WESTFIELD – The Babe Ruth Baseball 13-Year-Old All-Stars may have bowed out of the World Series earlier than they had hoped, but their celebrity status is still at an all-time high.
This Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m., the City of Westfield will honor the 2012 New England Regional champs with a parade. The parade will step off at the back parking lot of City Hall on 59 Court Street, continue west on King Street, and end at Bullens Field.
King Street will be closed from Washington to Hubbard streets from 10-10:30 a.m.
All current and former baseball and softball players are encouraged to attend, wearing their practice jerseys and caps. A brief presentation will follow, concluding with a free hot dog social.
“I’m just wondering when all of this is going to end,” said a grateful, yet overwhelmed manager Mike Smith.
Westfield’s 13-year-old team has also been invited to be part of a pregame ceremony at Fenway Park, featuring the 13-, 14-, and 15-year-old regional champs, on Sept. 9.
“I’m just looking forward to coming home,” Smith said.
Westfield, which was eliminated from World Series pool play Sunday in Kitsap County, Wash., with a record of 1-3, has spent the last few days sightseeing, spending time with host families, and attending a Seattle Mariners game. Their last hurrah included a viewing of the championship between Arkansas and North Carolina last night.
Westfield, whose only win came against host team, Kitsap, did manage to score 11 runs in a loss to Arkansas. It was the most runs scored in any one game against Arkansas in the World Series.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t hold them under 20 (runs) though,” Smith said, jokingly.
Westfield will depart their respective hotels and host families’ homes for the Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle, Wash., this morning at 8 with a planned departure scheduled for noon. They are expected to arrive at Bradley Airport at 11:30 p.m.
