East Side Little League World Series run ends, but West Chester community says kids "already won"

It was do-or-die in Williamsport for West Chester's East Side Little League Monday night. While the team lost 6-5 to Alabama, it was quite a run to make it to the Little League World Series. 

"You are one of the top 10 teams in the country to get there," David Bice said. "So you already won to get to Williamsport. Pretty amazing."

The young players showed zero nerves as they faced intense pressure on the big stage. 

"It's terrific. It's great," Dan Blickman of Radnor said. "It's wonderful to see them. I have always been fascinated by the Little League World Series."

Supporters at home cheered on the team at a watch party at Saloon 151 on West Gay Street.

"I am the umpire and chief of East Side Little League," Bice said. "I have known these kids for years, known the coaches for years. It's a dream for any baseball player, young baseball player, to get to that stage and they made it."

People who came out here Monday night say there was something special about seeing the young players live out their dreams, whether they win the whole thing or lose.

"Either way, win or lose, they are going to have fun and I am happy to see them represent West Chester," Liv Belfer said.

While it's not the way everyone wanted this to end, it's the excitement and the memories that will stay with the community after this once-in-a-lifetime experience.