For the second year in a row, the St. James-Smithtown Little League (SJSLL), in partnership with the town of Smithtown, is hosting the Little League NYS Softball tournament, in the town of Smithtown.
The State Tournament’s opening ceremony took place on July 8 at Veterans Memorial Park (also known as Moriches Park). The opening ceremony swung into action with family entertainment, music, live streaming, bounce houses, refreshments, awards and more. Supervisor Ed Wehrheim welcomed the softball teams, coaches and families from across the state who will battle it out on the ball field for the title of 2024 Little League State Champions.
The tournament is held annually for youth playing in 10U, 11U, and 12U age group divisions and runs through July 19. The winner of the 12U division bracket will advance to the Mid-Atlantic regional tournament for a chance to compete in the 2024 Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, South Carolina in August. The 11U and 10U divisions of the NY State Softball Tournament begins July 15 and runs through July 19.
“This is a tremendous occasion for the Town of Smithtown at large, and of course all of our young & talented athletes who will play for the title of champions,” town supervisor Ed Wehrheim said. “In addition to welcoming families from across New York to Smithtown, this Tournament is a great benefit to our local shops, dining establishments and our community. Most importantly, playing a sport and competing with a team of one’s peers, provides our future leaders of the world with vital life skills, and healthy fun, away from computer and phone screens. This is a family-oriented town and we couldn’t be happier to welcome hundreds of families with open arms.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity for not only our organization, but the Town of Smithtown to showcase our incredible community to New Yorkers across the state,” Said SJSLL President Richard Tomitz. “We look forward to having the chance to show softball families from all over New York what a special place Smithtown is.”