Pocono News Section

Players, Coaches, Parents Arrive for LLWS

Players, Coaches, Parents Arrive for LLWS - Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 6:00PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 @ 06:00pm EST
South Williamsport, Lycoming County-

The signs are up everywhere you look, as Williamsport welcomes the world to the 2009 Little League World Series.

Players, coaches, and parents have begun arriving at the Little League International Complex. The gift shop is fully stocked and the grounds crews have the fields looking their best.

Some early-arriving teams have already begun practicing for their debut on the biggest stage in youth sports.

Canadian coach Jeff Matsuda explained, "These kids really work hard. We practice pretty much everyday, either a game or practice. Practices usually run about three hours."

Canadian catcher Ian Creamore noted, "This is our first time being here. We're just going to try and do our best. Just try hard and fight hard until the end."

For many coaches, this is also their first trip to the top of the mountain.

Matsuda added, "Ah, what a thrill. This is a great thrill for the kids and the coaches. I feel like I'm 12 years old again."

Every little leaguer has a favorite part about making it to the big dance. For many, it's seeing the world famous Lamade Stadium in person.

Great Lakes right fielder Daniel Beaty noted, "I mean, we've been dreaming since we were nine years old to be watching the kids, and now we're really here to play. It's awesome."

Parents, too, take great pride in making the trek to the world-renowned headquarters of Little League baseball.

Terry Vincelli, a parent traveling with the Canadian team, said, "Words can't express the emotion that runs through your body seeing the setup here."

And as the games begin, everyone here is ready to soak up the experience of a lifetime. Vincelli added, "It's emotional, it's overwhelming, it's all good!"

The 2009 Little League World Series kicks off with the Grand Slam Parade Thursday night in downtown Williamsport.

The games start on Friday.

Eyewitness News will have live, behind-the-scenes reports at the World Series each night from South Williamsport.