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The news made it to us in the states — the boys had won the European championship and they were heading to the Little League World Series.
After several moments doing the happy dance, I had a flashback: six years ago at Grand Forks Air Force base, my daughter was standing in right field, kicking the grass, flitting around in circles practicing her ballet moves. At the same time, around the diamond at third base stood a young boy, eyes fixed on the batter, in his ready position with strong determination to field the ball, whether it came at him in a line drive or a grounder. He knew he could field the ball.
Knowing he had applied that perseverance over the years, sharpening his skills, I could hardly wait to see him again, at his finest hour, on the baseball field with his friends from the KMC, or as they would quickly become known as “Team Europe.”
Team Europe was made up of a group of 13 young men and their coaches from Ramstein and the KMC who had successfully competed in the little league baseball arena around the European nations and had been victorious.
After winding through the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside, making the stretch through the Appalachian Mountains, we began the final leg of the trip. Upon reaching the top of the hill on Route 15, what emerged before our eyes was a sight that would be etched in our hearts forever: there were two baseball fields, well lit, surrounded by a beautiful countryside, reminiscent of the movie “Fields of Dreams.” As we drove closer to the complex, we could hear the clink of the aluminum bat making contact with the baseball. We had made it to the Little League World Series.
Beginning in 1947, the yearly tournament has invited the top 16 teams in the world to participate, touching the lives and hearts of millions of young men and their loved ones. Now it was Team Europe’s turn.
Upon entering the stadium, the overall excitement was contagious. There were food vendors selling hotdogs, Crackerjacks and cotton candy and shops to buy hats, T-shirts, pins, and baseballs. Players from various teams were trading team pins, as well as signing autographs.
As we approached the field where Team Europe would be playing, there were clearly marked sides, evidenced by what colors the fans were wearing. As we approached our team’s side, we could undoubtedly see there were parents and family members, friends and loved ones, some traveling from the states, but many traveling from overseas, all united in the color purple, representing our Team Europe. I could see an ESPN reporter and camera crew talking with our 13th player, fulfilling a dream of his own to be on ESPN. People were holding posters with names of players, while wearing buttons with pictures of their sons, all while cheering the team on during warm ups.
Next came the introductions of teams and players and the playing of the national anthems. As I stood there I felt a sense of pride welling up inside me. I realized the national anthem played for Team Europe was clearly “The Star Spangled Banner,” for this team had an allegiance to the U.S. Team Europe never lost sight that they were truly dedicated to representing the European countries in this tournament. They were Team Europe and would represent that title with pride.
As I began to look out into the faces of these young men, I could see the hope and determination. This group of young men had overcome the challenges set before them: facing seasons of their lives when a parent was deployed, the unique lifestyle that the military brings to a child with many moves in and out of the states, learning a new school system, making new friends on a regular basis, and perhaps even learning a new language.
In addition, coaches were forming a new team each season, resulting from the rotation of military and Department of Defense personnel. Over the past several years, the KMC has sent a few teams to the Little League World Series, however, there has not been a single game won since 1993. The first two games had been very challenging indeed, resulting in two losses for the team. Team Europe played against the Caribbean and Mexico. Despite the obstacles, our young men were more determined than ever to bring home a victory at the Little League World Series. They were not going to be denied a win.
There at third base, stood before me that same young man, in his ready position, eyes fixed on the batter. As my eyes scanned the diamond and into the outfield, I recognized that same look — the years of practice, hard work and perseverance were completely evident on the faces of these boys. They were ready to face the challenge set before them. They were ready to bring home a win for their team. After a couple of innings of back and forth play, both teams were hitting and placing runners on the bags. There was a series of difficult plays, the final out was made and the stadium erupted with shouts of joy. Fans began embracing each other, giving high fives. There was an outpouring of pride that was felt by the team, coaches, families and friends. By defeating Plymouth, Minn., 2-1, Team Europe had broken a long drought for this Germany club and demonstrated that dreams really can come true.
So with their heads held high, they were escorted off the field to the theme song from “Top Gun.” Our young men have made the journey to the Little League World Series and are leaving in victory. These young mavericks are our top guns. They have represented our military families, our country and the entire European nations with honor.
As they soar above the clouds to whatever destination the military leads them to next, with pride in their hearts, they are ready to face whatever challenges are thrown at them — no battle is too strong — these are our brave and mighty young men.
(Commentary by Cindy Bachinsky)
