Staten Island eliminated from Little League World Series after losing to Georgia
WILLIAMSPORT, Pennsylvania (WABC) -- Staten Island's Little League World Series dream has come to an end after losing 7-3 to Georgia.
The Little League World Series game between Staten Island and Georgia was a wild ride with active bats early sucking the crowd in in the first inning.
In the end, the team from New York with guts and determination came up short in South Williamsport, losing 7-3 to Georgia.
But it is more than just a game.
"This is the greatest thing. This is our Little League. You know what I mean?" said Elliot Schwartz.
About a decade ago, Schwartz's two sons played for manager Joe Calabrese, who has been coaching for more than 20 years.
"My shirt has a stain on it that's older than these kids playing, you know? Mid-Island, let's go baby!" added Schwartz.
The last time Staten Island won the World Series was in 1964.
O'Neill's has been sponsoring the Mid-Island Little League for several years, so some of the kids on the team are well known inside.
"A lot of these boys on the all star team they're neighborhood kids, they come here with their parents, their families, they come here after practice. The coach comes here, so it's just like a big happy family," says manager Steven Tori.
And like any family, the pick you up when you need it most.
Mid-Atlantic Region champs made New York proud.
The team was greeted by all their fans for a homecoming celebration on Friday afternoon:
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