BRISTOL, Conn. – To claim the Bedford Little League 11- and 12-year-old all-stars are on a memorable journey is a big understatement.
To describe them as humble is a bigger one.

Indeed, the fact the club went 9-0 against New Hampshire opponents and is now 11-1 overall as it makes it way through the regional tournament has not left Bedford’s all-stars with big heads.
It has, rather, had the opposite effect.

“This is a unique bunch of kids here,” said head coach Kevin Lavigne. “They’re pretty focused on the next game and they don’t let themselves get too ahead. They certainly understand the season they’re having, but they’re very grounded.”

After being named New Hampshire state champion, Bedford headed south to Bristol, where it played would represent the state in the regional bracket.

As of Tuesday, Aug. 7, Bedford was 2-1, putting up wins over Rhode Island on Monday, Aug. 6, and South Burlington, Vt., on Friday, Aug. 3.

Their first loss came against the all-stars from Massachusetts, when the story of the game was Bedford notching five errors to allow six unearned runs.

After being in a 7-0 hole, the Granite Staters closed the gap, 7-4, but Massachusetts stayed ahead for the 9-5 win.

Bedford was scheduled to play Maine on Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 5 p.m.

Regardless of the outcome of the Maine matchup, Bedford earned a trip to the semifinals, where its opponent was to be determined and could include Connecticut, the only team Bedford had not yet played.

“We’ve already qualified for the semis, so we’ll focus on that and then see what happens,” said Lavigne. “Either way, this is an experience the boys, or this town, will always hold dear.
Bedford is scheduled to play in one of the semifinal games on Thursday, Aug. 9, either at 10 a.m. or 5 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN.