The Abington Little League is entering a single team in each of the upcoming Pennsylvania District 17 baseball tournaments.
In past seasons, the number of participants in the league during its regular season required Abington to split its tournament all-star teams into American and National squads.
A year ago, Abington National won the Major baseball title for the 12-and-under age division. Abington American was the champion of the 8-10-year-old baseball division.
The consolidation into a single team potentially could make an Abington program, which is generally one of the strongest during tournament time, even stronger.
Abington begins play in the Major baseball tournament Sunday at home.
The Major division is the one that advances teams toward the most prestigious of Little League’s events, the World Series in South Williamsport Aug. 15-25.
There are two four-team pools in the District 17 Major baseball tournament.
Abington is in Pool B with West Scranton, Old Forge and Moosic. Christy Mathewson is part of Pool A with North Pocono, South Scranton and Dunmore.
Abington hosts a Sunday doubleheader in which North Pocono and South Scranton play at 1 p.m. Abington meets West Scranton at 3.
Pool play continues June 25 and 27.
Christy Mathewson hosts a June 27 doubleheader at its field in Benton. South Scranton plays Dunmore at 5:30, followed by Christy Mathewson against North Pocono at 7:30.
The top two in each pool, plus any other team that only loses once, will advance to bracket play.
Abington is one of four teams in a round-robin, 9-11-year-old tournament with West Scranton, Dunmore and North Pocono.
The tournament opens June 27 with West and Abington playing in the 5:30 opener at North Pocono.
Abington hosts a June 29 doubleheader. Dunmore plays West Scranton at 1, then Abington meets North Pocono at 3.
The last round-robin games are July 1 to determine the two teams for a best-of-three final July 3 and 5, and, if necessary, July 7.
There are seven teams in 8-10-year-old baseball. They will each play four games to determine the four semifinalists.
There are games scheduled June 24, 26, 28 and 30 and July 2.
Abington hosts a June 30 doubleheader. North Pocono plays Moosic at 1, followed by Abington against West Scranton at 3.
The top four play their double-elimination bracket July 5, 7, 8 and 10. If necessary, it could extend to July 11.
