The Major Yankees of Rocklin Little League won their third straight conference title this season.

“I can’t believe it,” fifth-year head coach Michael Mooney said, “It’s been fun. We’ve been blessed.

“Each player has a role; everyone from the top to the bottom has to contribute.”

This is the first time in league history that a program has managed a 3-peat. Players Reece Mooney, cousin Mason Mooney and Miles Hughes are the only three to enjoy all three titles.

“It’s kind of astonishing,” 12-year-old Reece Mooney said, “We’re like three of like (2,400) players to win a three-peat.”

The key has been the draft. Despite picking last the past two seasons, the Major Yankees have restocked their ranks through scouting during try-outs and haven’t missed a beat.

“It is typical for a team to lose 60% of their players every year because they age out,” RLL president Scott Brown said. “I have to say that Mike Mooney has done a tremendous job getting to know the players, drafting well and developing players within his program.”

The age group for the Major Yankees falls between 10 and 12 years-old, but Michael Mooney works his players hard and expects his teams to show talent, improve and show positive attitudes

“It took a lot of hard work and team work,” Zack Wray, 13, said on his experiences with two championship teams.

Entering the 2014 season, expectations were high with the opportunity for the 3-peat, and Michael Mooney challenged his team to achieve it.

“This team, this 2014 team, never had higher expectations.  From day one we had the goal to 3-peat,” Mooney said.

The squad proved dominant, posting a perfect 18-0 record. They were a powerhouse on offense and were shutdown on defense as they outslugged their opponents 235-73.

“It’s really fun,” 12-year-old Mason Mooney said, “It’s not like we’re (just) a team.”

Mooney and Hughes both explain that it’s like they are just playing with friends out on the diamond.

The Yankees will represent the RLL in the Top of the Rock game against the Athletics of Tri-City league June 13 at Twin Oaks at 6:30 p.m in a friendly, cross-town rivalry game. On the line — bragging rights in front of a big crowd.

“It’s really cool.  It makes you feel like you’re in the Majors,” Reece Mooney said with a smile.

The squad will also be the “A” team in District 11’s Tournaments of Champions that is being held in Colfax June 18th.  The Yankees have not won the tournament during their streak, losing in the championship game two years ago and the semi-final game last season.

“Our goal is to go out and play the same ball we’ve been playing all year,” Mike Mooney said. “It’s the only thing we’re missing. It would be the cherry.

“There’s a lot of good teams there.”

Source:  http://www.placerherald.com/article/mooneyball-major-yankees-take-third-straight-rocklin-little-league-title