The Chaires-Capitola Little League 12U All-Stars returned home Monday to a hero’s welcome after making history with the program’s first World Series run in the Little League Baseball Southeast Region tournament.
Players, coaches and families were greeted at their home park following a memorable week in the eight-team, double-elimination tournament in Warner Robins, Georgia.
Representing Tallahassee on one of youth baseball’s biggest stages, Chaires-Capitola opened the tournament with back-to-back victories before seeing its season come to an end with consecutive losses. The team fell to Alabama in the semifinals on Sunday in a game televised nationally on ESPN, then was eliminated by Tennessee on Monday morning.
“I think it will take a couple of days to really sink in but like I said to them, I’m super proud of them,” Chaires’ baseball coach Aleck Del Prado told the Tallahassee Democrat.
“They played amazing baseball all summer long, and it was great competition up there in the Southeast, and we couldn’t be more proud.”
The All-Stars finished the regional tournament with a 2-2 record, earning one of the deepest postseason runs in league history and showcasing their talent against some of the Southeast’s top teams.
While the journey ended one win short of a spot in the championship game, the team’s unprecedented regional appearance and pair of victories provided a milestone moment for Chaires-Capitola Little League and a source of pride for the Tallahassee community.
The outpouring of Tallahassee support has been amazing, Del Prado said.
“The whole city and obviously the cherished families… and support across the state has been amazing. A lot of other teams have reached out with messages and support, so we’re greatly appreciated.”
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Chaires-Capitola gets heroes’ welcome after Little League World Series run
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
