‘This place is awesome:’ Lake Mary All-Stars gearing up for World Series run

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The 12 players from the Lake Mary All-Stars have been soaking in the once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Little League World Series.

News 6 anchor Justin Warmoth stopped by practice Tuesday ahead of their first game against Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Wednesday at 7 p.m.

“This place is awesome,” Teraj Alexander said. “My favorite part of the experience so far is probably all of the teams we’re getting to meet and learning their different languages.”

Teraj, a pitcher and first baseman on Lake Mary, has also enjoyed the beautiful 70-degree weather in Williamsport, especially during practice.

“We’ve had more of a breeze while we’ve been practicing,” the 12-year-old said. “I feel like practicing up here has been a little better than when we were back home.”

The team has been practicing twice a day since they arrived in Williamsport last week to make sure they’re ready for Wednesday night’s game at Lamade Stadium, but coach Jonathan Anderson said the boys have had a blast during their down time together.

“In between practices and lunch and all the schedules they have set up for us, they have their time to wiffle ball, to play on the sports court, to interact with the other teams and to just interact with each other,” Anderson said. “It’s enjoying for us coaches to see them bond with each other and laugh with each other and just having fun.”

At the Little League World Series, every team stays in dorm-style barracks. Anderson said the unique setting has been great for team bonding, even though getting everyone to sleep can be a little bit of a challenge.

“There are some kids who like to go to bed early and there are some kids who are a little excited and like to stay up late,” he said. “But they’re coming together as one and getting on the same schedule.”

Anderson said he won the coin toss and chose to be the away team Wednesday night, which means Lake Mary will hit first and hopefully set the tone early. His son, Chase, is the lead-off hitter.

“It’s going to be a magical moment,” Anderson said. “Hopefully we come out firing on all cylinders.”

“We’re pretty excited,” Teraj added. “It’s going to be a big crowd to play in front of and it’s just going to be really fun and a cool experience.”

The team is set to participate in the World Series parade on Tuesday.

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