cjcj
New member
Chandler enjoys the good life
Richard Obert
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 13, 2007 10:17 PM
The royal treatment has begun for Chandler National's All-Stars.
These 12- and 13-year-olds have been in Williamsport, Pa., since Monday, even though their first Little League World Series game isn't until Saturday.
They're being housed in the village on the national Little League headquarters grounds.
They're being interviewed by ESPN, chaperoned, made to feel like big-league players.
With Chandler schools already in session, they could be gone until Aug. 27, when, upon their return, they can expect red-carpet treatment from the city.
Last year, the Ahwatukee community held a parade in honor of its Little Leaguers who won the West Region and advanced to play in the Little League World Series.
The competition isn't as great as what many of these kids experience on the travel-ball circuit, but there is no comparison to the stage. Every game Chandler National plays will be on national television. Postgame interviews are conducted in a media room.
These are life-lasting memories that caused Chandler National catcher Connor Woods to re-evaluate Little League after not playing it last summer.
"You can't beat it," said Mike Woods, Connor's father, who is the head baseball coach at Chandler Hamilton High. "My son didn't play Little League last year, just travel ball.
"I remember all the kids talking about Ahwatukee's Little League team. The other boys said, 'Can we play Little League next year?' I said, 'Of course you can.' That's why we joined. He wanted to have a shot at this. It happened."
But it's not exactly a given you'll get to Williamsport, even for the most elite player.
"It's like buying a lottery ticket," Mike Woods said. "We were happy (with Connor) just making the team. You hope you get picked for the team."
Chandler National will be part of the opening ceremonies Friday, when all 16 teams from around the world march into the main stadium, holding their flags.
There are two United States pools with four teams in each, and there are two international pools with four teams in each.
Chandler National will play three pool games. The top two teams from each of the four pools advance to the U.S. and international semifinals.
The title game is Aug. 26 on ABC.
"It feels real good," manager Jeff Parrish said after beating Southern California's Solana Beach 7-3 Saturday for the West Regional title.
"We're a little in shock right now."
Richard Obert
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 13, 2007 10:17 PM
The royal treatment has begun for Chandler National's All-Stars.
These 12- and 13-year-olds have been in Williamsport, Pa., since Monday, even though their first Little League World Series game isn't until Saturday.
They're being housed in the village on the national Little League headquarters grounds.
They're being interviewed by ESPN, chaperoned, made to feel like big-league players.
With Chandler schools already in session, they could be gone until Aug. 27, when, upon their return, they can expect red-carpet treatment from the city.
Last year, the Ahwatukee community held a parade in honor of its Little Leaguers who won the West Region and advanced to play in the Little League World Series.
The competition isn't as great as what many of these kids experience on the travel-ball circuit, but there is no comparison to the stage. Every game Chandler National plays will be on national television. Postgame interviews are conducted in a media room.
These are life-lasting memories that caused Chandler National catcher Connor Woods to re-evaluate Little League after not playing it last summer.
"You can't beat it," said Mike Woods, Connor's father, who is the head baseball coach at Chandler Hamilton High. "My son didn't play Little League last year, just travel ball.
"I remember all the kids talking about Ahwatukee's Little League team. The other boys said, 'Can we play Little League next year?' I said, 'Of course you can.' That's why we joined. He wanted to have a shot at this. It happened."
But it's not exactly a given you'll get to Williamsport, even for the most elite player.
"It's like buying a lottery ticket," Mike Woods said. "We were happy (with Connor) just making the team. You hope you get picked for the team."
Chandler National will be part of the opening ceremonies Friday, when all 16 teams from around the world march into the main stadium, holding their flags.
There are two United States pools with four teams in each, and there are two international pools with four teams in each.
Chandler National will play three pool games. The top two teams from each of the four pools advance to the U.S. and international semifinals.
The title game is Aug. 26 on ABC.
"It feels real good," manager Jeff Parrish said after beating Southern California's Solana Beach 7-3 Saturday for the West Regional title.
"We're a little in shock right now."
