It can be a difficult task to make a name for yourself in Little League baseball at a young age, but it helps when one of your biggest strengths is the ability to hit home runs like Gavin Halovatch. Gavin, a 12-year-old who competed for the Max Sinoway 12-U All-Stars, had an opportunity to showcase his power at the plate beyond the state’s borders this summer. Gavin was one of 10 athletes who competed in the Little League East Regional Home Run Derby that took place in Arlington, Texas on July 17.

Gavin earned his spot to participate in the regional derby by blasting 43 home runs at North Haven’s local derby held at Montowese Field. Gavin always has a strategy that aids his chances of doing some damage whenever he steps into the batter’s box. That strategy proves helpful for Gavin no matter who he’s facing.

“I’m just confident up to bat every time. You can’t let the pitcher get in your head,” says Gavin. “Just stay confident up there, and you’ll always win at bat.”

Gavin’s confidence with the bat took him from competing in Max Sinoway’s local derby to hitting home runs on a major stage. Gavin squared off against other players from the East region of the country at the Home Run Derby in Texas and enjoyed every aspect of the experience.

“I was making new friends,” Gavin says. “All of those kids down there are very nice.”

Gavin hit 13 home runs in his two rounds at the regional derby, which was held at Globe Life Field, the home ballpark of the Texas Rangers. There were plenty of nerves that came with participating the event, but Gavin felt honored to take his cuts while competing among the country’s top young sluggers.

“It was great, because that never happened to me before,” says Gavin. “I could have done way better. I just felt nervous up there, because I never hit in a Major League stadium before.”

Gavin competed against athletes from New England and the surrounding states at the East Regional Derby. Far away from home, Gavin realized that he needed to make the most of his time in Texas while taking in all the festivities. Gavin had a lot of fun as he built connections with ballplayers from around the nation.

“When I got to the hotel, I really thought I couldn’t take time for granted,” Gavin says. “I’m not going to be seeing those guys anymore, because they’re in different states.”

While making his parents Dave and Jennifer feel proud, Gavin has also amazed his All-Stars coach Gregg Pugliese with his accomplishments throughout the past few weeks. Gavin has spent a lot of time working on his baseball skills with his father and Coach Pugliese. When Gavin competed in Texas, Pugliese invited many of Gavin’s friends and teammates to his house to watch the derby on TV. Coach Pugliese raves about the impact that Gavin made for his All-Stars team this year.

“It was a great experience for us, the team, and North Haven. Not only does Gavin have the talent, he has the drive, too,” says Pugliese. “Gavin the guy that the rest of the kids look up to. He’s the guy that the opponents fear to face. He is the impact player on our team.”

Gavin has made an impact both at the dish and on the mound during his time in the Max Sinoway baseball program. After first playing baseball at age six, Gavin has continually strived to improve his agility, strength, and overall fitness both on and off the ballfield. Gavin also plays football and basketball in North Haven, keeping him active throughout the year.

This year, Gavin led the Sinoway 12-U All-Stars team to a 7-0 record in pool play in the District 4 Tournament, where the team ultimately took a 9-6 loss against Orange in the semifinals. In the seven pool-play games, Gavin helped his team scored a combined 90 runs between the seven victories, including a 9-0 win versus Orange.

Gavin had previously led the Max Sinoway 10-U All-Stars to the District 4 championship in 2019 and 2020, helping his 2019 team reach the sectional round of the Little League World Series, and then contributed to a District 4 title with the 12-U squad in 2021. With all the success that he’s been a part of, Gavin gets the most enjoyment from sharing that success with a group of teammates who’ve become his best friends over the years.

“It makes me comfortable, because I know all of the kids very well,” Gavin says. “We just have a very tight bond, and that just makes our team be even stronger.”

Prior to competing with the All-Stars, Gavin was a member of Halovatch Mechanical in the Majors Division of Max Sinoway Little League this year, helping his team finish as the runner-up in its division. Gavin also played for the North Haven Nighthawks 12-U travel team that posted a .500 record as a young club going up against some tough opponents in the Elite Division of the East Shore League.

Gavin has gained some well-deserved recognition as a result of his performances this summer. Gavin feels proud to see his name spreading beyond North Haven and is excited about what’s to come as he continues his career as an athlete in his hometown.

“It’s cool, because I’ve never really gotten my name out of the town,” says Gavin. “Now, obviously more people know me.”