More specifically, Tantillo had the boys work on taking a lead, getting a secondary lead and then running imaginary bases as if the ball had been put in play.

Three weeks ago, such attention to detail didn’t figure to be on the radar of the young men who comprise Tantillo’s squad, because playing into late July couldn’t have been anticipated.

But after a tough start to their postseason — they were 0-2 in the district tournament — the all-stars rallied to win the Western New York state title to earn a berth in the Mid-Atlantic Regional in Somers Point, New Jersey. Jamestown’s first game in pool play is today against a team from Pennsylvania.

“There’s definitely been adversity in our face in more ways than one,” Tantillo said. “After districts, we weren’t the team we knew we could be. It would have been real easy for the kids to bury their heads and point fingers, but they didn’t do that. They really came together as a team.

Jamestown All-Stars coach Tommy Tantillo talks to his team during the Western New York State tournament earlier this month. P-J photo by Scott Kindberg

“That’s a life lesson that’s going to take them a long way. When things get tough, you have to stay together and believe in something and that’s what they did.”

When Jamestown takes the field today, it will have Riley Piazza on the mound and Kameron Melendez behind the plate. The infield will have Calvin Ricker at first, Chris Navarro at second, Owen Maggio at shortstop and Aiden Bonta at third. The outfield, left to right, will feature Jayden Yanik, Isaac Cintron and Kyle Dean. Cam’Ron Mays is in reserve.

“We’ve got to keep everyone on the field and take care of their bodies off the field,” said Tantillo, who has only 10 players on the roster, “but they’re 13-year-old kids. They’ve got energy. Hopefully we’ll be OK.”

Tantillo is also confident about Jamestown’s defense, which served it well during the state tournament.

“Our defense is tremendous right now,” he said. “At the 13-year-old age level, when that ball is put in play nothing is routine. For these kids it’s their first year on the big field and the game is a little faster for them, but our guys have a rock-solid defense right now and our pitchers are throwing strikes because of that. They feel confident in the strike zone and they can let the defense do their work.”

Speaking of doing work, Tantillo was appreciative for the support the team has received from the community during fundraising efforts the last two weeks.

“It’s been amazing how much the community has supported us,” he said. “It’s more than I could have ever thought. We’re just so appreciative of it. The community would get behind any type of cause, but to send these guys to regionals is going to be a really special experience for them. It’s awesome to be part of a community that gets behind these kids.”