Hard Work Pays Off
A Little League team continues to spark hope and goodwill in the South Bay.
Written by Laura Roe Stevens | Photographed by Michael Neveux
The El Segundo Little League 12U All-Stars captured the hearts of thousands during the World Series championship games last August, culminating in the well-earned title of US Little League Baseball World Series champions. Community pride erupted in El Segundo when residents welcomed home their team with a parade and hundreds of cheering fans lining Main Street. The infectious pride sparked across the entire South Bay as neighbors and locals came together to root for these hardworking kids, their families and dedicated volunteer coaches.
“We’ve always considered ourselves a baseball town, but this has really taken it to another level,” Jamin Griffiths, president of the El Segundo Little League, told reporters. “It’s just blowing up … everyone is a supporter.”
And by everyone, he means thousands across the country—not just the South Bay—who became enamored by the team’s work ethic, sportsmanship and leadership. On the championship game day, team manager Danny Boehle says his phone “blew up” with 710 text messages before the championship game and 840 more messages within two hours of the win.
“It’s amazing how people have reached out wishing us well, even from as far away as Japan. I believe 38,000 people came to the games—and then nearly 3 million watched it on television. It was so special to see all the crowds at our local restaurants, bars and parks cheering together for us. It’s wonderful to be part of something so wholesome that has created so much positive energy,” says Boehle.
Positive energy and support for the team continue today. A GoFundMe fundraiser, created to assist the families of team members with travel expenses, is still trickling in funds. At press time, nearly $60,000 had been raised from 436 donations to offset the costs of meals, flights, car rentals and hotel stays.
Mary Medina, an El Segundo resident who donated, wrote on the GoFundMe page: “I grew up in El Segundo and graduated from ESHS in 1973. I am proud of all of the Little League players and what they accomplished!! Go Gundo!!”
The journey hasn’t been easy for these 12-year-olds. In fact, some sports commentators predicted the El Segundo team might not beat the Needville, Texas, team to qualify—or win against Curaçao for the championship. But they were wrong. Even with nine El Segundo players suffering from stomach flu, the team pushed onward and garnered the title. Boehle says it boils down to preparation, resilience and teamwork.
“We became family. They were so sick. Coaches (Eddie Lee and Tim Abrams) and I were up at 3 a.m. and going to the infirmary,” Boehle says. “The boys were also missing their families, but they knew their coaches had their backs. Everyone on the team became stronger. We supported and believed in each other.”
The championship win represents three years of hard work for these young players. And the “work” wasn’t just learning the fundamentals of the game—as Boehle is known for rigorously coaching old-school basics of footwork, fielding and bunting. The most important lessons in baseball, says Boehle, apply to life.
“I coach the game of life. That involves everything from how you treat your friends and family, and how you behave on and off the field,” he says. Some of his advice to players: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be a great teammate. Respect your coaches. Work really hard. Trust the process.
“Keep striving, be resilient, give effort,” he adds. “No one will remember you striking out, but they will remember your contributions to the team that led to success."
