Lake Mary’s Little League World Series Triumph: A Florida First!

If you’ve been following the Little League World Series, you’ll know that this year’s champions have made history in a big way. And guess what? They’re from Lake Mary, Florida – a city that’s just a stone’s throw away from where I’ve been living these past few months with my family. Small world, right?

A Home Run for Lake Mary

In a thrilling final match that kept us all on the edge of our seats, the Lake Mary Little League All-Stars clinched the championship title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Taoyuan City from Chinese Taipei. This win is a game-changer, marking the first time a Florida team has brought home the Little League World Series trophy after nine previous attempts. And let’s not forget the heroic moment – a game-winning bunt in the 8th inning (yes, that’s the second extra inning in Little League play)!

The Parade of Champions

To celebrate this epic win, Lake Mary is throwing a parade that you won’t want to miss. On Saturday, August 31, at 10 a.m., 4th Street in downtown Lake Mary will be transformed into a parade extravaganza. Expect a lively atmosphere with a marching band, local mascots, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment. And, of course, the real stars – the Lake Mary All-Stars themselves – will be there, soaking in the well-deserved glory.

Jeff’s Awards: Recognizing the Standouts

After catching a few games, I’ve got to hand out some personal accolades to these rising stars:

• Best Teammate: DeMarcus Mieses – This 11-year-old showed us what being a great teammate is all about. Even when faced with a tough spot, he kept his spirits high and supported his team with a huge smile. His post-game interview was all about his teammates and their collective effort. Hats off to DeMarcus!
• Most Athletic: JJ Feliciano – JJ’s athleticism was nothing short of impressive. Coaches take note: this is a player who’s got future star written all over him. Keep pushing forward, JJ!
• Bull Dog: Lathan Norton – Lathan showed serious grit and determination. Even while feeling under the weather, he stepped up on the mound and delivered when it mattered most. That kind of confidence is exactly what every coach dreams of.
• Discipline and Muscle: Landon Bono – From winning the home run derby to expertly handling tough pitches, Landon’s discipline and composure were remarkable. His ability to lay off well-executed breaking balls was a testament to his skills and focus.

Final Thoughts

Lake Mary’s triumph isn’t just a win on the field; it’s a story of teamwork, perseverance, and community spirit. These young athletes have not only brought home the trophy but also set a new standard for what it means to compete with heart and dedication.

So, whether you’re a collector of sports memorabilia or just a fan of incredible stories, this Little League victory is a reminder of the magic that happens in sports. Congratulations to the Lake Mary Little League All-Stars – you’ve made history, and we’re all cheering for you!

Until next time, keep your eye on the game and your collection growing. Who knows what other thrilling stories are just around the corner?

Meet the Champions

Here’s a shout-out to the incredible team that made it all happen:

• Chase Anderson (SS/2B/CF) – Sanford
• Christopher Chikodroff (P/OF) – Orlando
• Lathan Norton (OF/P/3B) – Sanford
• Hunter Alexander (2B/3B) – Sanford
• JJ Feliciano (SS/3B/P) – Longwood
• Jacob Bibaud (OF/P) – Lake Mary
• Liam Morrisey (CF/P) – Sanford
• Luis Calo (P/OF) – Sanford
• Landon Bono (C/P/3B) – Lake Mary
• Garrett Rohozen (UTIL) – Sanford
• DeMarcos Mieses (1B) – Sanford
• Teraj Alexander (1B/C/P) – Sanford