Pioneers get warm welcome

CROSWELL — Members of the Croswell-Lexington softball team became shy when they had a microphone in their hands.

But a handful of girls off the 11- and 12-year-old Little League squad let a crowd of more than 600 fans Thursday night know how grateful they were for all the community support in their quest for a World Series title.

The Pioneers posted a 4-2 record and won the consolation game Wednesday afternoon in the 10-team World Series in Portland, Ore.

“It’s amazing how many people came here tonight,” said Courtney Farr, a left fielder. “I didn’t expect to see this big of a crowd.”

The team was picked up at Detroit Metro Airport by Preferred Charters in a 56-passenger bus. The company, owned by Mark Olsen of Port Huron, also took the team in a van to the airport for the trip to Oregon.

When the bus reached the Sanilac County line, the team was greeted by four police cars and two fire trucks for an escort.

“People were along Wildcat Road cheering on the team,” Croswell Chief David Hall said. “We made a loop through town, and there were probably 200 people out on the streets.

“This is great for the community.”

Superintendent Kevin Miller opened the middle school gym, where spectators filled the bleachers and stood against the walls.

The 10-player team, along with coaches Scott, Andy and Bob Young, received a long standing ovation from the crowd. Miller introduced each of the players and the coaches.

“Seventy-five countries, 35,000 players and Croswell, Michigan is third in the world,” Miller said.

Andy Young, who got emotional as he addressed the crowd, said he never expected the turnout he witnessed.

“I thought we would get a police escort into town,” Young said. “We would meet some people in the parking lot, jump in our cars and go home. 

“This is unbelievable.” 

Cros-Lex players were decked out in their green Central Regional uniforms.

“The closing ceremonies were nice,” said Alexis Frizzle, a right fielder. “We received third-place medals, a booklet with our picture in it, along with a booklet of all the teams in the tournament.

“It was a lot of fun and a great experience. I’ll be playing with the 11-12 team again next year and I want to go back.”

Lisa Bevins said her daughter, Taylor, had a chance to talk with father, Bill, on Thursday morning before they left Portland. Bill is stationed with the military in Iraq.

“Bill was so happy that he was able to follow the semifinal game through your (Times Herald) Web site,” said Lisa, who also has a 6-year-old son Mason. “He was getting up sometimes at 3 in the morning to watch the games. They are 10 hours ahead of us over there.

“It was a long day today traveling. The bus ride was nice because I was able to get some rest.”

Scott Young, who announced he was retiring after the consolation game, said it was an emotional reception for the girls, coaches and parents.

“Wow. These girls are touched deeply by what everybody has done for them,” Scott said. “There was some crying on the bus when they saw everybody lining the steets and holding up signs.

“They are a great group of young ladies, who are very dedicated and have worked extremely hard for this.”