Media Little League loses to Rhode Island, ending Media's world series hopes
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - It was Delco versus the world all the way until the final out.
An incredible ride for the Media Little League team came to an end Sunday, losing 7 to 2 to Rhode Island. But, the boys made memories they’ll never forget, including the chance to play in front of their hometown heroes, the Philadelphia Phillies!
"You dream to be in the big leagues, you dream to be great at what you do and it all starts at 11 and 12-years-old," Philadelphia Phillies 1st baseman Bryce Harper stated.
When their plane touched down in the land of the Little League World Series, some of the best players in the Major Leagues admitted they always thought of Williamsport when they were kids.
"It brings back a lot of memories. I never got to play here, but always dreamt of it," Rhys Hoskins said. "This was always the dream. I always grew up watching it. Dreamt about playing on the big stadium field with the big hill in the back."
Before their game against the Nationals Sunday night, the Phillies got to meet some of the kids in the series.
"It’s really fun, I got Bryce Harper on my hat and my ball. It’s cool!" Noah Pettinger exclaimed.
And, some big had a chance to interact with guys who look up to them and cam hope to be in their shoes someday.
"We’re all kids playing the game as well, right?" Harper continued. "I think they can take as much as they can from us and we can from them, as well. As much as they enjoy the game and we’re looking forward to being there and being around them."
Over at the field, Media gave it their all, but fell to Rhode Island 7 to 2. Fans who’ve followed them since the beginning could not be more proud.
"Just happy to be here, happy to see a local team. Happy to see Delco, you know, kinda get a little spot on the map there," Cassandra Miller said. "So happy to see everybody and happy to have these boys here and see what they could be in a couple years."
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"The outcry for these kids has just been absolutely fantastic. I mean, they’re basically like local rock heroes now," Mike Placido, from Springfield Little League, exclaimed.
Even folks who have no ties to Media or Delaware County came out to cheer them on and say the atmosphere was electric.
"Oh yes, it was Media, Media! It was great here on the hill. It was wonderful," Williamsport resident, Ann Hetzel stated.
"It’s fabulous! They all had a great time. I’m sure they’ll be happy to get back home and get back to school," Vince Marsero laughed.
Masero knows the boys and the coaches well and says, of course, it’s disappointing. "A little bit. But, you know, there’s a lot of teams here, from all over the world. Somebody’s gotta win, somebody’s gotta lose."
A heartbreaking loss for the Delco boys, but everyone agrees they brought so much pride to, not only the Philadelphia area, but the entire state of Pennsylvania.
As the boys played hard in Williamsport, back in Media, hundreds gathered at the State Street Pub to root for the team and saying they couldn’t be happier with the boys' performance on the national stage.
In the meantime, the Phillies are running billboards across the city to let Media Little League how proud we all are of their effort and achievement.