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Citrus Park Little Leaguers Head To Williamsport

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By CHIP OSOWSKI

News Channel 8

Published: August 12, 2008

TAMPA - The Citrus Park Little League all-stars are making their way to Williamsport, Pa., home of the Little League World Series.

It's the first time since 1989 that a team from the Tampa Bay area has made it to the big dance.

"These kids, they've been working hard for probably seven, eight years," Coach Joe McGuire said while awaiting a flight at Tampa International Airport. "They've been playing baseball for a long time. They've all been going out for practice. Matter of fact, they get mad when we don't practice."

The team of 11- and 12-year-olds sealed its spot in the World Series by winning the Southeast Regional Championship in Gulfport. Citrus Park beat a team from Mobile, Ala., 11-0 in the final.

Before departing this morning, a number of players were excited -- but not about the tournament.

"Because I've never really been on a plane, I guess I'm nervous," Danny Lastra said.

Teammate Lee Huckabee had similar sentiments.

"I'm nervous about the plane, not the sport," he said. "This is my first time on plane, except when I was 3. I just can't remember it."

The players made their way to the airport gate shortly before 9 a.m. today. Their flight was scheduled to leave at 10:09.

Their first game in the Little League World Series will be on Friday, against the U.S. Midwest champion.

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