Coon Rapids Community Gathers For Little League Team
COON RAPIDS, Minn. (WCCO) -- For the Coon Rapids Little League team, the path was simple Saturday.
Win, and they'd earn a trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. And even though the game was in Indianapolis, they had a lot of support back at home.
Inside the Shortstop Bar and Grill in Coon Rapids, it was a scene to rival a Vikings game day – every TV tuned to watch 12-year-olds play baseball.
"We're out to support our home town," said Thea Killeen, as she held a sign that said "Go Myles" in red marker. "Everyone's here, we're super excited, we've been making signs since 10 o'clock this morning here at the Shortstop."
If there's a way to measure how much community pride Coon Rapids has in its Little League team, the number of burgers and onion rings consumed at the Shortstop would be a pretty good start.
"Oh, it's an incredible opportunity," Killeen said. "Our town's been blessed with lots of baseball talent."
Taking on the team from Webb City, Missouri with a trip to the Little League World Series on the line, things did not get off to a good start for Coon Rapids. They gave up three runs in the first inning, then three more in the second, falling into a big early hole.
Webb City pushed their lead to 10-0 in the fourth, sending Coon Rapids to bat needing to score or the game would be over, on account of the 10-run rule.
It was not to be, as Webb City finished things off for a 10-0 win. But that discourage anyone inside the Shortstop.
"We're just really proud of our community, we're proud of the boys," Killeen said. "Great family. Really great family."
