Follow the West Side All-Stars at the Little League World Series

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - 7:30 p.m. --

What a great run!

Coach Coomer on the game:

"We felt we out played them, we knew we out played them but it comes down to one inning and in baseball there are six inning and as long as their runs add up more than our other five, that's part of the game."

I think the game was best summed up by the Hawaii's Manager Brain Yoshi.

He said: "When we looked at the scoreboard. 7 hits to 1 hit. They only thing I can say is these kids never give up and we've been talking about in the dugout, never give up, leave everything on the field and somehow we got lucky."

An incredible run with a lot to be proud of for the city of Hamilton and a group of boys who did something few will ever get to experience.

They'll head out as soon as they can get a bus.

I'll have more about what they've accomplished and what they hope to be going forward at 11.

1:15 p.m. --

Ever feel like you can't get away from Cincinnati no matter how far you travel?

There's a suprising Cincinnati connection in the concession stands here in Williamsport.

Montgomery Inn.

While the menu just says "Pulled Pork Sandwich, $5.00", it's actually our very own 'Q'.

Andrew Williams, Vice President of Montgomery Inn was here in town a few days ago (West Side outfielder Alex Schutter is his cousin) and explained the situation:

“About six years ago Delaware North Cooperation, that owns Sportservice,they do the food service for the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians. They called us and said 'Hey, we’d like to have pulled pork up here, can you ship it up to us?' so we said, 'Absolutely', so for the past six years [Montgomery Inn is] the official BBQ of the Little League,” said Williams.

I talked to a family from Scranton who said it's their tradition to always get the pulled pork. When I told them not only was it from Cincinnati but you can buy the sauce and ribs online... they were very excited and planned to put in an order.

Here are some of the other prices:

• Chicken Fingers (with fries) - $5.00
• Hamburger - $3.35
• Large 'Soda' - $3.00
• Small 'Soda' - $1.00
• Cracker Jack /Chips - $1.00
• Popcorn - $2.00

The meal tonight in the media room? Pulled pork. I've heard a few people talking about how great it is and getting seconds and thirds.

Wednesday, 12:05 p.m. --

It's cloudy again today so here's the all important weather report from the local ABC affiliate WNEP and Meteorologist Joe Snedeker:

11:35am Update: Skies will remain mostly cloudy through this afternoon. The best chance for rain will be over extreme northeastern PA and the chance for a shower in any location will continue into early tonight.

So looks like we should make it through the day, but I'll take my rain gear to the ballpark just to make sure

Today is a must win for Hamilton against Hawaii, the loser goes home.

The winner plays Georiga, Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.

10:40 p.m. --

Some final thoughts to leave you with for the night.

I've watched some of the games on TV before and didn't really expect that much coming here.

The people are so friendly. From the coaches, to the team hosts who shepherd the teams around to every event and are with them all day, to the security guards.

Parking is free, the event is free, concession stands are very reasonable.

It feels like you're at a high school football game.

Every day I hear people talking about how much they enjoy coming here or always wanted to come.

Now I get it.

Today I overheard a guy say he's wanted to come here for 53 years and finally made it.

On all levels this is well run, family event and very special.

7:42 p.m. --

One last update to answer a question...

@rachdeere asked "I'd like to know when these kids are due in school?"

Hamilton City Schools first day back is AFTER Labor Day,  September 7. 

Most of the kids attend Hamilton City Schools, I haven't asked if there are any that don't.

For some of the families, this is their only vacation of the year. They've been here for seven days already, five of those days are weekdays.

If they keep winning, that's eight days off work.

But then again, this is a once in a lifetime expereince.

7:22 p.m. --

Iffy WI-FI yet again at the stadium kept me from updating, so I'm back at the friendly confines of my hotel.

The information following post game. West Side hasn't been shut out in 3 years. Yes. 3.

The scouting report on Hamilton is their strong hitting (see Saturday).

Both Coach Coomer and Georgia's coach, Randy Morris, said if they were betting men, they never would have thought this would happen.

Second, Coach Coomer brought up at the news conference that Georgia's Blake Hicks was stealing signs while he was on 2nd Base.

When asked about it, Coach Morris said he doesn't condone the practice. He contends it's just part of baseball.

Hicks told reporters he was stealing signs and said it was Hamilton's fault for not switching signs when there was a runner on 2B.

Coomer said he thought at least two runs were due to the stolen signs.

Coach Coomer talked about the

mix up on 3rd where Garrett Hogan got caught trying to head home and was tagged out. He talked about the energy for 12-year-old boys doing what they can to put runs on the board and said that kind of thing happens.

Parents I spoke with after the game remain confident if there's a team that can come back, it's Hamilton.

With the loss, Hamilton will have to keep winning to move on. Their next game is tomorrow at 4 p.m. against Hawaii, a team that also has one loss.

Winner stays alive, the loser goes home.

Full recap and highlights tonight at 11.

3:38 p.m. --

Update on the schedule going forward...

• WIN: Thursday @ 7 p.m. on ESPN
• LOSE: Wednesday @ 4 p.m. on ESPN2 vs Hawaii.

As I mentioned last night, the first schedule would make the winner turn around and play another game tomorrow. This changes that.

There are some other factors that could change the games following, first the focus is on the next game.

Funny situation here in the media room... The competing female-reporter-from-another-Cincinnati-TV-station I've talked mentioned before was just reading this blog and was dogging for not having an update fast enough.  A little friendly competition from six chairs down.

Out to the field!

Tuesday, 2:11 p.m. --

After some very long days, I'm working a more traditional shift today and getting started a little later.

Last practice is probably at 2 p.m. with a 4 p.m. first pitch.

Parking is a mess.

Most of the "lots" are fields that are now mud. The normal media parking lot is a baseball field next to the stadiums. Well, I could hear the ground squishing as I walked back to my 9 News Caravan last night. No surpise, that lot is closed today.

Security is sending me to a lot very far away and I have a bunch of stuff to carry (camera, 2 laptops, tripod, cables). Here's hoping they let me through the "non media" entrance!

10:27 p.m. --

Here's the latest on the game that was rained out tonight.

Per Little League rules, since the game never made it out of the first inning, everything is disregarded, including pitch counts and records.

That's HUGE at this level.

So it's a complete do over. Game never happened. Start fresh tomorrow afternoon.

Hamilton and Columbus, GA: 4 p.m. on ESPN

They'll also play in Lamade Stadium instead of the smaller Volunteer Stadium where they were rained out tonight.

• If they WIN, they play Wednesday at  8 p.m. on ESPN from Lamade Stadium.
• If they LOSE, they play Wednesday at 4 p.m. on ESPN from Lamade Stadium.

I'd assume practice in the morning, goodnight!

5:23 p.m. --

It's raining here. For a few mintues, it was pouring.

Unsure on a rain delay at this point.

The latest from Coach Coomer. Jarrod is moving from 1st Base to the outfield. Coomer says the longer fences at Volunteer Stadium prompted the change.

On pitching: Cole Heflin gets the ball tonight. He says he's confident in Cole and says he has the attitude to go out there and win the game.

Pardon the pun, but now for some "inside baseball".

In this digital age, my camera uses a have hard drive as well as HD videotape.

Some of our photojournalists have had some issues in the past but never me.

Well, now I have.

I've spent the last hour trying to figure out how to get a new hard drive up here as fast as possible.

One of the best kept secrets in overnight delivery is Greyhound Package Express. I'd have the drive in 13 hours. Unfortunatly, the closest place they have a staffed station is an hour and a half away.

So after talking about the options with our managing editor, someone will take the package the Staples on Reading Road that has a 6:30 drop off and it will arrive sometime at my hotel.

It's working... for now, after a few hours of issues.

Here's hoping!

3:30 p.m.--

Practice starts in 30 minutes. I spoke with Coach Coomer, despite the rain sending them to the batting cages, they'll be back in the cages for the 4 p.m. practice.

I'll be at practice and will have the final thoughts from the coaching staff at 5:30 p.m.

I haven't been on Twitter all day, I plan to use it throughout the game for updates.

A lot of Georgia reporters are here today. I've seen more video cameras today than the first three days combined.

That's making for some dicey circumstances as everyone overloading the internet to send video back to their stations. The WI-FI went out for a second and everyone went crazy.

Off to practice!

Monday, 12:00 p.m. --

It's another rainy day here in Williamsport.

West Side had their first practice this morning at 10 a.m. on the practice field.

It didn't last long.

After about 30 minutes, a good drizzle started falling and the decision was made to move to the batting cages under cover.

The next practice is 5 p.m.

That was suppose to be in the cages but I'd assume they could move to the field if the weather looks better.

The game is at 6 p.m. so I plan to be at the Little League complex all day to work on my 5 p.m. story on team supersitisions.

1:13 a.m. --

Another late night here in Williamsport as I rough out our

coverage for tomorrow.

First practice tomorrow: 10 a.m.

The team says they're taking things one game at a time, but I'll let you in on the different situations following the game at 6 p.m. on ESPN2 from Volunteer (the smaller) Stadium.

• If they WIN: Hamilton plays WEDNESDAY @ 8 p.m. on ESPN.
• If they LOSE: Hamilton plays TUESDAY Hawaii @ 4 p.m. on ESPN.

We could get into all the details from there on out, but I'll take Coach Coomers advice which is always look ahead one day at a time.

I will tell you this... if Hamilton makes it into the big games, they will ALL be on Channel 9 and not ESPN. I don't have cable or sattelite, so that should come as good news for you OTA viewers.

I have a lot planned for tomorrow. If everything works as it did Saturday and Sunday, expect the most coverage of the West Side All-Stars all day on-air and here on WCPO.com.

It's been a fun ride, see you all in the morning!

5:46 p.m. --

Greetings from practice. Right now Hamilton is in the middle of a mock game.

They started with the normal hitting drills.

One of the most interesting moments is the focus of my 11 p.m. story.

While Cole Heflin was in the outfield, he saw two girls approaching to watch from the fence line. That's when he took off his shirt and started flexing.

Simply hilarious.

The coaches started getting on him for choosing to flex instead of field.

I interviewed the two 14-year-olds who say they've become Great Lakes fans after watching the boys play yesterday.

I'm sitting on the bleachers with the parents and the two girls are waiting near by.

Incase you're wondering, they're from about an hour from here and never knew them until yesterday.

4 :43 p.m. --

Just finished my 6 p.m. story about the BBQ and Sam's birthday.

I'm hoping practice is still going on, I'm going to head out the door in a few minutes and also swing by the stadium. 

My 11 p.m. story is going to focus on a kid who was getting autographs from the kids today.

2:02 p.m. --

First, Happy Birthday to Sam Scott. He's turned 13 today and what a place to celebrate!

I just got back a BBQ and birthday party for Sam Scott, hosted by Hamilton Little League president Jerry Lauer.

The rain fell for a few minutes but it was dry for most of the BBQ. The hotel was nice enough to let the parents move the party into their breakfast room and out of the on and off again rain.

Little League doesn't want parental interference with the team, so it was a real treat for the families and the (most) of the kids to see their entire families.

The boys are messing with me and appear to be having fun making my job difficult.

I interviewed Sam about the big 1-3 and he told me: "You know you're only going to get one word answers out of me."

Eventually Sam said something I could use.

Other people from around Hamilton came to the hotel for dogs, burgers and beverages. The colder day with the rain didn't keep the younger ones from showing off for the camera.

Coach Ken Coomer and I spoke for a while about last nights game and his history with the team.

The kids like being on ESPN (or so they say), Coomer isn't use to being on Sportscenter.

Coomer works for Lexis-Nexus in Miamisburg and is keeping up on work on his computer.

He's enjoying this, that's for sure. We talked about him being wired up for ESPN and what his thoughts are on all that.

There's another practice this afternoon on a practice field. That is, if the rain holds out.

I'm about to start on my 6 p.m. story. I have two angles cooking, not sure which I'll use for 6 and which for 11... also debating what role practice will play as a story line.

SUNDAY, 11:55 a.m. --

The rain moved in late last night and it doesn't look like were in the clear.  The wet conditions sent Hamilton to batting cages.

What I don't know is how this will change any of the schedules for today or tomorrow.

I'll look into it.

The team practiced for about an hour.

One thing outsiders may not know is kids don't get to see their families much at all when they're here.

Jake Jones told me after practice that he really misses his family and is looking forward to seeing them this afternoon.

The parents can pick up their kids at the 'compound' right about now. The team will head to a birthday party a few miles east of Williamsport for an hour or two.

Coach Coomer hinted the boys enjoy all the attention from their female fans. Jacob told me all about his quest for phone numbers after the morning practice.

As the kids left, one young fan asked them for autographs. The of course boys all signed his baseball. I'll have more about their new found fame at 6 p.m.

9:57 p.m. --

One last update before I eat my first meal of the day.

Everything's back in Cincinnati for 11 p.m. and I have an idea of what I'll do tomorrow.

The team has a practice in the morning at 10 or 11 a.m. I'll be there after missing the batting cages tonight.

I have two or three other stories I've started to shoot that I can work on tomorrow.

Lance Barry attended undergrad here at Lycoming

College. I've asked him for suggestions of what to eat in this town and he suggested a place that serves food until 11 or Midnight so I'm hoping to get down there tonight.

I had 24 hour Denny's last night.

If my boss is reading this, sorry about the long days, I'll try to cut back tomorrow.

Until tomorrow... E-MAIL / TWITTER

6:48 p.m. --

First, Hamilton plays Georgia on Monday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2. That game is at the smaller Volunteer Stadium, not Lamade Stadium where the game was played today. 

I just got back from an interview with Sophie Jonson.

On my way to her hotel about four blocks from mine, I ran into Sam Scott's mom and a bunch of Sam's teachers. The Hamilton fans are easy to spot in their black and gold colors for the Great Lakes region.

But I digress, back to Sophie Jonson... she's Alex Schutter's grandmother and the maker of the teams peanut butter power bars.

She started making them three years ago and the team has been winning ever since.

Maybe they're the key to the teams good fourtune?

Johnson talked about the bars and even let me have a sample for my 11 p.m. story.

She wouldn't let me have the recipe, even though I asked nicely.

The team heads to the batting cages tonight. I'll probably head over there after dinner and shoot more for 11 p.m. More practice is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

There's talk of rain tomorrow here in Williamsport. That could change everything. 

See you at 11 p.m.

5:05 p.m. --

A big win for Hamilton. Toms River's coach couldn't believe it but gave a lot of credit to Hamilton's hitting.

Some stories behind the stories that came out at the post game news confrence....

Toms River's coach blamed the first inning pitching woes on the mound. He said his pitcher had issues throwing strikes because of the clay consistency of the dirt.

If you've ever tried to plant a garden in the Tri-State, we all know something about clay soil.

Hamilton's Jarrod Morrison said he thought the mound was fine and he thanked the Toms River pitcher for getting it fixed.

A reporter, I think was covering Toms River, asked if Hamilton was "use to bad field conditions".

My first thoughts about that question: It sounded like he was assuming Ohio had bad fields and is a 'cow-town'. 

Jarrod smiled and said their field has a big hole he steps in when he pitches so it doesn't bother him.

I wonder what they'll print?

My favorite line of questioning came after another reporter, who I believe was from a local or regional paper, asked what the kids thought about all the pressure with ESPN and having to attend a news confrence.

Jake Jones shook his head right away with a big smile as the still photographers snapped off plenty of pictures.

Coach Coomer said to reporters.

"Ask them [the boys] what they're looking forward to when they get out of here."

"Oh," replied one of the boys with a smile.

"Chicks," said Coomer.

Laughter filled the room as the boys shook their heads in agreement.

A female reporter from a competing Cincinnati TV station asked the boys if they had "seen any cute ones". 

The collectively said, "Yeah!".

"I've got nine numbers," bragged Jake.

That entire back and forth is part of my 6 p.m. story.

Saturday, 12:11 p.m. --

Sorry for the late update. I've had all sorts of issues with our WI-FI here at the stadium and Williamsport doesn't support Sprint or AT&T 3G.

Amazing 1st inning for Hamilton. 8 runs on 4 hits. They look relaxed and patient taking a series of walks to set up the hits and a big home run.

Some folks watching the game asked about the 8 runs wondering "Is this a record?" I can tell you the answer to that is no.

The single inning run record is 14, set by Asia (Kaohsiung, Chinese-Taipei) in 2004.

Still, very impressive and lots of high fives from the parents.

I'd say Toms River has many more fans here just because of the geography. But, the "Puppy Pound" is loud. I could hear them leading cheers from the right field hill. Big crowd here though. I've run in to lots of people who aren't from Cincinnati but are cheering on the Great Lakes team. I'm downloading some video while I'm typing this in the Media Room which is under where the Hamilton fans sit. I've heard a bunch of cheers so I need to head out and find out what's going on.

More updates when I get them!

E-Mail me or follow up to the minute updates on Twitter .

10:17 p.m.--

It's been a long day. I met up with the parents and siblings at their hotel across town around 6 p.m. They were getting ready for the game tomorrow by making signs. It's a real warm and friendly atmosphere like a big family. All the parents were hanging out by the pool laughing and joking while the kids splashed around.

Hamilton will start in the batting cages tomorrow morning around 8 a.m. before their 11 a.m. game on ESPN. They're playing in the bigger of the two stadiums against Toms River.

Something, or should I say someone to watch tomorrow: Cole Heflin.

He's quick. Really quick.

Those signs the kids made tonight probably will make it on-air. The parents