’m the mom of two girls and two boys who’ve been involved in Middletown Little League since
they were four or five. I’ve coached for several years and have managed 10U and 12U Softball
All-Stars to District and State titles. As the Head Softball Coach at Wesleyan University, I’m
deeply passionate about the game and am excited to teach softball to players of all ages.
Jack Jones Challenger Division Director
I am beginning my eighth year as the Director of Challenger Baseball. This has been a total family experience for us with my wife helping as a coach along with one son playing and the other helping as a buddy. I’ve worked in college athletics for nearly 40 years so I spend a lot of time with coaches and student-athletes. Our goal is the same every year – to provide an inclusive baseball experience that not only teaches the game but also provides an opportunity for our players to make friends and be part of a team. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to volunteer as a buddy or know someone who would like to join us for the upcoming season. Contact me at [email protected]
2024 DISTRICT SEASON CHAMPS!!!
They are All-Stars!!! Over the 2024 Summer, both the Middletown Little League Minors 10u All-Star Baseball and Softball Teams became champions!
The Softball Team won the District 9 Championship Banner, and made it to the final game of the State Sectional round.
The players pictured here are Charli Howe, Faith Aiken, Ivy McNally, Myla Cekovsky, Maddie Lechtenberg, Nyla Nardi, Maggie Aceto, Emma Martin, Khloe Nosal, Zoe Wisneski, Pheobe Farrell, Lucca Pickman, and Kallie Zuba. Coaches were Seeley Farrell, Dana Aiken, and Tony Cekovsky.
The Baseball team won the District 9 Championship Banner, also won the State Section 3 Banner, and made it all the way to the final four teams in the State of CT!
The players pictured are AJ Lagueux, Luka Durbak, Andrew Cekovsky, Max Steinhilber, Braden D’Aquila, Robby Manning, Jason Garrity, Mason Ryff, Carter Margison, Elijah Speller, Logan Boudreau, and Jordan Green. Coaches were Rob Steinhilber, Tim D’Aquila, and Bob Ryff.
DIVISIONS OF MIDDLETOWN LITTLE LEAGUE
Middletown Little League offers a variety of divisions, with player placement based partially on age, but also on ability - which is assessed after registration closes in the winter, prior to the start of the spring season.
League Age is the child's chronological age on:
Baseball - August 31st of the current year in which their season takes place.
Softball - January 1st of the current year in which their season takes place.
The League Age Calculator and League Age Charts can be found at Little League Age Calculator
Baseball and Softball levels are as follows:
- TeeBall- for our beginners, generally starting at age 4 and 5 with co-ed teams. Players hit off a tee, and learn the fundamentals of the game with a focus on team building and fun.Practices are typically once a week, with 1 game per week on the weekend.
- Single A Baseball/Softball – generally ages 5 and 6, usually coach-pitch. Practices are typically twice a week, with 1 game per week on the weekend.
- Double AA Baseball/Softball – generally ages 7 and 8, transitioning to player pitch. Practices are twice a week, with 1 game per week on the weekend.
- Triple AAA Baseball/Softball – generally ages 9 and 10. Practices are twice a week, with one to two games during the week, and some out of town.
- Majors Baseball/Softball – generally ages 11 and 12. Practices are twice a week, with one to two games during the week, and some out of town.
- All-Stars- After the regular season, Majors and Minors (AAA) players are chosen based on performance and ability to compete at the All-Star level during the months of June and possibly July in Districts, Sectionals, States, and then Little League World Series.
Challenger League – founded by our League in 1989 for players of all abilities, specifically for those players with intellectual or physical challenges. For more information, email Director Jack Jones at [email protected].
Intermediate 50-70 Baseball and Junior Softball – For those players who have aged out of Majors, with the opportunity to compete at a higher level against other towns and in All-Stars. Middletown Little League may assess interest for the 2025 season to compete at these levels.
Ahern Whalen Baseball – Spring Season for players ages 13 to 16 who are not competing with a high school team. For more information, go to https://www.middletownctlittleleague.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1178024 or email [email protected]
Travel Baseball and Softball – For players who want to increase their ability and playing time beyond the recreation of Little League, they may choose to participate in travel baseball or softball, whereby teams travel throughout the region to play other teams in a league or in tournaments. There are many various travel programs that players can choose from throughout the state to gain this opportunity. The independent travel program based in Middletown is the Monarchs, which was formed with a goal of increasing player skill for LL All-Star competition. For more information on the Monarchs, go to middletownmonarchs.com
Summer Clinic & Fall Clinic- after the regular spring season, for players who want to continue to work on their skills. Availability is based on interest.
Winter Clinics- We strongly suggest that players and volunteer coaches start their season with our indoor Winter Clinics held at ATI in Cromwell this upcoming January and February. Players can warm up, increase their skills, and get ready for evaluations; and new coaches can learn drills and techniques from our veteran coaches. To learn more and register for Winter Clinics, go HERE.
Scholarships Available - As part of our mission to be inclusive of every child who wants to play baseball or softball, if you are in need financial assistance, please email Director of Registration Liza Lagueux at [email protected] or Director of Sponsorship Sarah Shapiro at [email protected].
NEW: MULTI-TOWN PLAYER OPPORTUNITY
Starting in 2025, Little League International is allowing players ages 7 and under to register to play for any town they choose, and then continue their Little League career in that town through the Majors level. This creates the opportunity for players from surrounding towns to join Middletown Little League.
For more information or questions, email Director of Registration Liza Lagueux at [email protected].
A TIMELINE OF THE 2025 SEASON
Here’s a look at our 2025 season, with dates subject to change:
- November/December*Registration Is Now Open!*
- Spring Registration and Winter Clinic Registration is now Open!You must also register for the spring season to participate in the winter clinics.
- January
- Winter Clinics – held Sundays indoors at ATI in Cromwell, CT .Start Date of Sunday, January 12th, 2025, concluding February 2, 2024.Times TBD
- February
- Registration for the Spring Season closes Friday, February 7th, 2025.
- Winter Clinics continue through February 2, 2025.
- Mandatory Evaluations for team placement for the Spring Season – Sunday, February 9th, 2025 at ATI.
- March
- Majors/AAA Teams formed. Practices start, weather permitting.
- Coaches Clinic – date and location TBD.
- April
- Teams begin practices for all levels (This is entirely contingent on identifying Volunteer Coaches for each team in every level!)
- May/June
- New!! Opening Day Jamboree – Save the Date, Saturday, May 3rd, with rain date of Sunday, May 4th. More information to follow!
- Continue practices and games throughout the month.
- Middletown Little League @ Yard Goats – Save the Date, Thursday, May 15th
- Middletown Little League marches in Memorial Day Parade
- Last games correspond with the end of the school year in June
- All Star Selections made for both Baseball and Softball Majors and Minors Division in mid-June; All Star practices and games begin
- July
- All Star play continues until eliminated
- Summer Clinic Registration - Volunteers are needed to help run clinics!
- August
- Fall Ball Clinic Registration – Volunteers are needed to help run clinics!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are the heart of our league! For more information, contact Director of Volunteers Rob Booth at [email protected].
COACHES
Coaches are needed from Tee-ball to Majors levels. No advanced experience required…what’s most important is that you love our kids and the game! Coaches grow with experience just like our players! If you are interested in coaching, we strongly recommend that you come to our Winter Clinics, where veteran coaches will help teach new coaches techniques and skills. Support is available throughout the season. If you are interested in coaching, find more information on our website at https://www.middletownctlittleleague.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1195458, and sign up online at https://www.middletownctlittleleague.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1080822.
CONCESSION STAND
Last year, we revived our Concession Stand located at Hubbard Park (Baroni and Romegialli Fields on East Main Street), serving hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, snacks, candy, and drinks. Not only does it raise money for the league, but it is also great for feeding families on the go. The stand is open when games are being played on the fields, which typically is in the evenings during the week, and on weekends. The concession stand is operated entirely by volunteers, and it’s fun! All you need to do is to use a hot dog roller machine and popcorn machine, and take payments in cash or via credit card on Square….and we will teach you! Before the season starts we are looking for a few dedicated volunteers who would enjoy working the concession stand on a regular or quasi-regular basis. If you have any seniors in your life looking for something fun to do, or any groups (teens or older) looking for volunteer hours, please reach out!!! The concession stand coordinator is Ryan Tuttle, who can be reached at [email protected].
BOARD MEMBERS
The Board ensures that the league runs smoothly by overseeing operations and volunteers. No matter what your skill set or interest, we have a job for you! The Board meets once a month via Zoom, and we would love for you to join us at our next meeting in January to see what we’re about. For more information or to be added to our Zoom link, email President Rohan Manning at [email protected]. See you soon!
We look forward to a fun, successful season, and we can’t do it without your help. Thank you for being part of our Little League family!