Staten Island Little League Team Eyeing Trip To World Series In Williamsport
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It's the stuff of dreams for some Staten Island baseball players. After winning the state championship Monday night, there are thoughts of greater glories, including, perhaps, a place in the Little League World Series.
The Great Kills Americans are the New York state Little League champions and they are hoping to make it all the way to the World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
The majority of the dozen 12-year-olds are "A" students and they are hoping to make the grade on the field.
"It's just really fun and amazing that we made it this far," Nick D'Agnese told CBS 2's Scott Rapoport.
Playing in the LLWS is the dream of virtually every kid who has ever played Little League. The kids said they are loving every minute of it.
"It's just having fun with your friends and playing baseball. It's fun," Michael Briordy said.
They are a never-say-die group of kids, winning three of their recent games with dramatic comebacks in the last inning. They are life lessons, according to their coach Jerry Huntzinger.
"They don't give up. They pick each other up. Somebody makes a mistake, they're there for them," Huntzinger said.
At Nonna's Pizza, the team's favorite hangout, the owner of the restaurant gleamed with hometown pride.
"Forget about it. Great Kills Little League has waited a long time for a team like this to come along," Francis Costanzo said.
Next stop for the kids is a 10-day regional tournament in Connecticut and if they win there, they will clinch a spot in the Series.
The team's next game is Friday in Bristol, Conn., against Maryland.
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