LAKE MARY, Fla. – Atop a semi-truck turned parade float, the Little Leaguers from Lake Mary joined the 19 other teams from around the world for a 1-mile trek through downtown Williamsport.
Throughout Tuesday’s Grand Slam Parade, which was expected to draw up to 40,000 people, the 12 boys and their three coaches were waving to the crowd from the float, signing autographs, and getting a taste of what it’s like to be a rockstar.
“It’s just incredible,” Michelle Anderson said. “It’s just another piece of the dream coming true.”
Anderson’s son, Chase, is a middle infielder on the team, and her husband, Jonathan, is the head coach. She said being at the Little League World Series together is a surreal experience.
“It’s a long road to get here, and it’s not easy at all,” she added. “All the stars aligned, and all of their hard work paid off. It’s amazing.”
Earlier in the day, News 6 caught up with the team at practice. They looked sharp, focused, and ready for the bright lights of Lamade Stadium.
Teraj Alexander, a first baseman and pitcher on the squad, said everyone’s fired up to take the field against Souix Falls, South Dokota, on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
“I’d say we’re pretty excited,” the 12-year-old said. “It’s going to be a big crowd to play in front of, and it’s going to be a really fun and cool experience.”
Before the first pitch is thrown Wednesday, all 20 teams participating in the Little League World Series will take part in opening ceremonies at 11 a.m.
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