PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The community of Council Rock Newtown is proud of its Blue Dawgs on the way to the 2024 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
A Bucks County Little League baseball team punched its ticket to baseball glory on Friday with a 5-1 win over Washington, DC in the finals of the LLB Mid-Atlantic Region tournament in Bristol, Connecticut.
“We’re feeling really good. Tired, but excited. It’s a process,” said Brad Hamilton, head coach of Council Rock Newtown.
The team is currently in Williamsport awaiting its game against Southwest Region champion Texas West on Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
“Two years ago, all you could think about was the Little League World Series,” said Dean Hamilton, who plays second baseman, shortstop and pitcher.
The Blue Dawgs have won 18 games in a row.
“The support and the love from home. That’s a Philly thing. That’s a true statement. There’s no truer statement because it’s not just Newtown,” Hamilton said. “At the end of the day, when push comes to shove, nobody wants to see this team lose because that’s a Philly thing. That’s what we do.”
“It’s been a tough road to get here, but we’re not done yet. We still want to make a difference. It’s very exciting,” said Brayden Peiffer, who plays shortstop and pitcher for the team.
The Blue Dawgs feel the love and support of their hometown.
“You want them to make it to the end. If they don’t, that’s OK too. I think it’s an accomplishment to have made it this far. These kids have worked hard and we see it. It’s very exciting,” said Lauren D’Andrea, whose son Teagan plays on the 9-year-old team.
Teagan will be at his team’s game on Thursday. He says they inspire him and hopes to play on the same court when he’s 12.
“I’ll just watch everything and if I can do it, I’ll probably remember how they did it,” Teagan said.
Lou Schiller’s son Nicholas is on the team.
“This is a wonderful accomplishment. There are 10 teams left in the entire country,” Schiller said. “The baseball community here is very tight. Everyone knows everyone and I foresee it thriving in the near future because the 5-, 6- and 7-year-olds are a huge group, so Newtown baseball is going to be here for quite a while.”
Win or lose, Newtown is proud of its Blue Dawgs and what their team has already accomplished.
