Still a Powerhouse

by George Diaz

Second acts are always the toughest in sports. Every championship season comes with a What’s next? expectation.

The 12-and-under All-Stars from Lake Mary Little League had the perfect pitch last year, winning the Little League Baseball World Series and touching off a grand group hug and high fives from the Central Florida community and beyond.

This year, the team was back in play with hopes of a World Series repeat. In the end, they fell short of that goal, losing by one run in the Southeast Region finals.

But there is no shame in that. In fact, there is honor and pride – with a resume that includes three consecutive State Championships, a World Series title, and this season’s exceptionally strong run.

Despite the early ending to their season, there was much to celebrate – and celebrate they did. 

“We still have a lot of support, and we appreciate it,” says Jaxson Roicki, a pitcher and shortstop. 

A Matter of Trust

The 12U All-Stars featured the best of the best, and the kids formed strong bonds even though they came from different teams and circumstances during the regular season.

“All these kids play all kinds of travel ball and sometimes their teams are changing week to week, month to month,” says Lake Mary coach Jonathan Anderson. “We wanted them to trust in each other and pull together as one. I think we accomplished that.”

This year’s journey included lessons and experiences the boys will carry with them, hopefully for the rest of their lives.

“We put our heart into this,” says Jonathan. “We worked our butts off, but it wasn’t our day; it was their day.”

Jonathan was reflecting on the teachable moment in Warner Robins, Georgia during the Southeast Region finals against Irmo, South Carolina. Lake Mary had won three consecutive games in regionals and not allowed a run in 16 consecutive innings, leading 4-0 going into the sixth and final inning against Irmo. 

But Irmo would rally for a 5-4 victory, ending Lake Mary’s dream of becoming the second team in recent Little League World Series history to win back-to-back titles. Tokyo, Japan did that in 2012 and 2013.

Lake Mary came oh-so-close, though. They won the state title game in a 10-0 rout over Tampa Bayshore, then won three games in regional play, allowing only two runs in the entire tournament before losing to Irmo.

“We almost played flawless baseball up until then,” says Jonathan.

Hey Now, You’re an All-Star

Ultimately, the boy’s many accomplishments will be the takeaway from this season. They returned home to a warm welcome from the family, friends, and fans who had cheered them on all season. On August 15, everyone gathered at the Lake Mary Little League All-Star Celebration, hosted by the City of Lake Mary. City officials and the community at large came out to honor both the boys’ and girls’ teams.

The boys’ baseball run coincided with Lake Mary’s girls’ softball team making history by playing in the Little League World Series for the first time. 

“I’ve been with the City for 13 years, and I’ve watched it [the Lake Mary Little League program] grow,” says Bryan Nipe, director of economic development and parks and recreation. “When I first started, we were determined to do whatever it takes to support baseball and softball in the community. We are going to make it happen.”

The Lake Mary boys were able to nearly duplicate their success of the 2024 season despite having only two returning players – DJ Mieses and Christopher Chikodroff. They were led by the pitching of Jacob Brown and consistent offensive efforts of Colin Anderson (Jonathan’s son), among others.

The season may be over, but the clock never stops when you’re chasing success. Jonathan and his staff have begun assessments for the fall and are in the process of drafting players for teams that will compete against each other in Lake Mary Little League play. The best of the best will then move on to All-Stars competition, which will begin in May of 2026.

“We watched the community rally around us last year, and they did it again this year,” says Jonathan.

“And we watched the parents bring their kid to the field at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., noon to practice to achieve their child’s goal,” he adds. “When you buy in and see success, you do whatever it takes. And the accomplishments show from all that hard work.”

Going, Going, Gone!

DeMarcos “DJ” Mieses entered the Little League Home Run Derby expecting to “do something big.” His first successful swing went deep and out, suggesting he was onto something.

That confidence would be rewarded. DJ won the Home Run Derby on August 21 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, days after his Lake Mary Little League team was eliminated from the Southeast Region Tournament.

Like any good player, DJ dedicated the victory to his teammates. There is much to celebrate for this year’s Lake Mary team, including the fact that they now have back-to-back winners in the Home Run Derby. Landon Bono claimed the title in 2024.

“I did it for you guys,” DJ said in an ESPN interview moments after his triumph.

The 12-year-old emerged as the winner from a group of eight participants, who competed for the highest total of home runs hit over the 170-foot fence in a 90-second span. 

DJ hit 16 home runs, with his closest competitor hitting 14. DJ cranked his 15th with plenty of time (28 seconds) left on the clock and then hit another one “just to give the crowd something to watch,” says proud mom Tasha.

“I felt great,” says DJ. “I knew I was going to do something big. I wasn’t scared at all.”

The victory represents years of hard work for DJ, along with the full support of mom Tasha and his father Victor, who have been along for the ride since DJ started playing T-ball at age three.

“We love it,” says Tasha. “We support him. We know that this is what he loves to do. When he’s not playing baseball, it’s an abnormal day for him.”