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Tournaments  | Story  | 6/29/2019

BBA’s Little Big League

Autumn Jones     
Photo: BBA National (Perfect Game)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A talented New Jersey group made up of top prospects, an impressive D-I commit and a prosperous multi-sport athlete, have a special motive behind their game that’s brought ample success in the 15u BCS National Championship. 

Adam Buchman had a vision to create a league of New Jersey's finest youth talent on his farm out of Marlboro, New Jersey nearly three years ago, known as “Field of Dreams.” BBA National represents Buchman Baseball Academy and is centered around baseball dreams and family. That even consists of his own son, Julian Buchman, who is the team’s starting center fielder and a high follow prospect.

“It’s a real family cultured team,” said owner Adam Buchman. “We’re all friends and family – nice parents, nice people. That’s what were all about.” 

BBA National are coached by Paddy Matera, who appreciates what the organization represents and Adam’s great involvement with the players.

“BBA stems from the top. Adam Buchman is a great guy. He helps these kids out with whatever they need. It always stems from the top and trickles its way down,” said Matera.

Coach Matera believes the team will remain persistent and continue success, while that is the goal moving forward potentially through Wednesday. He also mentions how making their way down south to a Perfect Game tournament sets them up to climb the ladder. 

“It’s a great environment for this team,” said Matera. “It’s great exposure and that’s what my goal and our goal is: get them as much exposure as they can to get to the next level. It’s just awesome for these kids.”

BBA is leading the top of their pool at the first seed and has seen nothing but victories thus far. The team opened with shutouts against Banditos Florida 2022 and Central Florida USA 2022 Team Elite, tailing 22 runs. A Florida downpour caused the team to resume playing 5 Star 15u Midsouth a day later, defeating them 5-1 Thursday evening.

But their effort these last few weeks has been driven for a special purpose: The team, coaches, staff and parents all share the same black band around their wrist. On these bands are the initials “DK” of David Korman along with the number 48. David is this team’s reason why, who passed away nearly three weeks ago, the bands also read, “Rest Easy.” David touched the lives of many and is continuing to do so every day, especially for his teammates.

“We’re doing all this for David,” added teammate Rocko Brzezniak. “That was a tough one. We were all real close to David and were going to keep playing and do this all for him.”

Brzezniak, who brings great skill and success to this team, is the No.1 first baseman in the state of New Jersey and lands No. 2 overall. The 16-year-old shows impressive strength and is a big-time batter. Brzeziak has already committed to playing his college ball at a Top 10 team, the University of Louisville, who recently rallied their way to the final four at the College World Series. 

“I went to Louisville’s camp a week before Halloween and performed well there,” said Brzezniak. “I got offered that Halloween night and my family and I decided that was the right move for me, so I decided to take it. I’m excited to further my education and baseball career there.”

“That’s a great success for him,” said Matera. “I’m happy for him. Louisville is a great school, top 10 in the nation for baseball. He plays hard and hits the ball really well. So, he’s deserving of everything he’s getting right now.” 

But for now, Brzezniak’s focus is on his team’s success; He values the hard work they’ve put in together and progression over the last couple of years, to be ready to take on the “best of the best.”

“This team means a lot to me,” said Brzezniak. “It’s a local team so we train together all the time. We always get the work in together and we’ve certainly progressed. Coming here (to Fort Myers) you definitely see a lot better pitching and a lot better competition. I truly enjoy it.”

And a thriving multi-sport athlete joins this group of talent; Tywone Malone, the first basemen who also excels in football, obtains offers from top D-I schools such as Alabama and Miami. Malone is ranked a high follow by Perfect Game and plans to continue both sports in college.

“I’m pretty good at balancing both sports,” said Malone. “Colleges are showing interest of letting me pursue both. My personal goal is to go out there every day and play, to do what I can and help my team out. Most importantly, to score runs and be the best defensive player for my teammates. My goal for this team is to continue to win and play as hard as we can, I hope to make it to the championships and win it all.”

Collectively, the team has tailed 27 runs in just over three games. Key players have pitched in on the mound these last few days including Tyler Villa, Justin Simone, Ryan Sekman, along with Zachary Gorman, who came in as a relief and has also helped offensively. Top batting performances coming from Charlie Chropuvka, collecting five hits and six runs with a double, a triple and an RBI, along with Mark Capell, who rapped four hits with three scored runs and drove in three.

“We want to respect the game, play hard and play it the right way,” concluded Matera. “Hopefully everything comes hand in hand, and I believe we do play the game the right way.”
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