They grew up watching baseball players from all over the world play in the Little League World Series.
Now these children from the Brookfield area have the chance to participate in the global event themselves.
The Elmbrook U-12 Little League stars won the state championship on July 30.
Then they head to Indiana to play in the Great Lakes Regional. They face Michigan on Sunday August 8. This game will be broadcast on ESPN +.
Only two of the Great Lakes Regional’s six teams will travel to Williamsport, Pa., To face the nation’s top teams.
“It’s really amazing to be able to say to our friends ‘watch us on ESPN’ because it’s a feeling that few kids can get,” said Jacob Brunner, pitcher and outfielder for the team.
Assistant coach Brian Mitchell knew they had a special team from the start of the pool game.
The first game was a hit. The second game went off without a hitch. And the third was a perfect match.
The team did not allow a run in the pool game.
“We kind of all looked at each other like, wow, something cool is going on here,” Mitchell said.
It all came together when they beat Glendale 5-2 to win the State Championship.
“Just the feeling that this latest outing is happening to the state, and the kids just ran and clashed,” Mitchell said.
“A lot of them grew up watching the Little League World Series on TV, and this year they’re on those teams, so it’s a really cool experience for all of them,” Mitchell said.
This marks the first time that the Elmbrook All-Star Team, made up of thirteen 12-year-olds from Brookfield and Elm Grove, have won the State Championship.
And this is the last chance many of these players will have to play for the Little League World Series.
“This is the last chance for us to go to the regional and for us to do all of this because next year we will be too old and I think it’s super special that this is the last chance we have to. do it, “said Jameson Braatz, a receiver for the team. “It’s just a great opportunity”
Connor Mitchell, the team’s third baseman and pitcher, said he has played baseball his entire life. His favorite player is Willy Adames from the hometown of the Milwaukee Brewers.
He especially looks forward to being with his friends and teammates in the coming days and hopefully the weeks.
“I think it’s going to be super fun spending time with the team at the hotel, playing video games and going to the pool, and also playing baseball,” said Connor.
“It’s going to be a fun time and I don’t want it to end,” he added.
Jacob said the key to success for the team is playing good defense.
Connor said the team also had great camaraderie.
“We’re kind of like another family. We really stand up, we don’t put ourselves down,” Connor said.
Mitchell is also impressed with the character of the team.
“They all bring something special to the table. They really work as a team. They encourage each other, they support each other,” he said.
“It’s a unique collection of boys and we’re just thrilled that we can work together but also represent Wisconsin.”
How to watch them
Elmbrook’s first game is Sunday August 8 at noon on ESPN +. All regional matches will be broadcast on ESPN +.
Full support can be found online.
A farewell rally is scheduled for the team at 9 a.m. on Friday August 6 at Mitchell Park, 3600 Mitchell Park Drive, Brookfield.
Evan Casey can be reached at 414-403-4391 or [email protected]. Follow him on twitter @ecaseymedia.
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