The march to Little League World Series glory ended in defeat for the Walpole Americans yesterday, but the players have gained indelible memories from their incredible run.
"It's all about the kids," said coach Wayne Oberacker, whose son Brian manages the Walpole American 12-year-old All-Stars. But he added, "It's something that we'll never forget as adults."
The Oberackers and coaches Jared Ruggieri and Rick Murphy have spent five years with these kids. After yesterday's 8-1 loss to Warner Robins, Ga., the coaches reflected on the experience of coaching a team to the Little League World Series.
It was also five years ago that Brian Oberacker took over the team reins from his father, and during the time since, the coaches have developed a strong bond. "It's pretty cool to go through this with my dad," Brian Oberacker said.
"First of all, for myself to be with (Brian and Ruggieri) and ... Rick Murphy, my best friend, these guys are best friends, I think it's been terrific for us," said Wayne Oberacker.
"He's like the grandfather and Jared and I are like big brothers," said Brian Oberacker. "No matter what happens, it's been a great experience, mostly for the kids, but for a couple guys who played Little Legaue themselves it's dream come true for everyone involved."
Each coach had a part in the team's success. Ruggieri called the pitches, Brian Oberacker worked the third base coach's box, and Wayne Oberacker filled the role one would expect for an elder statesman.
"I'm a little bit of a disciplinarian," he said. "I can't say I taught these guys to coach; they were made to coach. Don't forget Rick Murphy, he's part of this as well."
The coaches developed their own style, using videos to motivate the players. They had the kids watch Robert Redford's "The Natural" the night before each game. They also showed the kids selected scenes from "Rocky 4" before the team's win over the Nationals of Shelton, Conn., in the New England Regional final.
"I remember after winning the state title we went out to eat in Pittsfield and he (Wayne Oberacker) was tearing up he was so happy," said Brian Oberacker. "That's the first time I've ever seen my old man tear up. He has been smiling from ear to ear throughout this whole thing and it's something we'll never forget."
Brian Oberacker said his team didn't quite know how to react to the loss. With the players unavailable for interviews after the game, the manager said that while the defeat was hard to take, he will be happy to return to his hometown.
"I'm ready to go home. I've already missed one wedding. I'm the groomsman in one this weekend and Jared has to get over to Germany. He's the best man in a wedding," he said. "So I guess it's back to reality for the Walpole Americans. We'll be excited to get home. These kids got to get ready to go back to school and we've got to get ready to go back to work. It's been hectic. It's been stressful at times. But, more importantly, it's been the best time of my life."
"It really hasn't set in, what we just went through, what just happened on the field," said Ruggieri. "Once we go home and get away from the baseball field for a couple weeks - we haven't been home for almost 3<+>1<+>/<->2<-> weeks - we're going to realize the effect we've had on the people back home, the support that we had.
"It's quite an accomplishment," he continued. "We said the same thing to the kids: Keep your heads high. What you guys did very few have been able to do. ... It really has been a great trip."
"I actually help out the JV team in Walpole at Walpole High School. So you never know. In a couple of years, we can make another run," he said. "We'll start off slow, start off with a Bay State championship and work our way from there. These kids will have a lot of success if they stay together. Even if they don't, we have 13 guys that really enjoy the game and work really hard at it. If they don't make it as big league ballplayers then they'll be 13 best friends, so that's the most important part."
