By Steve Svetovich

Dunmore Elementary School student Luke Dempsey is proving to be a leader and key member of the Dunmore Little League 11-year-old all-star team.

Luke, who is actually still 10, went 2-for-2 with 4 RBIs to lead Dunmore to a 22-0 win over Old Forge/South Scranton in District 17, 9-11 all-star baseball action Friday, June 23.

He hit two singles driving in two runs on each base hit.

Ben Dempsey, his cousin, and Brady Schulte each had two hits and 3 RBIs for Dunmore.

Adam Grecco allowed only one hit and struck out five to earn the pitching win.

Son of Atty. Mike and Caressa Dempsey, Dunmore, Luke has an older brother Michael who is a former Dunmore Little League all-star and currently plays junior high school baseball at Dunmore.

Luke is the first baseman and cleanup hitter for his all-star team.

He talked about what it takes to be a good first baseman. “You need to be able to catch the ball and make a real good stretch,” he said. “And you need to talk on the field to your teammates.”

A serious and hard-working ball player, Luke had a robust .615 batting average during the regular Little League season. He hit two doubles, a triple and added 20 RBIs.

Hitting is not something he takes for granted. “You become a good hitter with a lot of hard work,” he said. “It’s also very important to always have fun.”

Amazingly, Luke did not strikeout in 40 at bats during the regular Little League season or in the first all-star game.

He plays travel ball for The Sandlot Baseball Academy.

His all-star coaches are Brian McCarthy, Ralph Steeves, and Pat Clark.

“My coaches always teach me to play hard and hustle,” he said.

Luke said he has learned a lot from his parents.

“They teach me to have fun and run hard all the time. Run everything out. And no crying.

“There is no crying in baseball.”

Polite and earnest, Luke said he enjoyed playing in the first all-star game of the season. “It was very exciting and a lot of fun,” he said. “We played under the lights.”

Luke said he also enjoys listening to music and likes rap artist “Da Baby.”

Luke is 5-1 and bats and throws right. A contact hitter all the way, Luke said he loves playing baseball and living in Dunmore.

“We have great coaches, great facilities and the best people.”