Keystoners have much to be proud of

Each day, it seems like, the boys do something else that makes you smile, or drop your jaw in amazement, or just makes you want to chant ‘We Are….’ right along with Tina Garbrick.

Nobody really knew what to expect upon arriving in Bristol. Now, it’s panning out to be the most memorable summer these kids will probably ever have.

You can tell the big guns are in town, and by big guns I mean ESPN. Normally after a game, officials wisk several Keystone players and manager Bill Garbrick to the press box, where we chat about the game and get everyone’s feelings on how things went.

Not after Thursday’s contest. ESPN promptly scooped up the team after they made their way through the usual line of Keystone fans that gathered behind the bleachers. They wisked the team away and took video of each kid asking him his name, his favorite player, etc.

For the first time on television today as I was watching other semifinals of different regional tournaments, ESPN flashed on the screen a lineup for Friday’s semifinal games of the Mid-Atlantic Regional. There, at 3 p.m., was Keystone LL, Clinton County, Pennsylvania.

I just thought it was neat, seeing the name of our local hometown boys on the television playing for something so incredible. The buzz is really growing, and the team’s Facebook page has exploded with fan support in the last few days.

We ran into some parents and family of the kids, and they are in the process of making signs for Friday’s game with New York. As I’ve said before, no matter the outcome of that game – these kids should be so proud of themselves with that they’ve done.

They have seemingly joined a community together, and given us all something to cheer for. As a sports fan myself, I’m proud to say I live in the area where they started their amazing run. As a writer, I’m honored that I’ve had the chance to paint a picture of what their journey has been like here in Bristol. As a community member, I’ll be happy to talk about their run – however long it continues – for years to come.