“Small town America” celebrates Little League World Series champs.

“Small town America” celebrates Little League World Series champs.

By Jack Pagano
Jackp1957@yahoo.com

Lake Mary, FL-  For a brief moment there was no politics, no talk of former President Donald Trump, or Vice President Kamala Harris on the streets of Lake Mary, Florida.  Today was all about unity, positivity, and a big thank you to a group of young boys of summer.

Lake Mary is a northern suburb of Orlando with plenty of “northern” transplants.  New Yorkers, Bostonians to name a few mesh in with Sunshine State residents.   These transplants added to the more than 20,000 Floridians who came out and honored the new Little League World Champions.  Lake Mary beat Chinese Taipei of Taiwan 2-1 in an extra innings nail-biter, on August 25 capping off a come-from-behind tournament run that included besting New York’s little leaguers from Staten Island 6-1 during the United States championship run.

Lake Mary, Florida Little League World Champs Celebration.     Lake Mary Little League head coach Johnathan Anderson showcases the number one at a Lake Mary parade and celebration. 31 August 24 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Anne Hernandez from Coram, New York, and now a Lake Mary Floridian says the boys provided an amazing sense of community.   “We love the town, community and we’re so excited about the boy’s victory.   Luis Vazquez, an Army veteran from Puerto Rico who now lives in Deltona couldn’t agree more with Anne.   “I watched all the games and I owe it to them to come and say thanks to these boys.  This brings everyone together.”

Lake Mary, Florida Little League World Champs Celebration.     Future Lake Mary Little Leaguers take pride in showing off the current Lake Mary World Champions. 31 August 24 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Lake Mary becomes the first Florida Little League team to win a world championship.  Florida has been in the championship game 8 times since 1947 with no victories until Lake Mary’s remarkable run.  Think of the New York Mets 1969 championship run.  That’s kind of what Lake Mary did.  Always behind, never counted out and never giving up.

Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma proudly pointed out the Little Leaguers bring us together.   He made a standing offer to the boys in front of the victory crowd. “All of you can join the force as a deputy sheriff when you come of age. What you have done is truly amazing.” What an invitation.

Lake Mary, Florida Little League World Champs Celebration.     Members of the victorious Lake Mary Little League team listen to the National Anthem. 31 August 24 (photo by Jack Pagano)

After the celebratory parade, the team was awarded an official mayoral proclamation recognizing their World Series win with keys to the city. Imagine 11 and 12-year-olds getting keys to the city.  Imagine getting baseball cards with your name, imagery, and statistics.  Just like Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle from an era gone by.

We love heroes and these young boys have captured the spirit of America’s pastime.  Good teamwork and good coaching were the reason Lake Mary stands as the best Little League team in the world.

Congressman Cory Mills who represents Florida’s 7^th district that includes Lake Mary attended and provided words of wisdom.  “I’m honored to be here.   The boys show us it’s not about us, it’s about them.”  The combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom says we need more celebratory, positive events like this.  “It’s all about coming together-united we stand, divided we fall…”

Lake Mary, Florida Little League World Champs Celebration.    Florida’s 7^th district Congressman (R) Cory Mills attends the parade and celebration. 31 August 24 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Perhaps this good feeling on the streets of Lake Mary can be tapped into.  That would go a long way in today’s America.   For now, the Little Leaguers are the new boys of Summer.  The light is certainly shining brightly on the team and that small town north of Orlando.

Lake Mary, Florida Little League World Champs Celebration.  A baseball fan holds a baseball card,  DeMarcos Mieses.  DeMarcos is one of the heroes from Lake Mary’s World Championship team. 31 August 24 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Jack Pagano is a retired Army field grade officer with many decades of Information Operations experience and currently working remotely in the USA as COO/Strategist for one of Afghanistan’s biggest Radio/TV networks.  His current mission is getting out Afghan journalists he trained, and mentored who are stuck, stranded under the Sharia-driven Taliban.