Little League champs return to cheers in Tampa

There were lots of high-fives and hugs at Tampa International Airport Sunday afternoon as about three dozen fans welcomed home the world champion Palma Ceia/Bayshore junior baseball team.

The team, made up of 13-, 14- and 15-year-olds from Palma Ceia and Bayshore Little Leagues, clinched the 2011 Junior League Baseball World Series Saturday, besting Chinese Taipei in a 2-1 victory in Taylor, Mich.

But the talk at the Tampa airport wasn't so much about innings or plays but parental pride.

"I don't think it's sunk in yet. It's been such a whirlwind. I'm so proud," said a beaming Mary Gayle Wessel, whose son, Trent, 14, is a right-fielder.

Wessel said she will never forget seeing Trent make two inning-ending catches during the tournament.

"It's that moment when your son shines," she said.

Dara Leslie, whose son Carter, 14, is a catcher and left-fielder, said the experience has been special because it was up to her son and his teammates to do all the work and make a commitment.

"It's really surreal that they made it all the way," she said.

"They always stayed focused."

For the boys, returning to Tampa meant not only bringing home a title – but also lessons unrelated to baseball.

"I learned to always be humble and never be too proud of what you do," said Carter Leslie, who dreams of one day playing for the University of Florida, and maybe even going pro.

The 13 teammates will start high school this week – with most set to attend Plant High School, though a handful is headed to Jesuit High School and Berkeley Preparatory School.

They'll get a few days to adjust and celebrate, but it will soon be time to hit the field again. All plan on playing high school baseball, and meetings with their coaches will begin this week.

As for the Palma Ceia/Bayshore leagues, the next crop of players will start practicing in two weeks, with their sights already set on the 2012 title.

"We'll be charging at the World Series again," said Scott Leslie, director of Palma Ceia Little League.