Lexington baseball team heads to Little League World Series, raising money for trip

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Every baseball player dreams of one day making it to the World Series. For these Lexington ball players, that dream is coming true this month.

“To see them start at wee ball at four years old, and now at ten years old being able to be on the biggest stage that they can be, with 25 teams from across the world, it’s incredible,” said South Lexington 10U Red head coach Donnie Gillespie.

South Lexington 12U Red and South Lexington 10U Red are heading to the Cal Ripken World Series.

Saturday, Gillespie’s team hosted a carwash and raffle to help fund their trip.

“We’re appreciative of everybody that has taken time and effort and ultimately their money as well to help support these young men. They have a dream. They’re accomplishing their goals as they go,” said Gillespie.

For Gillespie and the 12U Red team coach Austin Kearns, this won’t be the first trip to the Little League World Series.

“Him and I were teammates on the very first South Lexington team to win a World Series in 1992. Him and I both pitched for that team, hit three and four, we grew up together,” said Gillespie.

Twenty years later, Gillespie is heading back to the World Series. This time instead of taking the pitcher’s mound, he’ll be stepping into the coach’s box. Now, he has some words of wisdom for his team.

“Everything we do we do together. So, we have a team goal, and I need you to enjoy it and focus on it. But also take all in the experience because you never know if you’re gonna get back,” said Gillespie.

Both teams will have a send-off Monday night at 6 p.m. at Shillito Park.

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