The summer of 2011 will be one they will likely never forget.
Those are the feelings of Colby Ring.
“It has been a good ride for us,” said Ring, speaking on behalf of his teammates.
“We are going to look back at this when we are older and say, ‘Wow, that is unbelievable.’
“It is every kid’s dream to go to the World Series.”
Ring and his Langley All-Stars teammates were honoured on Sept. 1 at City Park.
The team of 11, 12 and 13-year-olds represented Canada at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. in late August. They are just the second team from Langley Baseball ever to do so.
“Everything stands out, but the most is Chinese Taipei,” Ring said. “That is the first time Canada has ever beat them.”
The victory was a huge upset as Canada was 0-16 life-time against Chinese Taipei.
Canada went 2-2 at the tournament, being eliminated by Japan. Japan won the International Division and lost to California in the World Series final.
On hand at the celebration were City Mayor Peter Fassbender and Township Mayor Rick Green, Minister of Sport Ida Chong, MP Mark Warawa, councillors for both the City and Township, Tourism Langley and Linda Hansen, the District 3 baseball administrator.
MLA Mary Polak was represented by her assistant.
The speakers all raved about just how proud they were of the team.
“I see what sport does not only for the community, but for the individual,” Chong said. “It brings people together.”
“You were all dignitaries when you were at the World Series,” Warawa said. “You represented our community and country (and) you did it with honour, with hard work.
“You would not have gotten as far as you did without working together as a team.
“That is one of those life lessons that Minister Chong spoke about.
“This is a memory that will be with you for the rest of your life.”
The mayors unveiled a Canadian championship banner behind home plate and the team has been invited to attend the Township council meeting on Sept. 19, where they will receive certificates.
The team’s coaching staff raved about the players’ dedication, spending virtually every day on the ball diamond since the middle of June.
Not many kids their age would consent to having pasta and veggies every night for dinner and giving up all of their free time.
“We pushed them hard … and they grew,” said coach Jason Andrew. “The coaching staff couldn’t be more proud. They did a fantastic job.”
“It has been a roller coaster ride,” he added. “We had our ups and downs and the team has managed to get through our downs and grow as a team.
“That kind of sums it up: this team was solid and never gave up.”
The losses — Langley lost games along the way at districts, provincials and nationals before bouncing back — tested the team’s response to adversity.
“The negative downswings of some of those losses and adversity made this team stronger and to the point they came fifth in the world and beat Chinese Taipei,” Andrew said. “Without that adversity, I don’t think they would have done that (but) they learned from their mistakes.”
Team manager Dean Cantelon was amazed at the team’s maturity and effort all summer.
“You couldn’t imagine the tension and pressure that was put on these boys once we put on the Team Canada jersey,” he said.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the boys as to how they handled themselves during the event.
“It truly has been an honour to be a part of this team and there are memories and experiences that I will never forget.”
Cantelon also made sure to thank the players’ parents and siblings.
“They made a lot of sacrifices to support the boys all the way to the World Series,” he said.
“To the parents, thanks for lending us your kids and giving us your summer.”
