Marguerite’s men

The Walpole American 12-year-old All-Stars have been on a magical ride through the state and regional tournaments to this year’s Little League World Series.

But the journey also has been bittersweet, for the Americans are playing without one of their biggest fans, who died as they were vying for the crown.

On Aug. 8, second baseman Tim Sullivan’s grandmother, Marguerite Cullen, died at the age of 70 of complications from ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Over the past week, her death has been painful for Sullivan, but his father, Pat, 43, of Sandy Valley Drive, said that his teammates and coaches have been there to offer support.

‘‘The team’s been unbelievable supporting him, the family and Marguerite herself because she came to the games and stuff when she could,’’ he said. ‘‘She would have loved to be there in Bristol (Connecticut) but they couldn’t get her, first up to the fence, and second, she couldn’t make the drive. The whole team, especially the coaches, have been very helpful with us dealing with her and Tim as well being on the team. It’s just been great support.’’

Added Tim, ‘‘They’re a great bunch of guys and great coaches and they’ve helped me get through this a lot.’’

After winning its opening game of the World Series on Friday against Hamilton, Ohio, Walpole suffered a 1-0 setback against Lake Oswego, Ore., yesterday afternoon to fall to 1-1 in pool play.

The Americans will now have to defeat Warner Robbins, Georgia, tonight at 6 to advance to the next round.

On Aug., 12, the players along with manager Brian Oberacker and coaches Jared Ruggieri and Brian’s father, Wayne, went to the wake in West Roxbury. Tim and his father attended the funeral on Tuesday at St. Theresa’s Church before driving down to WIlliamsport that night.

Even before the World Series, the team found ways to pay tribute to Cullen, wearing ‘‘100innings.com’’ wristbands from Curt Schilling’s Web site that contributed to the fight against the disease along with the initials ‘‘K-ALS’’ on their hats to strike out ALS.

‘‘It’s been great. They’ve all come together. They wear their wristbands. And before the (New England Regional final) game I think something was said, also, toward his grandmother, like this is for Timmy’s grandmother. That’s what I was told,’’ said Pat Sullivan.

‘‘It’s sort of an inside thing that was said before the games and they put ALS on the side of their hats. It has helped Tim a lot,’’ he continued. ‘‘The team has come together but they’ve got baseball that brings them together, also. It’s a sidebar that helps Tim as well as the team. As far as the team, they’re all coming together, too.’’

According to Ruggieri, the possibility the team can help bring attention to ALS is a positive.

‘‘It’s also good that now we’re in a situation where now we’re getting some exposure,’’ said Ruggieri. ‘‘We can now bring some awareness to this disease that we now saw somebody have. Now we can really feel for what Schilling does for this and just do our part. We’ll see what happens with it, but so far, so good.’’

For Oberacker, he wants to make sure his team is there for Tim. At the same time, he doesn’t want the grief to overwhelm what should be a moment in his youth that he will remember for the rest of his life.

‘‘My only concern about Timmy is that we feel for him and we’re going to be here for him every step of the way. But also, when he gets back with the team, to keep his head in baseball,’’ said Oberacker. ‘‘We told the team it’s OK to give him a hug and tell him how sorry you are, but he’s going to want to use this time to kind of put that behind him and have some fun. She’s still in our thoughts and prayers and we know she’s here watching us and we’re going to try and win a couple games for our No. 1 fan.’’

Indeed, while Marguerite Cullen can’t be here physically for the Americans, one has to think that she hasn’t missed a single moment.