Bedford’s 12U All-Stars: A Summer to Remember
In sports, teams are remembered in different ways. Some are remembered for their dominance. Others for their grit. Some for a single unforgettable game. In the years ahead, how will Bedford’s 2025 12U Little League All-Star team be remembered?
Perhaps it will be for their thrilling run in the New England Regionals of the Little League World Series. When they arrived in Bristol, CT, for the Regionals tournaments, they were one of 12 teams remaining out of more than 900 teams that tried, from the Mid-Atlantic up through New England. That feat alone should be a moment of reflection for the Town of Bedford to realize what a rare and special moment this was for our community.
They dropped the opening game in extra innings to Vermont, then clawed their way back with a bottom-of-the-sixth-inning rally to defeat Vermont in the semifinals. Their magical ride ended in heartbreak against Massachusetts, a game decided on the final play of the eighth inning — a classic that has now been watched more than 165,000 times on YouTube.
Or maybe it will be for the way they tore through the New Hampshire state tournament, going a perfect 10-0, including two decisive wins over Portsmouth to secure the state championship.
But more than the wins, the trophies, or the highlight reels, this team will be remembered for something greater: how complete they were, top to bottom, and how selfless they played. They always put the team ahead of themselves, a rare quality for any group, let alone a group of 11 and 12-year-olds.
Even a professional baseball scout from Texas, who followed their journey, was struck by what he saw. In a message to the coaches, he wrote: “I gotta tell you, that’s a heckuva team top to bottom. Almost every LL team has predictable holes. You got guys making noise 1-12 in the order! Honestly impressed.”
The Players Who Made It Happen
This was not a one-man show. Every boy had a role, and each embraced it fully:
- Tyler Porto: The fiery leadoff hitter and center fielder, widely considered one of the fastest players in the state.
- Flynn Kelley: The do-it-all spark plug, from diving catches to clutch pitching to home runs.
- Tyler Johnson: A fearless competitor who thrived when the lights were brightest.
- Ryan Colby: An RBI machine with a knack for clutch hitting, paired with dominant pitching.
- Ben Marlow: A hard-hitting presence who delivered perfectly in the championship game, proving he’s never afraid of the moment.
- Colton Demers: The fun-loving first baseman with a smooth lefty swing.
- Cam Parker: A clutch hitter whose humor and energy fueled the team’s chemistry.
- Jack Duhaime: The quiet catcher whose steady leadership and timely hits kept the team on track.
- Colin Hurley: A patient hitter who battled every at-bat and wore down opponents.
- Anderson Tucker: A reliable pitcher who threw strikes in any situation and always gave his team a chance to win.
- Wyatt Malater: A hard-throwing right fielder and pitcher with a flair for spectacular diving catches.
- Calvin Coughlin: A smooth outfielder whose timely hitting put his team in a great position to succeed.
Coaches Who Led the Right Way
Behind every great team is a great coaching staff. Bedford’s coaches emphasized not just winning, but winning the right way.
- Doug Johnson, the manager, set the tone with high expectations and a steady presence that helped each boy bring out his best.
- Corey Parker was the vocal motivator, building bonds with the players and keeping spirits high.
- Kevin Duhaime brought a calming presence, reminding the boys to stay focused and enjoy the moment.
- Joe Demers mixed sharp coaching with quick wit, endearing himself to the players while helping them grow.
Together, they helped shape these boys not just into ballplayers, but into young men.
A Lesson in Teamwork and Character
What stood out about the Bedford 12U team wasn’t just their talent — though there was plenty of it. It was their willingness to sacrifice personal glory for the good of the group. They rotated roles. They stepped into unfamiliar positions when the team needed it. They celebrated each other’s success more than their own.
The Road Ahead
Though their run ended in the New England championship, this is far from the end for this special group. Bedford has much to look forward to as these boys grow, continue to play together, and carry the lessons of this summer with them.
Because the legacy of this team isn’t just about wins or YouTube views, it’s about how they carried themselves, how they supported one another, and how they proved that true greatness comes when a team becomes more than the sum of its parts.
For the town of Bedford, the 2025 12U Little League All-Stars will always be remembered not just as champions on the field, but as an example of what can happen when young athletes put the team first.
They showed us all that the most complete victories aren’t measured on a scoreboard, but in the way a group of kids can come together and play for something bigger than themselves.