A grinning Curt Gilbert couldn’t contain his excitement.
His boys of summer continue to amaze.
The Auburn Little League All-Stars are playing in the World Series, a feat that no cast of young baseball players from the city has ever accomplished.
“They’re 11 tremendous players, fine boys with great parents,” Gilbert said outside his small business on West Main Street, Harold’s Plumbing. “I am proud. What a wonderful opportunity … it’s a special time for these boys.”
Gilbert, who was an all-star for the Louie Shell Station-sponsored team more than 40 years ago, is now one of the Little League team’s biggest backers. His grandson, Isaiah Hatch, belongs to an explosive-hitting Auburn team that arrives at Williamsport, Pa., on a 15-game winning streak.
Auburn, which has outscored its opponents 73-11 in six regional romps, will open pool play against Fairfield, Conn., the New England Regional champion, at 10 a.m. today (ESPN). Auburn is one of eight regional champions in the 16-team, 10-day tournament. The field includes eight champions from other countries.
“We’re taking a one-game-at-a-time approach. We don’t look for tomorrow,” said Steve Byorick, whose son, Hudson, has played a major role in the team’s drive to Williamsport. “We haven’t got caught up in the hype or all the media attention.
“This is huge,” Byorick said. “Nobody gave this team a shot to get out of district … but we got through it and won regionals. It has been (a whirlwind), but it’s been fun.”
Auburn’s latest triumph was a 13-3 pasting of Boise, Idaho, for the Northwest Regional title in San Bernardino, Calif., last Saturday, capping off a dominating weeklong performance.
While the All-Star players and coaches have remained on the road – they went directly from Southern California to Pennsylvania this week – the city of Auburn has turned giddy over the Green Machine.
Joe Mahoney, owner of The Sports Page, expects a good crowd to visit his bar come first pitch today. He understands the significance of a local Little League team making it this far. Mahoney recalls when the all-stars from Saugus, Mass., next to his hometown of Malden, reached the U.S. final back in 2003.
“It was a big deal for the city. They had a parade for the team,” Mahoney recalled. “We’re all real excited for this team. We hope they go all the way.”
Auburn comes into the tournament with solid pitching and outstanding hitting.
“It’s pretty impressive how they have played,” Gilbert said. “Not just one player has dominated. They’re an 11-man team. They play (with heart).”
Gilbert’s glee can be seen in his face and also at his business. He has decorated the outside with green and gold balloons and posters of winning box scores from Auburn’s regional winning spree. Inside, a large flat-screen TV, tuned to ESPN, adorns a wall.
Gilbert has sponsored youth baseball teams for 20 years. He remains a big fan and a loyal businessman. When he bought Harold’s Plumbing in January 2009, he kept the name and its long ties to established clientele. The business has been serving customers since 1951.
Staying true to his roots and his team, Gilbert couldn’t be more proud of the all-stars.
“I’ve watched these kids grow up in different sports around here for about five years now,” he said. “It’s just a pleasure to see them play. They all enjoy playing together, and you can see that on the field.”
The success of the team can be traced to the community’s strong support for its gifted athletes.
“It’s the dedication of the volunteers, the people on the (Auburn Little League) board and in the community,” Byorick said.
Auburn is poised for a good showing. Byorick likes the team’s chances, as does a city turned Little League crazy.
“The coaches have done a good job of keeping the players focused, grounded and relaxed,” Byorick said. “They are well-rounded kids who have a good time being together. These kids are pretty focused at the task at hand. They know it’s special.”
