Sioux Falls Little League team gets hero’s homecoming

Sioux Falls Little League team gets hero’s homecoming

A team of young baseball players from South Dakota will never forget the summer of 2017. In their first year of eligibility, the 11- to 13-year-olds advanced to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The Sioux Falls team, representing the Midwest, was one of only eight teams from the United States to advance to the Little League World Series.

On their journey to the peak of youth baseball, the team gained fame with their play and their personality – communicating with players from other countries through Google Translate.

After six weeks on the road competing against teams from across the country and world, around 250 family, friends and supporters welcomed the team home at celebration at the Sanford Pentagon.

Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether chatted with the team in the locker room prior to the event and later proclaimed Aug. 29, 2017, as “Sioux Falls Little League Day.”

“It is fitting that we gather as a community to congratulate this team and their coaches for an incredible first season and thank them for serving as such outstanding ambassadors of Sioux Falls and South Dakota,” said Huether.

Paul Hanson, executive vice president of Sanford Health, emceed the event.

“While you were on the road for the last several weeks, our city was watching, supporting and cheering you on the entire time. You were the talk of the town,” he said.

During the ceremony, the players received memorabilia to commemorate their trip to Williamsport. Everyone who attended received free food from Will’s Training Table and a rally towel.

Posted In News, Sioux Falls