TULARE, Calif. (KFSN) – Council meetings usually focus on city business, but in Tulare, this week’s meeting began with baseball.

“Tulare supports us and recognizes the tremendous effort of these guys and coaches,” said Chris Briseno, coach of the Tulare 9U All-Stars.

The local 9U All-Star team was officially recognized by the city and Congressman David Valadao for winning the Cal Ripken World Series in Alabama.

The boys’ postseason run almost never happened.

“We didn’t expect to be invited to the World Series,” Briseno said.

Briseno says the boys failed to advance after placing 3rd at the state championship.

The league commissioner saw something special and gave the team general admission to the competition.

“He offered it after the tournament and said we had a good ball club and could compete with the best,” Briseno said.

Now came the difficult part: financing a flight for a group of coaches and 12 players across the country.

“We had a month to organize flights and hotels for all these guys,” Briseno said.

With the help of fundraisers and local sponsors, the boys were able to raise $40,000 to book their trip to Alabama.

“When I saw the competition there, I knew they could compete with anyone there,” Briseno said.

The boys finished 3-1 in group play and needed a walk-off win in the semifinals to advance to the championship game.

“Especially the night before, you can hardly sleep,” said Briseno.

“We worked our asses off out there,” said player Caleb Pedro.

The boys crowned their run with a decisive 5-1 victory over the Bahamas.

While the Tulare City Council prepares for other city business, the most important item on the boys’ agenda is clear: They want to win the World Series in Indiana.

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