Bridgewater welcomes home Little League team following historic World Series run
Family, friends and fans proudly welcomed home Bridgewater’s 12 American team Monday following their historic Little League World Series run.
Police and firefighters escorted a parade of Jeeps carrying the team, as more than 100 people waiting at Legion Field cheered on the New England Regional champions.
The heartwarming homecoming softened the blow after heartache in Williamsport, Penn., where the team was eliminated from the tournament Saturday, falling to Hamilton, Ohio, 10-0.
“It’s awesome,” said player JJ Gaff. “All the people here, it’s awesome they’re all supporting you, the whole way through.”
The boys felt the love from back home as they played. Neighbors and friends threw watch parties, glued to their screens.
“Just so fun knowing everyone’s supporting us,” said teammate Anthony Sullivan. “They were believing in us and counting on us.”
Among those celebrating the team were dozens of younger boys and, across the parking lot, a queue of youth football players who had just finished practice.
“They’re 12-year-old boys at the end of the day,” said Lisa Schlatz, mom of player Luke Schlatz. “To come home to feeling like a hero to the younger kids that live in town with us is just a wonderful thing for the boys.”
The boys hoisted their trophy and proudly waved their banner, earned in their town’s first-ever Little League World Series appearance.
“The baseball didn’t go the way we wanted to, but they walked away with the experience of a lifetime,” Coach Tim Zackrison said. “They had the time of their life trading pins with guys from Japan and Mexico and having in-field practice with Japan and just living the life.”
The boys left the tournament with lessons far greater than baseball, the coaches said.
“The stronger the bond you have with your teammates, the better you play,” Anthony said.
Coack Joe Mombeleur told Boston 25 News the foundation of the team’s success is their support system.
“It shows that the sky is the limit for these kids,” Mombeleur said. “You get into a good community with a strong youth foundation with coaches that are here for the kids like we all are, it’s just amazing the potential they all have. And they just need to believe. They’ve always believed, and we’ve always believed, and these are the results.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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