Jesse Burkett Girls Softball Eyes New England Regionals

A Legacy of Boys Who Made History

Twenty‑four years ago a group of 11‑ and 12‑year‑old boys from Worcester put Jesse Burkett Little League on the map when they made their run in the Little League World Series in Williamsport. That historic run created a bragging right that still resonates in the community today. Now the program looks to replicate that success on the softball diamond.

Girls Ready to Shine

A new wave of talent has emerged as the Jesse Burkett 12U softball team heads to Bristol, Connecticut for the New England Regional Tournament, representing Massachusetts. The roster consists of 11‑ and 12‑year‑old girls who aim to carry forward the pride of a once‑male dominated program. “Next year is the 25th anniversary of that Little League World Series team and softball has kind of taken the reigns over the past couple of years,” said Chad Dawkins, president of Jesse Burkett Little League. “Credit to the players and the coaches, they just do a great job.”

“It means everything,” 12U coach Charlie Johnston said. “Being a hometown kid and these kids growing up around here, this is huge.” Johnston’s words capture the emotional weight the regional brings to a town still buzzing from past glory. The team’s journey began with a decisive 11‑4 victory over Peabody in the state championship on July 12, securing their spot in the regionals. That win not only clinched the title but also marked a milestone for the program’s growing presence in girls’ softball.

State Crown and Sibling Success

Beyond the 12U squad, both the 10U and Juniors teams captured state championships, adding depth to an already impressive season. In fact, it was the sixth straight Junior League state title for Jesse Burkett softball, underscoring a sustained period of dominance. Dawkins noted, “I think this is probably the first time ever that the little league has swept 10U, 12U and 14U Juniors, so we are super proud.”

Family talent ran deep as well. Lilah D’Andrea, whose older sister Sophia was on the junior champions, is eager to compete in the New England tournament. “It’s going to be a very good experience and we have a really good team,” D’Andrea said. “It means a lot and I think we can win (the regional) because we have such a great bond as a team.” Leah Becker and Rose Becker also delivered state titles, one in Juniors and one in 10U, further cementing the legacy of sibling excellence within the league.

Family Ties and Rec Ball Roots

The D’Andrea sisters illustrate how rec ball still matters in an era of pay‑to‑play and travel teams. “She has been telling me how to do things right and her friends help too, teaching me stuff that I didn’t know (like helping improve her swing),” Lilah explained. This mentorship highlights the community‑driven nature of the program that keeps kids engaged without the pressure of expensive travel circuits.

Coach Johnston echoed this sentiment, noting, “A lot of people don’t think that rec ball is a thing (anymore).” He added, “All of our girls do play travel ball, but they still stay here and keep it old school and play recreational ball which we like to say, is where you create your softball self.” Johnston’s view reinforces the idea that local leagues remain the foundation for developing confidence and skill before advancing to higher levels of competition.

Next Stop: Double‑Elimination Battle

Jesse Burkett will begin its regional run against Gorham Little League (Maine) on Saturday at 4 p.m., the opening game of a double‑elimination tournament. All matches are available on ESPN+, giving fans across the country a chance to watch the Massachusetts squad in action. “We conquered the districts, (then state) and now we are off to regionals representing Massachusetts and going to bring it home for Mass,” Johnston said. The stakes are high as the team looks to advance beyond the early rounds and chase a deeper postseason run.

If the team succeeds, it could mark a new chapter for the franchise, potentially setting up a historic 25th‑anniversary celebration next year. The community’s investment in rec ball and family involvement continues to pay dividends, and the regionals serve as a perfect showcase for that philosophy. Fans will be watching not just for talent, but for the story of a town that still believes in the power of local baseball and softball.

What It Means for the Community

The program’s success goes beyond trophies; it reinforces the value of rec ball in an increasingly commercialized youth sports landscape. By keeping the focus on local competition and family involvement, Jesse Burkett offers a model that many surrounding leagues aspire to replicate. The presence of multiple sibling pairs winning titles also highlights how a strong community base can nurture talent across generations.

As the team prepares for the regionals, the spotlight falls on more than just individual performance. It shines a light on a town’s collective memory of past glory and its hopeful future on the diamond. Whether the girls make a deep run or not, the season serves as a testament to the enduring power of community, dedication, and the timeless appeal of youth softball.

Game Schedule and Streaming

Jesse Burkett’s first matchup is set for Saturday at 4 p.m. against Gorham Little League of Maine, marking the opening round of the double‑elimination bracket. All games of the tournament can be accessed via ESPN+, ensuring that supporters from any location can follow the action. Stay tuned to the stream for live updates as the team attempts to advance and keep the legacy alive for the next generation.

The journey from the historic 1999 boys’ team to today’s rising softball stars reflects Worcester’s unwavering commitment to youth athletics. Fans can look forward to more exciting moments as the Jesse Burkett program continues to write its own chapter of local sports history.