12 year olds are not supposed be this poised. 12 year olds aren’t supposed to be this good. But the 12 year old little leaguers from River Ridge, Louisiana played like big leaguers on a national then world stage. And, when the East Bank Little League All-Stars shutout Curacao 8-0 in the Little League World Series final, cheers could be heard here at home in Greater New Orleans and Louisiana, around the country, even across the globe. What an inspiring moment at a time when so many of us yearn for good news stories to cheer about. Yes, in the process of their improbable run, that began with defeat, the “Boys of Summer” rose up and stole our hearts.
The story begins with commitment. Surges with talent. And, soared beyond the dreams of coaches and players, who captivated anybody paying attention to their unstoppable spirit and lovable personalities. These young men embody a team first approach. Yes, the story of the team from the East Bank of Jefferson Parish is the stuff of Hollywood movies.
Let’s relive a few key moments. Marshall Louque’s three hits for the club, that included a pair of doubles that brought in three runs. Outfielder Reece Roussel also hit an RBI double (after being an incredible 15 for 20 at the plate in South Williamsport, Pa. Pitcher Eagan Prather was a total pro, leading a 2-hit shutout. With Sunday’s win, the team from the East Bank of Jefferson Parish won the honor of being the first team from Louisiana to win the championship.
As a former youth baseball coach, it was emotional to watch. If you’ve ever coached or played at the youth level, you can probably relate. Watching these young men rise to the occasion gave me goosebumps.
I coached a pretty good travel baseball team that enjoyed a nice bit of success. Watching this team brought back unforgettable moments. Sure, they won on the biggest stage, and can now claim the title of World Champs, but for those young men and Coach Scott Frazier, what they really created were indelible memories that no one can ever take away. They represented us...our state and everyone in the New Orleans area...with class, dignity and passion that makes Louisiana proud.
Time and time again in clutch, pressure cooker moments these young men came through with big play after big play. On defense, they were sensational. At the plate they were unconscious (baseball slang). Not only were they the first Louisiana team to win the LLWS, but they were the first ever to do it from the elimination bracket.
The East Ball All-Stars, were almighty. Pressure never bothered them. Their confidence never wavered. And pros like Bobby Hebert paid attention. “Those kids are AMAZING! I love champions of any variety,” said the Cajun Cannon. “I’ve never seen a little league team that unflappable. It’s incredible to see them play,” proclaimed Hebert.
And Saints Radio play-by-play man and 12-year Saints offensive lineman, Zach Strief, was captivated in a big way! “THESE KIDS ARE INCREDIBLE!!! It has been so much fun watching River Ridge dominate,” exclaimed Strief.
Please join me in congratulating the 12 year old East Bank All-Star team for winning the Little League World Series. Who Dat! East Bank All-Stars...you are ALL dat! Thanks for making a great sport look so fun! Thanks for representing our state. Thanks for just being you, and providing us with so much joy and happiness. We lived vicariously through you guys, at least I know I did.
The New Orleans Saints will honor the East Bank All-Stars at the season opener on Monday Night Football against the Houston Texans on September 9th. Maybe they will lead the Who Dat Chant! Wouldn’t that be cool!