Hometown proud

By DEVIN WEEKS

Staff Writer

COEUR d’ALENE — We watched them take charge and soar to victory in the Little League Baseball Northwest Regional in San Bernardino, Calif.

Our hearts swelled with pride as they made history when they represented North Idaho and competed against national and international teams in the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa.

Thursday evening, the Coeur d'Alene Little League 12U All-Stars champs finally got to hear our cheers in person as they triumphantly cruised Sherman Avenue and waved to adoring fans during their welcome home celebration.

"It's pretty fun to see how the whole town came out to see us," said second baseman Jake Dannenberg.

Jake said it was really fun traveling to the Little League World Series and making new friends.

"We got to meet a bunch of people that didn’t speak English, so we had to teach them,” he said.

"We're glad that the community's been able to support the team," said Jake's mom, Marliam. "A lot of this team has been together all three years, so it's good for their last year in Little League to have made it all the way to Pennsylvania."

Friends, family and many more stood on sidewalks and street corners, wearing Northwest team gear and roaring with pride as the boys and balloons rolled by.

Some of them even waved giant cardboard cutouts of their favorite players.

"Except that it’s a little creepy, it’s pretty cool," said a laughing Raini Cherry, mom of catcher Avrey Cherry and wife of Coach Sean Cherry, while holding up an oversized cutout of their son's face.

"I’m so happy for them. They worked so hard for all of this. This has been years in the making and these boys have worked and dreamed for this for a long time," she said. "It's really heartwarming the amount of community support we've had throughout the whole venture. It’s really wonderful."

Rolling behind the 12U All-Stars in another decorated truck was the 10U All-Stars team.

Coeur d'Alene mom Cody Swanson said her son, Hunter Chambers, the 10U All-Stars catcher, has been inspired by the elder Little League team.

"It's just such a huge accomplisment for those 12U boys,” she said. "The organization is just so great to be a part of. Hunter now has all these wants and ambitions and this gives him something to work for and work harder and to play better and get there. Now they want to follow in the 12U’s footsteps."

"I'm just happy," Hunter said, adding that when he watched the 12U All-Stars on ESPN, "I was trying to picture myself being there."

The All-Stars players signed autographs and received many congratulations from those who gathered in the parking lot of the Coeur d'Alene Carousel after the parade. Medals dangled around their necks and their smiles stretched from ear to ear.

"You know, I got into coaching to help little kids. I love the game of baseball," coach Cherry said. "This really shows you the power of what baseball can do for a community. Really in any team sport, but especially baseball, everyone sees the passion and the sportsmanship.

"I'm just glad that we represented ourselves well," he continued. "I'm so proud of the community, so proud of the kids. It's a great way to end summer. This is a really nice celebration of family and baseball."