A team of young teens from West Tampa Little League nearly pulled it off, losing by one run in a 4-3 game against the Puerto Rican team in the Junior League Softball World Series.
The game, however, is under review following a protest that the Puerto Rican team violated a rule mandating every player on a team must participate.
On Aug. 28 at the West Tampa Little League ball field, across from MacFarlane Park, the team of 13- and 14-year-old girls joined family and friends to celebrate the season.
A brief exhibition game between the girls and community members was played. Among those taking the field were disc jockey La Loca of radio station WBTP, 95.7 FM, and Tampa City Councilman Charlie Miranda.
The West Tampa squad was among teams that competed around the world for slots in the World Series, held Aug. 15-21 in Kirkland, Wash. The girls earlier had won as state junior champions before heading into the Southeastern regional games where they secured a spot in the World Series.
"These girls played so well together," said team manager Angel Lopez. "All the girls in the tournament should be congratulated. There is so much pressure on them before the game and during the game. They handled all of it like pros."
The team is awaiting a decision regarding the protest.
"This is about what is right and what is wrong," said Maggie Puentes, the West Tampa Little League president.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement