Former Minnesota Twins player Zach Tillery inspires North Naples Little League kids

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (WINK)—The North Naples Little League 10U All-Stars are days away from the state tournament.

It has been more than two decades since North Naples won it all. The team got some advice from a familiar face who was on that winning squad.

The North Naples Little League 10U All-Stars won District 18 and the Section 6 championship. Now, they're one of just eight teams left in Florida competing for the title.

"The theme of our season was togetherness, so I want these kids to really learn. I think the most important thing to learn is how to play with a new group of kids, how to become a tight team, and how to take that through and carry that forward," said Jeffrey Mongeon, president of North Naples Little League.

It's a journey these players have dreamed about. Rex Ralston and Rocco Romano, baseball players on the North Naples Little League 10U All-Stars, shared their excitement.

"If we can do it this year, that means we should be able to do it next year, and we're hoping to do it next year. And a little bit for me is like, I'm just excited we're here, and it'll be crazy because I can do it again someday. Yeah, do it again," they said.

Before they head up to St. Augustine, they're hearing from someone who has already walked this path. That someone is Zach Tillery.

He helped North Naples Little League to its last state championship in 2002 before continuing his baseball career at FGCU and for the Minnesota Twins. He's back to where it all started, sharing the championship trophy and the lessons that came with it.

"You know, I took a couple of minutes watching from the car, just watching the players warm up and how they kind of go about their craft, if you will. So it kind of brings you all back to when you're getting ready to play the tournament, and a lot of memories come back," Tillery said.

The team's first game is Friday at 3 p.m. against Dunedin.

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