Staten Island South Shore Little League manager Bob Laterza, who started a war of words with the Yankees, wants everyone to know that nobody on his team hates the Bronx Bombers or feels entitled. Laterza made headlines last week after he told the Staten Island Advance that superstar slugger while the Yanks were in Williamsport, Pa., for the Little League Cla sic. In a phone conversation with The Post, he stood by his criticism. The only reason I said anything to the Advance is because these kids, theyre my kids when theyre with me, Laterza said. They were disappointed. How can I explain to them the guy cant even turn around and wave? All right, you could say hes busy in the game. Were 10 feet away. I mean they waved to the bleachers when theyre up at bat. Staten Island, N.Y. manager Bob Laterza, center right, hugs pitcher Stephen Grippo (21) as he leaves the teams baseball game after reaching his pitch limit against Lake Mary, Fla. at the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa., Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. AP Explore More The Staten Island coach pushed back on some of the rebukes hes heard since his comments were published and the Laterza said he had been under the impre sion the Yankees would give the local New York Little League team extra attention during their visit to Williamsport. He claimed to read a published report to that effect, but that he couldnt recall in which outlet. Since Staten Island played the Sunday morning that the Yankees flew into Williamsport, they mi sed Kasper Halttunen Jersey a chance to greet the Yankees at the airport. The Metro Region Champions from Staten Island, N.Y., ride in the Little League Grand Slam Parade in downtown Williamsport, Pa., Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. AP Logistical i sues hampered a planned meeting at The Grove, the dormitories where the teams stayed during the tournament. Laterza said his players waited for an hour, but because of the size of the crowds, the Yankees couldnt get to the site of the planned meet and greet, which prevented another chance for the kids to meet Judge. The Staten Island Little Leaguers were able to meet some Yankee players ahead of the Little League Cla sic when Aaron Boone, Anthony Volpe and Gerrit Cole came out to meet them, which softened their disappointment. Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees poses with Little League players prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Bowman Field on August 18, 2024 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Getty Images But when Judge didnt acknowledge the Staten Islanders while he was on deck, Laterza indicated it was the final straw. It seems like [the Yankees] couldnt get through the crowds to get to The Grove where the rec room where we were held up to meet them was. I gue s it happens especially with crowds like that, Laterza said. I understand that. And then he couldnt come out, hes preparing for a game, I understand that. I mean how much can we understand? Why cant you turn around and wave? That was the gist. What was the big entitlement? Laterza said neither the Yankees nor Judge have reached out to him personally since the Yankees i sued their critical statement. The Little League Metro South Shore Manager Bob Laterza at third base shouts instructions to the team. Douglas Healey He says he harbors no ill will, but did seem to take i sue with the teams statement and indicated he would still like an apology for Judges failure to meet with his team. The Yankees declined to comment on Laterzas new comments. In the days following Laterzas initial complaint, the Yankees responded with a strong defense of their captain while Judge chose not to respond directly to the comments. Laterza did seem to relent and acknowledge that things could have been handled better by everyone involved. Aaron Judge #99 signs autographs along with other members of the Yankees while they visit The Little League World Series on Sunday August 18, 2024. Douglas Healey You know what, maybe I should have gave a better answer. Maybe they should have gave a better response, Laterza said. The Staten Island Little League team was knocked out by Florida on Tuesday night. Laterza said the players enjoyed the experience in Williamsport and after their succe sful run, theyve already been invited to be on a float at the Feast of San Gennaro festival. They were treated top-notch, from when we got there til when we left, Laterza said. There was nothing that you needed or was overlooked. Its just tremendous. Never imagined that it would be that well done. Ed Belfour Jersey