December isn't for another four months, but it certainly feels like the season for receiving gifts as far as the Peabody Little League all-star team is concerned.
"It's like Christmas in August here," said Peabody West coach Danny Marchese joked, talking about all the good stuff the Peabody West players and coaches have been getting since they arrived in Williamsport, Pa., Monday for the Little League World Series.
The 16-team tournament to determine the world's best Little League team doesn't begin until Friday; Peabody West will take on San Antonio, Texas, at 8 p.m. The locals represent the New England region, one of eight squads from the United States. The other eight teams represent nations from around the globe.
One of the biggest hits for the Peabody West players are the team's new uniforms for the World Series. They've traded in their navy blue, white and red tops and baseball pants for cranberry uniforms with silver trim and "New England" across the front.
"Our New England uniforms are pretty sharp," Marchese said. "We have to give them back, but they order exact replicas with the kids' numbers on them for the parents to buy. All the catchers get chest protectors, and ours says "New England" on it.
"We've been told the coaches and managers will get new shoes, golf shirts, and pants, so we'll all be outfitted the same. I guess they want everybody looking sharp for television."
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Following their victory in the New England Regionals over the weekend, Peabody West's bus left Bristol, Conn., at 9:30 Monday morning and rolled into Williamsport, Pa., around 3:30 that afternoon.
The first thing Little League officials did was measure each Peabody West player for a uniform. Then came the introductions, head shots, and player interviews for ESPN. By the time that business was taken care of, it was time for dinner.
Yesterday morning started with an early breakfast and 10 a.m. practice. After that, the team met with representatives from sporting manufacturers and were given bats, helmets and cleats, which are theirs to keep.
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The support from home has been overwhelming. Marchese said he and manager Dave Batchelor received well over 100 voice and text messages within 24 hours of winning the New England championship — and they're still coming in. "It's been fantastic," said Marchese.
"Dave and I took a walk around and looked at Lamade Stadium (in Williamsport) where the games are played. We still can't believe we're really here — one of the best 16 teams in the world," he added. "The busses kept coming in bringing the different teams all Monday night, and people were there to greet them."
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Teams are divided into groups of four to share a dormitory. Peabody West is housed with KMC American Little Leaguers from Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, the European entry; Asia-Pacific representative Kuei-Shan from Taoyuan, Chinese Tapei; and Mercer Island, Wash., the Northwest team.
"We've been talking to the kids from those teams, but I don't think the kids from Asia speak English," said Peabody catcher Traverse Briana.
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Players are keeping busy and still getting used to the fact they are really in the World Series.
"It's wicked fun here," said Briana. "We can't wait for the games to start."
Austin Batchelor, who will be on the mound for Peabody's opener Friday, is also looking forward to playing, but figures the team will benefit from the brief five-day layoff.
"I think we need this rest because we've been playing an awful lot of games lately," said the talented pitcher/shortstop.
