Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
BRAINTREE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — After a dominant Little League season, the Town of Braintree honored some young sluggers.
The Braintree American Little League team made it to the Little League World Series (LLWS) this summer after going undefeated in New England. Even though they did not win the LLWS, coach Shaun Needle said the whole community rallied behind the players.
“The support was incredible. I’m still shocked that they’re still doing this for us,” said Needle. “The best thing about this team was the teamwork, so I’m tremendously proud of this team.”
On Sunday, the players rode on top of a fire truck as supporters lined the streets. Mayor Erin Joyce congratulated the team at a ceremony at Braintree Town Hall, where there was also a giant cake to celebrate.
Players’ families said the watch parties, signs, and enthusiasm were felt all the way down in Williamsport, Penn., where the team did manage to win a game.
“The support that we got from Braintree was amazing,” said one parent.
“We’re so proud of these kids. They went 18-0. It was a long ride, and it was the most amazing summer ever,” said another parent. “It was really a dream come true.”
Making it to the LLWS is no easy feat, so even with the loss, players were happy to represent their town on the global stage.
“We took it pretty [well] because we knew how far we went, and it was a big accomplishment already,” said one player.
“It was so cool,” said another player. “It was awesome.”
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.