'It's rewarding, it's emotional, it's entertaining': Shorewood team making Little League history

 

SHOREWOOD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Twelve-year-olds in Shorewood are making Little League history after defeating Burlington for the state championship.

It's the first time Shorewood gets to represent Wisconsin in regional competition as they work toward the Little League World Series title.

"Yeah, well, sometimes I wake up and I think, 'Oh, it wasn't a dream,'" said Ty Clark, Shorewood All-Stars catcher.

Clark, like many on this All-Star team, has been playing baseball almost as long as he could walk.

"It's our last year playing in All-Stars," said Clark.

And that's why Clark says these 12-year-olds, and a few 11-year-olds, really gave it their all in the semifinals and finals.

"Bottom of the sixth, last inning, and then we kind of like started a rally and then we came back and walked them off. So that was — that was like one of the best feelings I've ever had," said Alex Douros, Shorewood All-Stars pitcher.

Alex Douros pitches for the team that calls themselves the Big Red Machine, coached by Tommy Vollman.

"I couldn't be happier and more proud of them and I think that the same goes for the community," said Tommy Vollman, Shorewood All-Stars head coach.

Arthur Ircink, Shorewood Village Trustee, commented, "This is just an absolutely incredible experience for Shorewood to go through. Shorewood for years, since I've been involved, has always been kind of the whipping boy for communities like White Fish Bay and Glendale."

Ircink has been documenting the team's progress, and plans to turn it into a documentary.

"Watching all that passion, all that energy, and all that hard work kind of come together for the big win that we had in Wausau," said Ircink.

"It's rewarding, it's emotional, it's entertaining to see them grow into young adults and have the successes they've had," said Vollman.

With less than a week until the Little League Midwest Regional Tournament, the team's putting in long hours at bat, and at home too.

"I'm taking swings off the tee every morning," said Clark.

Because even at 12, these boys know some things are worth fighting for, like a Little League World Series title.

"That would be probably one of the best moments of my life so far," said Douros.