Special to the Transcript
The Winthrop Little League B-Division Mets, under the guidance of head coach Sean Dykens and his assistant coaches, Vinny Wisniewski and Marc Chapdelaine, have emerged as B-Division Champions following a riveting season and a dramatic championship game against the Phillies before a capacity crowd at the B-Field.
Held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, the final showdown was prefaced by a stirring pre-game speech from Coach Dykens, which bore striking similarities to Gene Hackman’s iconic address in the classic sports film, Hoosiers. Emphasizing the fundamentals that brought them success throughout the season, Dykens reminded his team of the hard work and dedication that led them to this pivotal moment.
The Mets took to the field with Vincent Wisniewski as the starting pitcher, who delivered a commanding performance. His precise pitching kept the Phillies at bay, and he showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial play in the third inning, preventing a potential rally. Luka Heinonen then took the mound to close out the final inning. Heinonen’s electric pitching sealed the victory, striking out the last batter and igniting celebrations among the Mets’ players and fans.
The Mets’ championship journey was marked by team, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their season was not only a testament to their skill and determination but also to the exceptional leadership of Coach Dykens and his assistants. The coaching staff’s commitment to positive messaging, created an environment that translated to a league championship.
The season began with a bang, as 8-year-old Marc Chapdelaine, Jr. kicked off the season with a thrilling triple. This set the tone for a remarkable season, during which the Mets achieved an impressive 13-1 record. “Up and down the lineup, this team hit the ball and got on base,” said Coach Dykens, beaming with pride. The Mets’ offense was indeed a force to be reckoned with throughout the season. Highlights included homeruns by Cam Dykens, Renzo Caraglia, Vincent Wisniewski, and Denis Vivolo. The team’s offense was spearheaded by Jack Dykens, who led the team with 9 hits.
The season was also marked by outstanding defensive plays and pitching performances, notably by Gavin Gorman, who consistently kept opponents in check. Lucy Mael led the league in on-base percentage (.815 OBP), showcasing her exceptional ability to get on base and set up scoring opportunities. Gavin Guthro’s athleticism both at the plate and on the mound further bolstered the team’s performance, making him a key player in their successful campaign.
The Mets’ offense carried over from the regular season when Dennis Vivolo hit a pivotal home run in Game 1. Lukla Heinonen blasted a monstrous home run in the semi-final game. Not to be outdone in the Championship Game, Finn Newman’s bat came alive yielding 2 hits, 4 RBIs, reaching base all three times at the plate.
Leading the championship team was its de facto Captain and MVP Luka Heinonen, whose positive attitude and team leadership went beyond his individual skills. By fostering a supportive and motivated environment, he not only demonstrated his greatness as a player but also significantly elevated the performance of his teammates, making everyone around him better and contributing to the team’s overall success.
As the Winthrop Little League season draws to a close, the Mets’ victory will be remembered as a highlight, celebrating the spirit of youth sports and the community’s support. The future looks bright for these young champions, who have demonstrated that with the right attitude, fundamentals, and teamwork, anything is possible.