When Jacob Ferreira was born with a heart condition, his parents Stephanie and Charlie Ferreira knew there would be some tough times ahead.

“It was frightening,” said Stephanie. “But we always had a plan.” And while they and Jacob’s doctors have been able to work that plan for more than 17 years, the timing of Jacob’s surgical needs have not always dovetailed with summer fun.

Never was that more apparent than in 2014 when Jacob, age 7, was invited to join the King Philip Little League (KPLL) team for the statewide Christopher Andreozzi Memorial Tournament, an annual event for 7- and 8-year-old little league players. He underwent his first of two major heart surgeries that year, forcing him to miss the event. Bristol and Middletown played an exhibition game so Jacob could have a chance to play with his teammates before surgery that year, but of course it wasn’t the same.

Fast forward nine years and Alex, Jacob’s youngest sibling (he also has an older brother Dawson and a sister Kinley, who is between Jacob and Alex) was also invited to join the 2023 Tournament team, dubbed the KPLL Andreozzi All Stars. But fate again intervened, and Jacob underwent a second successful heart surgery last summer, which prevented him from cheering on his little brother from the sidelines.

As luck would have it, Alex was young enough last year to be eligible again this season, for the 2024 Andreozzi All Stars. Aware of Jacob’s history with the Tournament, KPLL Coach Nick DiOrio had an inspired idea, and asked Jacob, today a rising senior who pitches and plays outfield for the MHHS baseball team, to help coach Alex’s team — a challenge he happily accepted.

“I thought it would be cool,” said DiOrio. “I have a coaching background and was grateful someone gave me a chance to step up; it’s nice when someone gets the opportunity to take on that role, especially as he (Jacob) went through KPLL.”

“The kids really look up to him.”

The Tournament kicked off last Saturday, July 27 with a 13-5 win over Burillville.

“That game was probably the best we’ve played all season,” said DiOrio.

Alex, who started the game on the mound, allowed one hit and one run over 3 innings, with 5 strikeouts. He also had some great plays in the field as shortstop, including taking part in a double play. At the plate, he walked 3 times and stole 7 bases.

Next, the players take on Woonsocket Thursday and Smithfield on Saturday. All told, it’s a three-week tournament.

For Stephanie, it’s been a sweet, full-circle summer.

“We take baseball pretty seriously around here,” she laughed. She has also noticed the impact the role has had on Jacob. “He’s learning patience.”

And Jacob is having fun with the young players…most of the time.

“They don’t always listen,” he said. “But when they do, it’s fun.”

“I really like it,” said Alex, of the experience of being coached by his big brother. “Even though he can be intense at times, he’s a really good coach.”