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Lewisberry parents reach to the World Series

They’re the team playing ball in their own backyard.

That introduces an element to Mid-Atlantic Region champion Red Land Little League parents’ lives that the other parents in the World Series don’t face, such as driving back and forth between home, in Lewisberry, and Williamsport for games.

“I’ve been traveling back and forth. My daughter just started her first day of high school,” said Tracey Wisman, mom to outfielder Jarret Wisman.

It’s made it difficult for Wisman to keep a routine at home. She was excited that she had the chance to mow the lawn on Tuesday.

Carmella Walter, mother of third baseman Camden Walter, has had to balance work and being here for the games, but she said her employer has been supportive.

“Due to work, I have to drive back and forth, but the plan is to stay for the weekend, regardless,” she said. “Work has been awesome. They donated the buses for everyone to come up (Wednesday).”

Dad Kevin Wirt had a similar experience with his employer to make it up to Williamsport to support his son, second baseman Bailey Wirt.

“I’m working when I can and driving back and forth. I’ve done half days on game days,” Wirt said.

Of course, there is the worry that all parents have before the games, but it’s balanced out by seeing their children achieve their dreams.

“All us moms, we’re a nervous wreck,” Walter said. “But it’s definitely a dream they’ve dreamed of for a long time. It’s nice to come watch them play.”

Support from home has been overwhelming.

Wisman said that her family’s church has put out a sign from the team and her son’s school had a pep rally and shared it on Twitter. The school also has been good about her son missing school, she said.

Perhaps no better example of community support exists than the sea of red T-shirts that have flooded the complex during every Red Land game.

It’s been hard to stay in communication with their children while they’ve been here. With a text here and there from their sons, the parents have had to follow what’s going on with the boys on television, and that’s been a surreal experience, but no one is complaining.

“They’re definitely superstars, but they’re handling it well,” Wirt said. “It’s amazing just to sit back and watch.”

“I think moms glow on the radar,” Walter said with a laugh. “We text. I’ve gotten a few calls, but they’re on a tight schedule. But when you do see them, they always have a smile on their faces. I DVR every game.”

The parents even have experienced a small portion of the TV exposure the kids have had.

Wisman said she received a flood of text messages Sunday night when she was shown on television during the game.

“One of the texts was from my hair dresser, saying my hair looked on point,” she laughed.

Even in the national spotlight, the parents say the kids are handling themselves well.

“It’s maturing them. They are working more as a team,” Wisman said. “It’s matured my son. I’d like to see what he’s like when he comes home.”

“They’ve handled it really well. They’re pretty loose but then at a game, they’re all business. I haven’t heard of any issues. They’re grateful,” Walter said.

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