NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Professional sports were overshadowed by a group of baseball players under the age of 12 Thursday night at the Green Parrot.
When the 18-0 Council Rock Newtown Little League team went to bat, representing the Mid-Atlantic region in the Little League World Series, cheers erupted from the crowd as an image of pitcher Saverio Longo filled the big screens at the local pub, relegating the Phillies and Eagles games to side monitors.
Several local establishments hosted watch parties on Thursday night, including the Parrot, the Clubhouse and Iron Hill Brewery.
Paul Salvatore and Bernie Sauer react while watching the game at the Parrot. (Photo by Jeff Werner)
John Burke, Mayor of Newtown Borough, second from right, with current and former coaches from Council Rock Newtown.
Mark Craig and Newtown Borough Mayor John Burke are interviewed by Channel 6.
The game appears on the big screen above the bar at the Green Parrot.
En route to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, the Newtown boys won district victories, claimed the Pennsylvania state title and defeated Washington, DC, last Friday to secure the Mid-Atlantic title.
On Thursday night, they faced a team from Boerne, Texas, winner of the Southwest Regional title. The Texas team got on the scoreboard first and kept going, beating the undefeated Newtown team 9-0 and handing the Council Rock Newtown team its first loss.
Although the team lost its first game, Thursday was not the end for the Newtown boys. They will play again in the elimination round on Saturday at 7 p.m. against Salem, New Hampshire. If they lose, they go home. If they win, they play another team.
Despite the defeat on Thursday evening, their fans in Newtown are not giving up hope.
Newtown Borough Mayor John Burke said the team has filled the town with Little League fever. “They have a great team and should be very proud. They have filled the whole town with energy,” he said.
Bernie Sauer added: “Everyone is excited. Everyone has been looking forward to tonight. All the excitement is about how well they have played all summer. Newtown has something to look forward to because they are a great team. They have everything. Their offense is great. They have good pitchers and
They know how to defend. And they have good coaches. We are proud of them, no matter what the result.”
Watching the game was a family affair.
