Kennedy Eyes Sixth Straight District Crown

Young Eagles team looks to continue baseball dynasty despite roster turnover

Mar. 25, 2026 at 4:19am

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The Warren JFK baseball team is aiming for its sixth consecutive district championship, but the Eagles will have to overcome youth and inexperience to continue their recent run of success. Head coach Jim Ciambotti acknowledges the team will go through some growing pains early on, but is confident they can improve as the season progresses and make another deep postseason run.

Why it matters

Warren JFK has established itself as a perennial powerhouse in Ohio high school baseball, winning five straight district titles and a state championship in 2021. The team's continued success is a source of pride for the community, but this year's squad faces more challenges than usual with a roster featuring mostly underclassmen.

The details

The 2026 Kennedy roster has just two seniors and six upperclassmen total, a relative lack of experience compared to past seasons. Coach Ciambotti expects the team to start slow as the young players get acclimated, but believes they can develop and peak in time for the postseason. The pitching staff will be led by seniors Andrew LaPolla and Brennen Sanata, along with several other upperclassmen, though Ciambotti says there is no clear "lockdown number one" starter this year. Without a conference championship to focus on, the team can be more flexible with its rotation and pitching plans.

  • The Eagles open their season on Friday, March 28, 2026 against Alliance.
  • Kennedy won the district championship in each of the past five seasons, from 2021 to 2025.
  • The team's state championship victory came in 2021.

The players

Jim Ciambotti

The head coach of the Warren JFK baseball team, beginning his sixth season in that role.

Andrew LaPolla

One of two senior players on the 2026 Kennedy roster, expected to be part of the team's pitching rotation.

Brennen Sanata

The other senior player on the 2026 Kennedy roster, also expected to contribute on the mound.

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What they’re saying

“Got a lot of young kids, so a lot of coaching and teaching being done. Basically, we're just all going to go through it together.”

— Jim Ciambotti, Head Coach

“Hopefully, we'll get better as the year goes on, as April goes on into May. … We just want to take baby steps, and hopefully, put something together decently going into May.”

— Jim Ciambotti, Head Coach

“As long as I'm the coach here, the goal will be to go to Akron to play for a championship. I'm sure every other coach in the state of Ohio says the same thing. I think if you set your goals any lower than that, we're all wasting a lot of time.”

— Jim Ciambotti, Head Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.