Shining light on unsung heroes of LLWS

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — At the Little League World Series (LLWS), you hear a lot about the players and coaches, but what about the unsung heroes from each of the 20 teams in the tournament? 28/22's Joe Garrison reports on the support of moms, dads, friends, and relatives behind each of the teams.

Every year at the LLWS in South Williamsport, it's a little bit different, but some things remain the same, and that is the support each team receives from their friends and family back home and their family members who make the trip.

Garrison spent some time with Team Canada, with some of the family members, and they told me how they are supporting their players out on the field.

"From the mom and dad perspective, it's been a lot of work, a lot of travel, a lot of commitment. It's been probably one of the best summers of our lives, so I wouldn't shade it for the world," Cruz's father, Jure Krpan, told 28/22 News.

"The summer has been probably hectic, chaotic, and a lot of fun. It has started on an eight-hour car ride to a nine-hour flight ride to a four-hour car ride to the happiest I've been in years," Connor's father, Chris Ross, explained.

"So much support from back home. My phone explodes every time the boys take the field, whether it's nationals, provincials, or their first game at the Little League World Series. Everyone we work with, that we play with, our families, our friends, everyone's rooting for them," Lauren Massel, Jacob's mother, said.

"I think they're doing fine. They played under a lot of high-pressure situations to get here. So, you know, our path wasn't easy. So I think they're used to the pressure. I think they're going to be just fine," Krpan continued.

"I hope that they realize that all the hard work, commitment, sacrifice that they've made to get here teaches them a lot of life lessons for their future and what they're going to achieve for themselves and the fun that they've had while under all the pressure," Massel added.

"This is going to be a big, grow-up opportunity, and we're already seeing it.So I think it's been a fantastic time, and they're making friends that they will have for the rest of their life. If there is a platform that someone can message us on, we're getting it. Whether it's Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Signal, WhatsApp, text message. I think my mother's phoned me about a million times. It's been great, and everyone back home is telling us, you know, it's appointment TV for them," Ross said.

"I think our memories are pretty special, but from the kids' perspective, I can imagine they're one of 240 kids that get to play at the Little League World Series, and that is a truly special club and alumni that they get to be a part of," Krpan stated.

Many of the family members say they are really enjoying this year's series and they're making plenty of memories and they're hoping that their players are doing the same, having a lot of fun, win or lose.

Canada played on Saturday and beat Australia four-nothing.