Boerne’s path to LLWS helps it stand out more
Trending
Boerne Little League made history two years ago, capturing its first state championship and reaching the Little League World Series.
In reaching the Series again this year, this latest Boerne team carved out another niche, both back home and at the Southwest Regional. Call them the Comeback Kids because these Boerne all-stars became the first in Southwest history to win the championship after dropping its first regional game there.
Any team reaching the Series is impressive. The way that Boerne did so will help it stand out even more now.
"I wasn't even aware until one of the dads messaged me and said do you realize this is the first time that's ever happened at the Southwest Region? It goes back to how they handle adversity so well," said former Boerne Little League president Chris Carey whose term just ended last July 31. "Whenever something happens, they just come back stronger."
That Southwest Region run proved it. Actually, Boerne had already proven it at states, avenging a loss to Lubbock Western, winning its next three games and sweeping two from Lubbock, 6-4 and 3-0 for the title.
Still, what it did at regionals really illustrated that this team has a tremendous will to match its elite skill. It was a rough start at Waco as defending Southwest champion Richmond, Texas defeated Boerne, 10-3. Instead of growing discouraged, Boerne grew hungrier and again elevated its performance, winning three straight games and defeating Louisiana, 4-1 for the championship.
"The way they handle adversity has been really special with this group," Carey said. "They lost a game at states and came back with the force and determination and said, 'We're going to win this thing.' At regionals it was the same thing."
"None of those kids got down. They rallied and knew it was win or go home," Boerne mayor Frank Ritchie said. "The kids buckled down and rallied up and showed up. Kudos to the kid and coaches for having that determination and grit."
Boerne thundered back and never again trailed at regionals before making its return trip to Lamade Stadium Friday. The Southwest champions battered Mississippi, 10-0, avenged the Richmond loss with a 3-2 win and played a near-flawless game against Louisiana.
It's often not the loss which defines a player or team, but how they respond. Boerne did so like champions. Again.
"I think that lit a fire under them," Ritchie said. "The next several games they rallied the bats; rallied the defense and the kids lifted each other up. They have some really tough players and some really good players on that team."
"They lost that first game and it's like there is something that sparks and you can just see the determination," Carey said. "It's like, 'We're down, so let's come back.'"
Boerne Little League does not have an official team mascot. If it did, the goldfish seems most appropriate.
Philosophical legend Ted Lasso may have said it best: "You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It's a goldfish. It's got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish."
Boerne's players have embraced that lesson, whether it be after a loss; falling behind in a game or after a bad play, pitch or at-bat. Of course, this is an immensely talented team, but so are so many throughout Texas and the Southwest. The ability to move on to the next play so often is crucial at any level of sports, especially at the youth level.
Boerne being able to do just that has made a monster difference between playing at or watching the Series. Embracing their inner-goldfish has enabled these players to snare some of the country's biggest fish.
"Once the team was selected, that buzz started. You could sense that feeling starting to kick in that this team could do something special," Carey said. "This team is scrappy; they're strong, and they work together."
In that way, the Boerne Little Leaguers well-represent their town. So, it's no surprise that even after that regional loss, hopes remained high throughout Boerne.
"They lost that first game and none of the town lost that buzz," Ritchie said. "They were just as excited as before. They knew they could come back and win it."
That excitement throughout Boerne continues. The all-stars made a brief stop home following regionals and fans lined the streets during a send-off parade. Again, Boerne has captured the eyes of its town and those of Texas.
Yet, because the players were home such a short time, they might not yet grasp how big their achievements are. However, they soon will. Carey said the honors and appearance requests went on for four months following Boerne's run to the U.S. Final in 2024.
The first day, the team came home following that journey; a parade was held. Carey expected a few hundred would turn out. Instead, it was more than 5,000. Whatever happens at South Williamsport, expect similar numbers this time.
"The community support and how many people are behind them on this journey is something special. When they came back in 2024, I spoke at the parade and said, 'Look at the audience. These people are here for you,'" Carey said. "They're not here to listen to me speak or anyone else. It's all about you. The whole community is behind them. We believed in them and we believe in this team. It's all about the community and celebrating what these kids have accomplished."
Any success is achieved the hard way. It's just that this Boerne team earned it the really hard way.
Goldfish have short memories. The memories Boerne's all-stars have created will last a lifetime.
"It's an amazing achievement," Ritchie said. "It's just a great team and a great organization run well by great volunteers, great coaches and great leaders in our community."