Dorchester Baseball’s 12-and-under All-Star boys’ team is used to competing in and around the neighborhood, but with the help of neighbors and friends, they hope to be playing in Cooperstown, New York, later this summer.
The team has been invited to participate in a week-long tournament from Aug. 17 to Aug. 23 that includes a visit to the nearby National Baseball Hall of Fame and a stay at a family resort. Teams from across the nation have been offered spots in the seven-game tourney, according to Brianne Gore, whose son plays on the team.
“Every other suburb around us goes, so Dorchester also deserves the opportunity to go,” Gore said. “These boys have been in Dorchester Baseball since most of them were four years old, and it’s something they’ve worked so hard to be able to do. If you are a die-hard baseball player like our boys, it is a dream come true to be able to play in Cooperstown.”
The team is looking to raise $26,000 to send 16 players and 3 coaches on the trip, said Gore. “Any sort of support, donation, that the community is willing to donate would be incredibly appreciated.”
So far, through football squares, community donations, and canning around local establishments, the team has raised $12,000. “We want to make this an annual tradition,” said Gore. “Now that we’re doing it once, we want to make sure that we are able to do this for all kids so that anyone who tries out for that summer ball team has that opportunity to go to Cooperstown.”
Anyone interested in helping the team get to play baseball near the Hall of Fame can reach Gore at Brianne.gore@gmail.com.
