Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
The 8U Marlboro Mustangs won the Fall Central East Division Championship in early November, finishing an undefeated season. See details: MARLBORO, NJ — A local travel baseball team is celebrating an undefeated season after capturing the 8U USABL Fall Central East Division Championship in early November. The 8U Marlboro Mustangs (primarily comprised of seven and eight-year-old players) won their division championship after defeating the Woodbridge Barrons 13-8 on Nov. 2, capping off a perfect 10-0 fall season. In an interview with Patch, Team Manager Bob Zoller discussed the team’s victory, and what it’s been like getting to this point of the season. “It was an exciting game,” Zoller said. “We worked hard this season to get where we are and finished an undefeated season. That culminated in the championship versus the Woodbridge Barrons, and we came out on top.” Before the team captured the Fall Central East Division Championship, Zoller said he, alongside other coaches and parents, pushed fundamentals with players throughout the season. Whether it was encouraging players to think about where the next play would be during a game or just cheering each other on when they played well, Zoller said their approach was to play hard and play the game the right way. “In our practices, we push fundamentals – we want them to think to themselves what they’re going to do before the ball is hit to them or where the next play is,” Zoller said. “We also want them to encourage their teammates to play the best they can,” Zoller continued. “At the end of the day, the outcome is going to be the outcome. But as long as they play hard, that’s all that we’re looking for.” Alongside encouraging players to support each other, Zoller said support from Marlboro Little League and the local community has also been a big part of their season and the team’s success. For the championship game at their home field, Zoller estimated that about 200 people showed up to watch and support the team. Online, Zoller said many community members have also supported them through liking and sharing their posts. "Last year was our first year playing together as a traveling team, a tournament team, and they [the players] put a lot of work and dedication in to get to where they are," Zoller said. "Last year, we kind of took our lumps and didn't have the best season. But this year, we were able to build their confidence, and they really played well together as a team," Zoller continued. "It's just been fun to watch them grow and become better ball players." Following the 8U Mustangs’ team victory, Zoller said the team will go on to compete in the USABL’s Pumpkin Smash tournament over the weekend. To learn more about the Pumpkin Smash tournament, you can click here.
