Taney Dragons Take On Las Vegas In LLWS Semifinals
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Philadelphia's phenoms - the Taney Dragons - resume their quest for the Little League World Series tonight in Williamsport with a semifinal game against Las Vegas.
At Triple Play Sports at 9th and Christian, they've already sold 1000 Taney T-shirts with all proceeds going to the team. "Monty G" bought a 3x. He's a fan of pitcher Mo'ne Davis.
"I just want to represent, because I love the Philly teams and she's holding down South Philly where I'm from," he said. "And I love it and the team is doing so great."
Prominent lobbyist Holly Kinser was in South Philly buying 15 Taney T-shirts and two hats for her watch party tonight.
"We need to grow this program because it's so inspirational," she said. "The kids are amazing. They're not only athletes but they're students and they're disciplined and polite."
Taney board member and Triple Play co-owner Dewey LaRosa says the growing team proceeds will help Taney families with hotels and meals in Williamsport. And it'll help the club to maintain fields and pay league fees for kids who can't afford it.
"It is a grind every year to do it," LaRosa said. "We count on sponsorships during the season to help raise the money. This happens to be a nice influx, of course, because it's unexpected. And it will only continue to help fund Taney for years to come."
LaRosa says he hasn't seen this much interest in a team since the Phillies were in the World Series.
