Siniscalchi’s Little League World Series experience helped pave path to JNT

Langley Blaze RHP Loreto Siniscalchi’s dominant performance over a heavily favoured Japanese squad at the 2016 Little League World Series helped pave his path to the Junior National Team. Photo: Bowen Assman

March 14, 2020

By Bowen Assman

Canadian Baseball Network

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – It was the first game of the 2016 Little League World Series – Canada facing the defending champions from Tokyo.

Loreto Siniscalchi, 12 years old, took the mound, hoping to ruin the Japanese team’s record of consecutive opening-round victories, which stood since 1965.

He dominated, striking out 13 in 5 2/3 innings. Canada won 10-4.

“There were some guys who were timid,” Siniscalchi said. “We had a few captains on the team and we’re just telling them, ‘We’re really here. Let’s go have fun and do our thing and we can win against anyone,’ and it really showed.”

Now he’s a 6-foot-2 right-hander in his second year of Canada’s Junior National Team program, with his sights set on the big leagues.

The Burnaby, B.C., native credits his experience at the Little League level with preparing him to face other potential major leaguers such as the Philadelphia Phillies’ and New York Yankees’ minor-league teams this spring.

“I’ve played in so many different atmospheres.” Siniscalchi said. “Whether it’s a crazy amount of people or not that many people, I think that’s prepared me and matured me when I’m on the mound and how I control my emotions, whether it’s going good or bad.”

Head Coach Greg Hamilton mentioned Siniscalchi’s ability to adapt, especially from his first year at the program.

“(He’s shown) the ability to add and subtract and have more than one pitch with consistency,” Hamilton said. “I think he’s made that adjustment. He’s no longer standing up there trying to throw the ball by everybody, which isn’t a real good recipe at this level.”

He is no longer the 12-year-old phenom, but he’s still looking to learn and soak up knowledge from all the coaches and players that come through the program.

As a 2021 prospect, currently uncommitted to a college program, he isn’t letting the pressure get to him.

“I am just trying to cherish all the moments,” Siniscalchi said. “I’m not in a rush. I just go out there every day and just do what I can and when the right time comes, it’ll come.”