Massapequa Coast falls to Hawaii in first Little League World Series game

CBS2’s Andrea Grymes was there as the Massapequa community geared up Friday afternoon for a watch party at Burns Park to cheer on their hometown team, one of just 10 United States teams in the Little League World Series.

From the famous All American Hamburger Drive In to Sal’s Meat Market, Massapequa Coast Little League pride was on full display with Massapequa residents and businesses cheering on the first Long Island team to make it to the World Series since the ’70s.

“Pretty exciting for the kids and exciting for the neighborhood. It really put Massapequa on the map, so to speak,” Massapequa resident Ed Cannon said.

“Everybody’s excited. Well-deserved,” Massapequa resident Jane Whearty said.

Last week, in a nationally televised game, Massapequa Coast beat Toms River, punching their ticket to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where the World Series takes place.

The 12-year-old boys have traded in their blue-and-gold uniforms for orange-and-black, now representing the Metro region on the world stage.

“We’re thrilled to be here. This is like a dream come true for a lot of kids,” Massapequa Coast assistant coach Brian Bekiers said.

A dream for the kids and the adults, says Bekiers. He credits the team’s chemistry for getting them this far.

“Parents are freaking out. I got some butterflies. These kids are gonna play in front of 20,000 people today and you wouldn’t even know it. They just wanna play baseball,” he said.

Back at home, fans are hoping they go all the way.

Once Bitten Donuts in Massapequa Park is selling special orange-and-black donuts in honor of the team.

“It is great. The whole community is really coming out to celebrate these kids. They’re doing an awesome job,” employee Catherine Logozzo said.

“It’s amazing how a group of 12-year-olds playing baseball can just bring so many people together,” Bekiers said.

They take on Hawaii starting at 7 p.m. Double elimination — 10 U.S. teams and 10 international teams. The winner of the U.S. championship will play the international winner for the big title.