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Thrill Of A Lifetime And It's Not Over Yet

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By JOEY JOHNSTON The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 20, 2008

Joe McGuire, manager of the Citrus Park All-Stars, said Tuesday morning's scene looked like a typical family vacation. There they were - a bunch of 12- and 13-year-old boys - jumping in the swimming pool, horsing around, having the time of their lives.

But this was simply an off-day in the Little League World Series at Williamsport, Pa. Just a break in the routine of playing before large crowds, performing before the ESPN cameras.

"This has been a blast," Citrus Park first baseman Danny Lastra said.

For the players, the parents and viewers around the world.

Citrus Park, which advanced as the second-place team in its pool, has some down time before Thursday night's U.S. semifinal game against Lake Charles, La., which won Pool A.

Time to ponder what has happened thus far - particularly Monday night's 8-2 seven-inning victory against Shelton, Conn., when Citrus Park was two outs from elimination before being rescued by Kevin Merrell's tying home run, then a six-run uprising in the seventh inning.

Time to absorb the impact.

"The reach of this event is amazing," McGuire said. "I got a call from a guy I haven't seen since 1987, when I lived in New York. I can't believe how many people are watching, how many people now know where Citrus Park is. The exposure factor is off the charts.

"I feel like I've been here a month Citrus Park arrived in Williamsport on Aug. 12. This has been something to experience. And we're not done yet."

Bud Merrell, Kevin's father, has been a lifelong baseball man and once coached at Chamberlain High. When his son hit the dramatic tying homer, just witnessing that was enough of a thrill.

Receiving dozens of calls and text messages? Merrell hearing from a childhood friend for the first time in 30 years? Seeing the highlight of his son's homer on ESPN's "SportsCenter"?

"Amazing," Merrell said. "When you grow up in baseball, you dream about being here. To realize that dream through your son is a fantastic feeling.

"You can feel a little insulated from the outside world up here in Williamsport. But I know a lot of people are watching."

You could see that everywhere, even at Tropicana Field on Monday night. A few hours before taking on the Rays, a half-dozen members of the Los Angeles Angels were sitting around a television, watching the Little League World Series.

"Sometimes, you tend to forget these are a bunch of 12-year-old and 13-year-old boys," McGuire said. "Doug Gilcrease, Citrus Park coach and I are reminded of that every day because we are living with them here in dormitory housing, adjacent to the field.

"They sit up at night and talk. They have pillow fights. They can drive you crazy - and I say that affectionately. But when it's all said and done, it's about the kids. So if they are having a worthwhile experience, something they'll always remember, that means the most."

Three victories away from winning a world championship, Citrus Park players appeared unaffected by their status. If anything, they were a little upset they were given a day off and couldn't practice on Tuesday.

OK, maybe not too upset.

"On one hand, I'd like to be playing again quickly, so we can keep our game sharp and keep up the momentum," Kevin Merrell said. "On the other hand, we get to go swimming!"

Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353 or jjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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