A few months back, William wrapped up his first season in the Minors division of the local Little League in thrilling fashion: his team went on a tear at the end of the campaign, winning three out of four games in the end-of-season tournament to claim the championship. We have a giant pile of pictures to commemorate the occasion.

The championship was decided via a double-elimination tournament featuring the four teams in the AA division. William’s team had decent success during the regular season, finishing with a record of 8 wins and 5 losses. However, a number of those wins came against teams from another league: against the teams who would be competing in the tournament, they were a more pedestrian 5-5.

The team started the tournament strong, winning their first two games. This gave them chance to win it all in their third game, as the other team left standing had already suffered a loss. This team, the TinCaps, had been their nemesis all year: they had played them on three separate occasions and lost every time, by an average of more than five runs. This time, the matchup was close throughout; William’s team had a lead in the late innings, only to see it, and the game, slip through their fingers. Some calls didn’t go their way toward the end of the contest, which only added to everyone’s frustration.

This set them up for a do-or-die matchup three days later. The deciding game was a back-and-forth affair, with the TinCaps jumping out to an early lead, only for William’s team to charge ahead in the middle innings. Heading into the bottom of the sixth, however, the TinCaps were leading by a score of 8-7. The tension didn’t last long, though: the first two batters walked and advanced to second and third on wild pitches. They were brought home by a long single to right field, winning the game and the championship in dramatic fashion. The entire team erupted in delirious joy.

A on-field celebration followed, including a presentation of championship rings—William especially loved that part—and the kids ran the bases one last time in jubilation.

A couple weeks later, the team took the stage at the annual St. Christopher parish festival—most of the kids on the team go to school at St. Chris—to be fêted by the crowd.

William was thrilled with the way the season ended, of course, and he had a fantastic year overall. He took great strides in the field, and made several very nifty plays at third base. By the end of the season, he was starting to get more comfortable at the plate, though he was still somewhat apprehensive about getting hit by a pitch. As I write this, we’ve just received an email letting us know that Early Bird registration for next season has opened up, and William can’t wait for it to begin.

Gallery: League Champions