Little League World Series: Hinsdale team falls short against Hawaii, will play again on Sunday

HINSDALE, Ill. (WLS) — A Hinsdale team was shut out in their first game at the Little League World Series on Friday, but it isn’t over yet!

There is plenty of pride on Friday night for the Hinsdale 12-and-under baseball team.

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Going 13-0 this season after winning the Great Lakes Region in a game against the kids from Jasper, Indiana, the Hinsdale players were in Williamsport to compete against a team from Hawaii.

“I wanted to win this since I was 7, or be here at least, but it would be really cool,” said player Dillon Phelan.

ABC7’s Ryan Chiaverini caught up with some of the players ahead of the big game.

“It’s just like amazing that we could make it this far, and it’s a dream since I was a kid,” said player Kellan Goodwin.

Ahead of Friday’s game, the team had outscored their opponents 405-25 since they teamed up when they were just 10 years old.

“I know that there’s a ton of people out there watching and depending on me, but also I get to show the talent that I have in front of everybody and prove that to everybody that I’m a really good baseball player and I can be with everybody,” said player Grant Wanless.

Friday was their first time, however, at the World Series.

“It has been amazing, the entire experience. The kids are having so much fun. I think it’s finally sinking in for all of us,” said Hinsdale Coach Chad Wanless.

The Hinsdale team will play again on Sunday, despite Friday’s loss.

Fellow Little Leaguers and fans who gathered for a watch party said the team’s journey to this coveted tournament is making Chicago proud.

Hinsdale Little League President Bill Jaqua said while the loss is a disappointing one, the boys are resilient, and it is that mentality that going to get them back up with a community ready to support.

“I played in Little League. Cooperstown was the farthest we got which is amazing so I can only imagine playing against the world,” said Fuller House Owner Sam Vlahos.

It is once-in-a-lifetime experience for the Hinsdale’s Little League 12-year-olds, but also for the community cheering them on.

Nearly 200 people showed up for the watch party at Fuller House.

“We walked around this morning, handing out banners with the kids to all the local restaurants and businesses and everyone’s all-in. It’s fun,” Jaqua said.

The players fought hard. Down in the bottom of the second inning, Hinsdale’s pitching started to heat up with two strikeouts to end the inning. But ultimately, it was not enough momentum to get the win.

“I’m sure there was some nerves. They got to work out. It’s a big spotlight for them,” Jaqua said. “Uphill battle, but they’re not done.”

As World Series first-timers, they are making an impact at home.

“It’s so cool watching them, older than us, and now, we know them,” said Little League player Brooks Jaqua.

The team is inspiring not just younger baseball players, but all kinds of athletes to dream big and keep going.

“I’m a hockey player, and I’m dreaming of playing in the Winter Olympics for the USA team,” said Hinsdale Athlete McCoy Myhra.

The series is a double-elimination tournament played through next weekend. It pits the winner of 10 U.S. regionals against the best of 10 international teams.

Hinsdale still has a chance to come back from this loss. Win or lose, their coach says he couldn’t be prouder of these young men.

“All we want is for those guys to be proud of how they played, and honestly to make the community and Chicagoland area and the state of Illinois proud of what we’re doing out here,” Wanless said.

The team will play again on Sunday.