On August 7 a team of 14 boys from Danville and Alamo became the World Champions at the Little League Intermediate World Series.
The journey began in February as the Diablo Kings Little League team played their regular season, led by Head Coach Matt Hill. In the regular season they lost their first game. The players, most of who play on travel ball teams during the off-season, were not used to the Intermediate sized field used for their age level, which is between a Little League sized field and a regular sized field. The team had some work to do, and they worked hard. They finished the regular season 10-2, averaging about 14 runs each game. Then in June the post season began.
They became the District 57 champions, after playing a double-elimination style tournament against other Bay Area All-star teams.
The Intermediate 50/70 World Series, which has been in existence since 2013, takes place in Livermore, CA and consists of six U.S. teams and six international teams. After a week of games that began on July 31, the Danville team made it to the top of the U.S. division by beating Hawaii 5-0. South Korea beat Puerto Rico in the International Division final game, setting the stage for Danville and South Korea to play for the title.
“Our pitcher Jacob Quinto was very calm and poised,” said Assistant Coach Dan Lynch. “That inspired everyone to play well.”
Danville scored one run in each of the first four innings against a really tough South Korea pitcher. Then in the 6th inning South Korea had a 2-run home run. At that point in the tournament, Danville had only given up two runs all week. But in the end, Danville won the game 5-2. “We scored runs in lots of creative ways; we pitched well and played amazing defense,” said Lynch.
Matt Hill, Head Coach added, “We set out to shock the world, and that’s exactly what these young men did. They seized their moment in the spotlight. Every big moment they were ready and never wilted under the lights. I think that reflects the personality and heart of this town, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
In a true show of sportsmanship, the boys celebrated their win with the kids from the other teams. Davis Lynch said, “a highlight was dancing with the South Korea team in the hotel courtyard after the game.” Gavin McMillan added, “It was really fun making new friends with people from international places like South Korea, Australia, Netherlands and even Curaçao. We’ve found ways to keep in touch since meeting even though we don’t speak the same language.”
“It was a great experience and one that I won’t forget,” echoed Preston Pera.
Congratulations to our World Champion Danville Intermediate Little League players and coaches!