Delaware team preps for Little League World Series

In the Little League World Series’ 67 year history, only two Delaware teams have ever made it to South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

This past weekend, Newark National Little League defeated the Lionville Little League of Pennsylvania to win the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship, earning the team a spot in the Little League World Series.

The Newark National team traveled to Williamsport Monday and will spend up to ten days competing against both international and U.S. teams.

Newark National Manager John Ludman said he hopes the team will take away a “hard work pays off” attitude from the experience.

“We really just want them to understand that all the hard work that they put into this whole season, which has gone on the last four months now, does pay dividends and we want them to continue to work hard,” said Ludman.

Newark National will have three days of practice beginning today. The team will participate in a parade through downtown Williamsport on Wednesday evening.

Ludman explained how much responsibility comes with making it all the way to the Little League World Series.

“For 11 and 12 year old kids it’s a real growing up experience,” he said. “They’ve had to take responsibility for things they’ve never had to do before. They’ve had to make their bed, be on time and get up by themselves. A lot of these kids have had to do a lot of things that maybe mom or dad does for them and we’re holding them accountable and responsible. It’s really great from a non-baseball stand point.”

In addition to being a growing up experience, this is also a once in life time opportunity for the players.

“For all the kids it’s a dream come true. Every little kid who plays baseball wants to go to Williamsport and be in the Little League World Series,” Ludman said.

The Newark National will play their first game on Friday at 8 p.m. against the Midwest Regional champion from Urbandale, Iowa.